The scientific community has made a breakthrough that could free millions of women from stubborn pounds. But chances are, you’ve never heard about it. That’s because few doctors are even aware that the problem exists in North America, nor do they appreciate the tremendous impact it’s having on our health and our weight.

The “invisible” culprit that packs on pounds

The problem is parasites, which had been dismissed as a concern only in third world countries. Their connection to health problems is now being studied in the United States, as outdated water-treatment systems, international travel, imported food and use of antibiotics have dramatically increased out exposure and susceptibility to microscopic invaders.

How widespread are intestinal parasites in America? At least 48 states have fought measurable outbreaks. And a study in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that 32 percent of a nationally representative sample of 2,896 people tested positive for infections.

How invading microbes trigger weight gain

As many as 73 percent of infected people struggle with symptoms, yet they have no idea that a microscopic intruder is to blame. “And since most doctors get little or no training in parasitology, they frequently overlook even the classic signs,” notes Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Guess What Came to Dinner?: Parasites and Your Health (Avery). “The reality is, every single one of us is at risk.” Here, the numerous ways in which parasites sap the vitality of their human hosts:

1. They block the absorption of nutrients

Parasites inflame the membrane that lines the digestive tract, hindering the absorption of vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients that balance hormones, stabilize blood sugar and boost metabolism, notes Elson Haas, M.D., director of California’s Preventive Medical Center of Marin.

2. They trigger yeast overgrowth

Parasites hinder the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, creating an environment that allows yeast to flourish. “And since yeast are fermenting organisms, they cause gas, bloat and pain,” says Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., coauthor of The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health (Robert Rose, 2005). Yeast overgrowth also activates the immune system, triggering allergic reactions that suppress the thyroid gland and cause unstable blood sugar.

3. They acidify body systems

A natural by-product of parasites is acid, which can damage organs, breakdown muscle tissue and cause the central nervous system to become sluggish. Ironically, the body’s self-preservation system can make the problem worse: “The body responds by shuttling acid into fat cells and slowing metabolic rate so more protective fat can be stored,” explains clinical researcher Robert O. Young, Ph.D., coauthor of The pH Miracle for Weight Loss (Warner Books, 2006). “This is the body’s way of getting acids out of circulation, but it makes losing weight virtually impossible.”

4. They make organs sluggish

Parasites can emit indole catabolites and other toxins that the liver and kidneys have to work hard to excrete. These organs can quickly become sluggish, leading to fatigue, irritability and weight gain,” cautions Dr. Dean.

These herbs flush out bugs

The good news: Extensive studies have led to the discovery of herbal healers that kill parasites while remedying internal damage. “Consuming these compounds can help you shed up to 22 pounds in two weeks, plus quickly restore your vitality,” says Gittleman. Read on for the natural Rx that will have you feeling fabulous this month!

One-Minute Quiz:

Could microscopic pests be holding you back from your best body?

If you regularly struggle with fatigue, stubborn pounds and one or more of the following symptoms, parasites may be the culprits:

Intestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea or gas

Joint or muscle pain

Difficulty sleeping or nighttime teeth grinding

Frequent infections including yeast infections and colds

Anxiety, nervousness and depression

Dark circles around or under the eyes

Acne, eczema, hives or other skin conditions

Sensory disorders such as vertigo, brain fog or poor coordination

For a more definite diagnosis…

Consider the Uni Key Health Systems Parasite Test Kit ($185, at UniKeyHealth.com or call 800-888-4353). After a lab analyzes your stool, Gittleman’s office reviews the results and may recommend diet and lifestyle changes.

5 everyday foods that help debilitate parasites

Cranberries

These tart fruits are rich in organic acids that kill parasites by breaking down their protein structure and stimulating the release of parasitic wastes, says Gittleman. Sip at least 64 oz. cranberry water daily. To make: Mix 8 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice with 56 oz. water.

Pumpkin seeds

Each ? cup of pumpkin seed kernels contains 8.4 mg of zinc, a mineral that strengthens the intestinal lining so it’s less vulnerable to attack. “And zinc is toxic to parasites, so eating pumpkin seeds helps destroy active infections,” notes Gittleman. In fact, this simple step can up one’s ability to clear a parasitic infection by 21 percent, Canadian research suggests.

Garlic

Allicin, a natural sulfur compound in garlic, starts killing GI tract invaders within two hours of ingestion and can cut infection levels by 50 percent or more within five days, according to studies at Israel’s Tel Aviv University. The proven dose: two cloves daily.

Citrus

Fiber can improve the efficacy of a parasite treatment plan by 20 percent, thanks to its ability to sweep the pests’ eggs out of the body before they can colonize. “And pectin, a soluble fiber in citrus, also improves digestive function, easing bloat within 48 hours,” says Gittleman. Enjoy citrus daily, including some of the fruit’s pectin-rich pith.

Carrots

Each ? cup serving contains a full day’s supply of immune-boosting carotenoids, which can boost activity of parasite-fighting white blood cells by 33 percent. “Carotenoids are also key to quickly repairing damage to the intestinal tract,” adds Dr. Haas.

Drop 22 lbs in 2 weeks!

Plus, eliminate cloudy thinking, tiredness and blue moods in just 7 days!

The United States is seeing a nationwide increase in parasitic infections that sabotage healthy weight, energy, mood and more. But once parasites are identified as a culprit, overcoming the physical and emotional drain these pests create is surprisingly easy. Read on for the simple solution that Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., a nutritionist in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has been using to heal patients throughout the Midwest. Now women from coast to coast can enjoy the slimming, health-transforming results!

The 2-week cleanse that makes weight loss effortless

This 14-day supplement plan relies on a tincture (containing black walnut hulls, pumpkin seeds and cloves) with capsules (containing grapefruit-seed extract, cranberry concentrate and garlic). “These plant extracts cleanse and heal the digestive tract, plus kill worms, protozoa and dozens of other parasites on contact,” says Gittleman. The result: rapid weight loss as toxins are flushed. Then weight continues to fall off as the body absorbs metabolism-revving nutrients.

The Rx: Take 2 Para-Key capsules ($31 for 120 capsules) 20 minutes before each meal, and 20 drops of Verma-Plus ($31 for 2 oz.) mixed into 4 oz. water three times daily on an empty stomach. (Order at UniKeyHealth.com or call 800-888-4353.)

Shed pounds even faster!

The healing supplements highlighted here contain herbal extracts powerful enough to eliminate parasites. But making a few antiparasite dietary adjustments can help you take the weight off even faster. First, avoid simple carbs (such as white flour, sugar and rice) during the treatment phase and for at least two weeks afterward. “Intestinal parasites thrive on these ready sources of energy,” says Elson Haas, M.D. Then add in the parasite-controlling foods listed on page 31: cranberry juice, ? cup each cooked carrots and ground pumpkin seeds, 2 cloves garlic and at least 1 serving of citrus. “And don’t skimp on protein,” adds Gittleman. "When protein is present in the GI tract, parasites have more difficulty attaching to the intestinal lining.”

What to expect when cleansing

Like any powerful cleanse, a parasite-eradication program can result in the rapid release of large amounts of cellular waste and toxins. And that can trigger a handful of temporary side effects. To make the experience as comfortable as possible, try these targeted treatments.

Symptom: Gas, bloat or other intestinal discomfort

Solution: Enjoy two cups of yogurt containing live bacterial cultures daily. As the parasites are killed, healthy bacteria quickly recolonize the digestive tract, improving GI function and easing intestinal complaints in as little as three days, according to research at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

Symptom: Bad breath

Solution: “Sip peppermint tea between meals,” suggests Gittleman. “It helps prevent the odor, which is simply the result of toxins being released through the lungs. Plus, peppermint tea is antiparasitic, so it helps stall the growth of organisms.”

Symptom: Headaches, muscle weakness or fatigue

Solution: “Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily,” suggests Dr. Haas. “Water is crucial for diluting and flushing health-sapping toxins. The more you drink, the faster these symptoms will disappear.”

It worked for me!

“I cured my diabetes!” Catherine Ziegler greeted her new neighbor with a smile, then began to introduce her husband, Ezra. The neighbor chimed in, “Your son and I already met.” With a nervous laugh, Ezra said, “Catherine isn’t my mother – she’s my wife!” Catherine knew her size made her look older, but she simply couldn’t keep the weight off. “I was going to give up, despite having diabetes,” she confides. “But two years ago I met Ann Louise Gittleman. We talked about parasites, and I was intrigued because it was different. I knew diets weren’t working…maybe this would.” And it did! Within two weeks of starting the parasite cleanse, Catherine lost 22 pounds. After nine months of detox and changed eating habits, she had shed a total of 85 pounds! “I have so much energy,” raves Catherine, who is often told how young she looks now. “And incredibly, I am no longer diabetic!”

“I’m finally free from food cravings!” Georgia Cold felt a twinge of sadness as she watched her daughters drive off to the mall. “They asked me to join them, but I was so self-conscious when out in public,” she admits. Tired of battling her weight, Georgia decided to try Ann Louise Gittleman’s herbal cleansing program. “I was skeptical, but the pounds started to fall off – 30 in the first month!” And there were other perks. Georgia lost all desire for starchy foods and her energy levels soared. After dropping 65 pounds in just four months, she joined her daughters on their next clothes-shopping jaunt. Georgia raves, “A saleswoman even asked if we were sisters!”

“The Fat melted away!” You can do this! Mused Shelly Theimer, struggling to squat and open the office safe. But suddenly her knees gave way and her butt became flush with the floor. As the owner of a thriving business, Shelly should have been enjoying her success. “But I felt more like Jabba the Hutt than Bill Gates!” she admits. “I hated what I saw in the mirror.” Then Shelly’s husband, who had been following Gittleman’s detox program, told her about parasites. Though skeptical, Shelly decided to try the plan. To her amazement, she immediately stopped craving carbs. “And within two weeks I lost 18 pounds!” she beams. Today Shelly feels energized. “I even put a happy-face sticker on that safe to celebrate how far I’ve come,” she says. “Bill Gates, look out!”