Ann Louise Gittleman PhD, CNS, author of The Fat Flush Plan and Guess What Came to Dinner, was interviewed on the Anxiety Summit by host of the Anxiety Summit, Trudy Scott, Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist, author of The Antianxiety Food Solution.
The Parasite/Anxiety Connection
- How common are parasites and how do we become infected (even if we live in a first world country)
- How do parasites contribute to anxiety and depression and even schizophrenia
- Other symptoms of a parasitic infection
- How to avoid being exposed to parasites
- How to test for parasites and how do we get rid of the parasite/s
Here are some gems from our interview:
Parasitic infections in the USA are far more common than you would expect – in fact the estimates are that 1 in every 3 people have a parasite or more than one
Parasites can contribute to or cause anxiety and fear by altering “hormonal and neurotransmitter communication and/or direct interference with the neurons and brain regions that mediate behavioural expression”
According to folklore, parasites are more active around the full moon, so testing and treating around this time may yield better results
Toxoplasma gondii is one parasite that has been researched a great deal and is one that has big implications for anxiety and other mood conditions, especially schizophrenia.
Ann Louise shared this interesting article from Scientific American called Toxoplasma’s Dark Side: The Link Between Parasite and Suicide
In 2003, E. Fuller Torrey of the Stanley Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland his colleagues noted a link between Toxoplasma and schizophrenia – specifically, that women with high levels of the parasite were more likely to give birth to schizophrenics-to-be
scientists have discovered a link between suicide and parasite infection
In 2006, researchers linked Toxoplasma infection to neuroticism in both men and women.
When we are infected with a parasite like Toxoplasma gondii, our immune system goes on the offensive, producing a group of molecules called cytokines that activate various immune cell types. The exact mechanism by which cytokines cause depression and other mental illnesses is poorly understood, but we do know they are able to pass the blood-brain barrier and alter neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Here is the parasite testing and products we discussed:
The Expanded GI panel (for testing)
Colon Cleaning kit with Verma-Plus and Para- Key (together with a probiotic)
Verma-Plus contains the Native American herb called Centaury (aerial portion) (Centaurium erythraea)
It seems to have antimicrobial properties too: Volatile organic compounds from Centaurium erythraea Rafn (Croatia) and the antimicrobial potential of its essential oil.
And gastroprotective effects: Gastroprotective effect of small centaury (Centaurium erythraea L) on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats.
We also talked about using filtered water for washing fruits and vegetables and this is the water filter Ann Louise recommends: Countertop Ultra-Ceramic Water Filter. “It purifies your tap water for the removal of incoming contaminants including parasites, chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, cloudiness and sediment. The ceramic filter also inhibits the growth of bacteria”
Ann Louise has written many wonderful books. Here are three of them that were mentioned in this interview:
Guess What Came to Dinner? Parasites and Your Health (this is the book about parasites)
Before the Change: Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause (this is the one that helped me so much when I was in my late thirties and having perimenopausal symptoms – with the zinc, vitamin B6 and evening primrose oil )
The Fat Flush Plan (this is one of many her classic weight loss books)
Here is her gift: a 50-Page Report on Parasites – Still the Greatest Masqueraders of All Time
If you are not already registered for the Anxiety Summit you can get live access to the speakers of the day here: www.theAnxietySummit.com
Missed this interview or can’t listen live? Or want this and the other great interviews for your learning library? Purchase the MP3s or MP3s + transcripts and listen when it suits you.
You can find your purchasing options here: Anxiety Summit Season 1, Anxiety Summit Season 2, and Anxiety Summit Season 3.
hi. I’m loving the anxiety summit. where is the questionnaire that was discussed in the interview? I thought it would be available or a link to it here in the blog post? please let me know when it will be put onto the blog. thank you.
Hi Jeanette
I have a parasite questionnaire I use with clients but don’t have it on the blog yet – please give me a few days to add one
Trudy
Such helpful information! Does this doctor’s Cleaning kit with Verma-Plus and Para-Key kill liver/intestinal flukes as well?
Jill – I’ll have Ann Louise come and comment on this for you
Hi Jill: We have had some success with the eradication of liver flukes and the Para Key/Verma Plus comb. Systematic use of the products are essential however in the complete resolution of the challenge. Best of health, ALG
ParaGuard off Amazon. I forgot the name of the company that makes it. However, this has been extremely helpful for people with flukes in the liver.
Hi Jeanette,
If you click on the link for Ann Louise Gittleman’s Parasites–Still the Greatest Masqueraders of All Time underneath the replay for her interview, you will find Ann’s questionnaire on pages 20 to 27. To receive this bonus you must enter your first name and email address on the page that comes up when you click on the link. I am repeating the link here. http://www.annlouise.com/anxietysummit
Thanks David!!
Ann Louise said in an interview, that the 50 page bonus doesn’t contain all of the questionnaire questions so I would still like to know how we can access it 🙂 Michela
Hi, I absolutely love this, it’s free and contains so many amazing people with a wealth of knowledge. May I ask if there are any doctors you know of and recommend that will look for everything regarding SIBO and parasites or infections that practice in Perth, Western Australia. There’s just so much information I think I need a support/guidance in the form of a doctor but live in Australia.
Also would love to add, that I had social anxiety which kept me house bound and could only go out with my mother or boyfriend and what I needed was T3 medication (not t4) and progesterone (was estrogen dominance). I did around the same time get Vit d and B12 injections but I think that was after I went from house bound to walking around a university campus by myself in the matter of a couple of months. And to think if I had listened and stayed on lexapro, I could very well of been house bound for the rest of my life. Don’t give up, there is a better solution and life! Thank you for making this aware to everyone Trudy.
Hi Jo
Glad you’re enjoying it! I don’t have a Perth resource for you but now you are equipped to ask the right questions.
Thanks for sharing your social anxiety story – how wonderful!
Trudy
Hi I realize this is almost 5 years later but what was the actual cause or cure for your social anxiety?
Hi there,
Thanks for the great interview but I have a couple of questions if I may?
Ann Louise mentioned that the tests should be done at the full moon as they are most prolific then. Is that to ensure they are found in the testing? She also mentioned cleansing around the full moon. Is this again then to ensure that you get them in their most fertile cycle so that they are all killed off?
With her protocol, she also mentions taking time off to rest the liver from all the herbs. I was told that the parasite protocol should be 15 days and 5 days off and then repeat due to the fact that the parasites may hide away from the herbs, so by stopping the herbs, they will come back out and then you have a chance to kill off the remainder. Is that something you believe in? I have probably not explained the mechanism as accurately as it should be! 🙂
Also she mentioned the need for sodium for HCL. Do you have any research or more information on this?
Thanks again,
Susan
Hi Susan
I’m going to ask Ann Louise to come and comment on this for you – great questions!
Trudy
Hello Susan: Your explanation of the mechanism behind the parasite protocol strategy is well expressed. My protocol is a two week on and five day off program as the liver can be overwhelmed with the toxic byproducts of parasite cleansing and needs a rest between courses of treatment.
With regard to my comment about HCL, all three nutrients — salt, iodine, and zinc are essential for HCL production. My work with Dr. Jerry Tennant is the basis for this research.
Someone just asked about where to get the products so posting clarifying this here too just in case it’s not clear
The product link is on the above blog
Just go to this section….
Here is the parasite testing and products we discussed:
The Expanded GI panel (for testing)
Colon Cleaning kit with Verma-Plus and Para- Key (together with a probiotic)
Also, if you sign up for Ann Louise’s great gift you’ll see them listed on that page too
So just go to the link that says:
Here is her gift: a 50-Page Report on Parasites – Still the Greatest Masqueraders of All Time
Trudy
Hi Trudy,
Thank-you for these talks. My question is what about Lyme Disease?? We live in an area where we see dog tics everyday, and we have found them on us and our children. What we do is give organic oregano to anyone that has been biten by the tic. We are told that these tics do not carry this disease but I have seen when someone is biten they become very tired the next day, and come down with cold symptoms. I feel that their immune system is being attack and is fighting something. Lyme Disease is on the rise in our area and since we live in Canada the blood tests can be negative.
What should we do to eliminate this bacteria from our bodies??
God Bless
Colleen
Lyme disease is a serious concern and best would be to avoid tick bites. My understanding is that a course of antibiotics at the time of the bite is the best option.
Trudy
Is it safe to use the Para-Key and Verma-Key for a 7 year old child? He has severe ADHD and may be soon diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. He has gut dysbiosis as well as bacteria and parasites. He weighs 60lbs. His doctor wants him to take everything separately (like wormwood, oregano, homeopathics, and black walnut). It’s so many pills for a little guy to take. It would be so much more convenient in a combination capsule. Thank you.
Shellie
Poor little guy. I think combo products like these are a great idea. I’m going to have Ann Louise come and respond to this
A few other things to consider if you haven’t already…with the ADHD I’d look into low catecholamines (and tyrosine) and with the possible diagnosis of Oppositional Defiance Disorder I’d look into low serotonin (and tryptophan) https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-targeted-individual-amino-acid-supplement/
Trudy
Thank you, Trudy. I will definitely take a look at the link and check into his serotonin and tryptophan levels. Anything I can do to help him!
Shellie:
I would simply use the Zymex II between meals (a combination of many enzymes with anti-helminth properties extracted from figs and slmonds) for your son. It sounds like our protocol would be too strong for the little guy and he has enough going on to add injury to insult. The Zymex II caps can be taken between meals or mixed in a tad of apple sauce. This product works like a charm. I have had lots of success stories over the years that confirms its efficacy.
Thank you so much, Ann Louise. One product is even better than having to give him three! I will definitely purchase this supplement and try it.
Ann Louise spoke of cleaning fruits and vegetables well to avoid parasites. I am interested in her recommendations for how to do that.
thanks
Karen: Thanks for your question. I used to recommend a dilute cleansing solution of Clorox to remove parasitic eggs and pesticides from produce. However, Clorox was reformulated and the newer version is way too strong to be used for this purpose. Having said that, I sometimes recommend a mild bath of apple cider vinegar and water (one cup to a gallon of water in which your produce is soaked and then washed after ten minutes.) As of today, I have not found a suitable Clorox option. Clorox used to improve the tastes and shelf life of all produce by two weeks at least.
thanks Ann Louise!
And during our interview Ann Louise, we also talked about your water filter (the link is in the blog – see above) and using filtered water to wash your produce. I don’t mean to state the obvious but this in case this wasn’t clear to Karen 🙂
Had read in a juicing book that he washes his veggies with hydrogen peroxide , just the store strength, not high.
His vegatables last longer also in the fridge. Havnt tried it myself.
A family member is overweight and has frequent belching, bloating, some flatulence. Does this sound like eating wrong foods (which is the case) or parasites or what?
Also, is just taking a HCL with pepsin pill a good thing for those who think their nutrients aren’t being absorbed correctly?
Thank you!
Thank you for this talk. I was wondering about water contaminated with parasites. If I don’t have the recommended filter (we already invested in another type: carbon block i think it is) would boiling water before use kill off parasites? If so I may start drinking cooled boiled water. Thank you.
Thanks for your thoughts on cleaning veggies.
i have one more questions. I have recently been hearing about Diatomaceous earth used to ride parasites for both people and dogs. This is new to me. What is your opinion on using this as an effective parasite cleanse?
Thank you for sharing your expertise on the anxiety summit
Karen
Hello Trudy,
I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks off and on for almost 6 years. This summit has been eye opening for me. I deal with fear, not fear of the unknown but fear of having a panic attack. I tell my husband (who is 150% supportive) I am not afraid of going on a plane and it crashing I am afraid of having a panic attack and not being able get off the plane and run away. My mind is constantly telling me “your are going to freak out and have an attack. So I guess my question is, will making changes help reduce the thoughts of “your going to have an attack” and help eliminate or reduce my anxiety about anxiety or panic attacks? Thank You so much for putting this summit together.
God Bless
Corina
I’m so pleased this is eye-opening for you. There are many possible causes of anxiety, fear and panic attacks. When I hear someone is having thoughts like this I would look into low serotonin. Here is more info on this https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-targeted-individual-amino-acid-supplement/
As you heard in Ann Louise’s interview, parasites disrupt our microbiome in the gut. We make serotonin in the gut. So the health of the gut and parasites may be another factor.
I’ll be covering 60+ in my final call on the summit.
Trudy
1. I tested “moderate intolerance” to Black Walnut and Wormwood on ALCAT. Does it make sense to try the Verma-Plus or should I just use the Para-key and Flora-key?
2. The water filter does not appear to filter flouride – is that correct and are you concerned about drinking it? Love to hear what you use Trudy as well.
Thank you!
Elle
I would not recommend using a product that you have an intolerance to.
I don’t have fluoride in the city water where I live so this isn’t an issue for me
Trudy
Morning Trudy – I printed Ann Louise’s paper (gift) Parasites, Still the Greatest Masqueraders of all time; but I do not see the parasite questionnaire that you noted on pages 20-27?? No rush – when you have time – I know you are busy – and thanks again – it is so awesome to connect with you. I am loving the summit. Really – of all the summits I listen to, you are my favourite interviewer 🙂 Melanie
Hi Trudy – it’s ok – I found the questionnaire – it did start on page 20. Thank you.
Is it too late to ask a question? I’ve been wondering about children. I know they are exposed to parasites in sand boxes and all sorts of places. I also know that Dr. Gittleman mentions regular cleansing to keep our systems clean of parasites, but what about children? Are there safe options for children? I’m really curious what is recommended- Risks vs. benefits.
Can those who are on thyroid meds (WP Thyroid), and an SSRI safely do the parasite cleanses?
Trudy, will these summit blogs be kept open or will they be inaccessible at some point? I’d love to check back as the dialogue continues to develop!
You will need to buy the lectures after summit ends if you wish to re-refer to them.
Do we know if the parasite cleanse harms the beneficial microbial population, or just it just target the harmful or pathogenic ones?
Hi Trudy
What digestive enzyme can I take if I have a hiatal hernia? I noticed in Ms Louisa´s book”Digestive enzymes from pancreatic or plantbased
sources UNLESS hiatal hernia, GERD,
ulcers, or thinned stomach lining present”.
I had done a stool test and have giardia and candida. Any suggestions for treatment.
My 16 yr old suffers with anxiety/panic attacks… how can I test her? Can she have picked up from me?
So interesting and hopeful….
Ruby
I have had food-grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) recommended for parasites. Are you familiar with this?
I am a lifelong migraine sufferer and noticed the section in your free summit ebook about Toxoplasmosis as a possible underlying cause. I’ve researched and tried many things over the years, but this is the first I’ve heard of a Toxoplasmosis – migraine link. I’m wondering how common this link is, and what sort of clinical results you’ve seen with treating parasites in migraine sufferers, and if I should just go ahead and do your parasite cleanse protocol for 3 months.
I’m also considering the histamine intolerance angle discussed in the summit talk with Yasmina, the low histamine expert.
It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle with so many things to consider and try, my head is spinning a bit. Any thoughts about these two areas and which to try first or how to go about it?
A truly amazing summit. I have learned so much. I didn’t see a reply to a question I asked earlier about taking food-grade Diatomaceous Earth for Parasites. I believe another person asked about it too. Thanks.
Jennie
Am curious about pumpkin seeds used for anti parasitic. Is it the unshelled or “naked” or either?
Someone told me they thought it was the scratchy hulls.
Thanks for info.