Here's How to Prevent and Treat Intestinal Parasites
It’s a common misconception for people to think that intestinal parasites are only a thing in underdeveloped countries, but they’re much more common in developed countries than you might think. Over 3 billion people around the world have or have had intestinal parasites at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization. Here’s all you need to know about them:
What are intestinal parasites?
There are many different kinds of parasite,
however the two main types of intestinal parasite are helminths and
protozoa. The former consists of worms with many cells that cannot
multiply within the confines of the human body. Examples of these are
tapeworms, pinworms and roundworms. On the other hand, protozoa are
single-cell organisms that have the ability to multiply inside the human
body. They can cause very serious infections.
How do you get intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are usually
transmitted when coming into contact with infected feces, such as
through contaminated soil, food or water. Other factors, such as
visiting an area known to have parasites, poor hygiene, and sanitation,
having a weak immune system, handling animals, and the age of the
individual, increase the risk of contracting intestinal parasites.
Children and the elderly are most at risk, and what’s more is that
intestinal parasites are contagious and can be passed on to others with
ease.
Why are intestinal parasites dangerous?
In essence, intestinal parasites are dangerous because they feed off of
our bodies. When our intestines become hosts for parasites, not even the
high level of acidity in the gut is enough for the body to protect
itself, so it turns to the immune system for protection instead. This
often leads to an inflamed gut.
Intestinal parasites inhibit the correct absorption of nutrients into
the body, as well as release toxins into the bloodstream and lymphatic
system. In addition, a bowel obstruction can occur in the event of a
severe infection. This obstruction (if not a total blockage) prevents
food, fluids, and gas from moving through the intestines normally.
Severe infestation can even cause anemia due to bleeding in the
intestines.
Key symptoms of a parasitic infection in the body
1. Excessive food cravings or alternatively loss of appetite
2. Weight loss
3. Stomach pain
4. Constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS)
5. Blood sugar fluctuations
6. Skin disorders, such as acute itching or pain around the rectum and
other body parts, rashes or other skin irritations
7. Anxiety and depression
8. Sleep disorders
9. Pain or aching muscles or joints
10. Fatigue and exhaustion
11. Iron-deficiency or anemia
12. Immune disorders with an excessive number of bacterial, fungal or viral infections
13. Diminished libido
14. Bloody stools or light-colored stool
15. Nausea or vomiting
16. White specks in stool
17. Sulfur burps
How to treat intestinal parasites
You can rid yourself of a parasitic
infection through conventional medication or through the use of
alternative medical treatments. Consult your doctor if you believe that
you might be hosting an intestinal parasite.
Conventional medicine
Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have an intestinal parasite
by conducting a simple stool test. If the test is positive, then they
will prescribe medication accordingly.
Alternative medicine
1. Herbs
Garlic, goldenseal, barberry, anise, Oregon grape, wormwood, wormseed,
black walnuts, curled mint, cloves, oregano, thyme, and olive leaf are
among the most commonly-prescribed herbs to treat intestinal parasites,
but consult your physician prior to ingesting any.
2. Supplements
You should always consult a physician prior to taking any supplements,
but probiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamin C and zinc can all help to
heal you of internal parasites.
3. Homeopathic remedies
Cina, indigo, spigelia, podophyllum, cuprum oxidatum nigrum, teucrium,
sabadilla, stanum are all good remedies for intestinal parasites.
4. Diet
A diet rich in raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, pineapple,
carrots, beets, and pomegranates can help to kill parasites.
5. Intestinal cleansing
Try eating a high-fiber diet inclusive of psyllium husks, citrus pectin,
papaya extract, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, pumpkin
seeds,beetroot, and flaxseed. These will do wonders for detoxifying
your body.
Preventing infection
Parasitic infections are highly contagious,
with parasite eggs potentially being passed on easily to anything (or
anyone) you touch. It’s crucial to wash your hands and maintain good
hygiene to reduce the chances of further transmission. Pay attention to
the quality of drinking water and the hygienic conditions of where your
food is being prepared if you’re traveling overseas, and also wash any
fruits and vegetables.