We all have worked in the garden or flower bed, or done lawn care. All of it involves touching dirt, soil, and plant matter — and microbes in the soil and microscopic parasites are simply part of that world. They always have been.

Think about how naturally we take care of our animals. Our dogs, cats, horses, cattle, hogs, and goats all get wormed on a schedule, because every farmer and pet owner knows an animal does better without freeloaders on board. Fleas and ticks hitch rides on our cherished friends, and those friends carry what they pick up into our homes — then WE pet our animals after they've been outside with their feet in the dirt. We give the animals that care without a second thought. We just aren't used to thinking the same way about ourselves.

Here's the simple truth of it: a parasite is a freeloader. It consumes the very same nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you do — and that is no fun for the body doing all the work. That's reason enough to make prevention a habit, and prevention is where almost all of the good you can do gets done.

Everyday prevention — the habits that matter:

• Wash your fruits and veggies thoroughly.
• Always wash your hands before eating — especially after gardening or handling animals.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats and seafood; cook properly.
• Protect food from dust, flies, and rodents.
• Maintain a clean water supply.
• Keep pet areas and toilet areas clean and sanitized — theirs and yours.
• Take your shoes off at the door and give them a good cleaning now and then. Few of us are diligent about this one, simply because it's not at the forefront of our thoughts — but it's always beneficial.

When you travel, a few extra precautions go a long way: be careful with raw or semi-raw meat and fish, drink safe water, wash (or peel) fruits and veggies, and be extra faithful about handwashing. Rural areas and developing countries call for more care, and older travelers should be the most careful of all.

From the kitchen: long before anyone had a microscope, wise women kept certain foods in regular rotation to help the body stay an unfriendly place for freeloaders. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Cloves. Pumpkin seeds. Pomegranates, grapefruit, and barberries. Carrots, cabbage, radishes, horseradish, and pickled ginger. Pineapple, rhubarb, figs, goji berries, and whatever berries grow in your region. Eating high-fiber foods helps the process along, and a half teaspoon of coconut oil daily is a good companion for the gut. Meanwhile, go easy on sugars, refined carbs, yeast products, and junk or processed foods — sugar is a freeloader's favorite meal.

If you're thinking about a seasonal cleanse as part of your wellness routine, start a journal first. Record your food, supplements, medications, and fluid intake, and keep track of how you feel as you go. This is very important — you can't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been.

And if you'd like help sorting out what a sensible routine looks like for you, come see me at the shop or reach out — that conversation is what I'm here for.

Be diligent! Persevere! Do not falter.