Intestinal parasitic infections are common in almost everyone. Two types of parasites can live in the human body: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are multicellular worms. Nematodes (intestinal worms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common helminths found in the human intestine. Normally, helminths do not reproduce in the human body. Protozoan parasites, which have a single cell, multiply in the human body.
Parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminths and protozoan parasites have become some of the most common infections among people in developing countries. In developed countries, protozoan parasites are more likely to cause gastrointestinal infections than helminths. Although the mortality rate from these infections is relatively low, complications are common and many cases require hospital treatment, explains the WHO (World Health Organization).
According to the head of the parasitology laboratory, Rashidul Haque, the most common intestinal protozoan parasites are:
- Giardia intestinalis;
- Entamoeba histolytica;
- Cyclospora cayetanensis;
- Cryptosporidium spp.
The diseases caused by these intestinal protozoan parasites are known as giardiasis, amoebiasis, cyclosporiasis and cryptosporidiosis, respectively, and their symptom is diarrhea.
How do you know if there are parasites in the body? Watch for these symptoms:
- nausea;
- lack of appetite;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- weightloss;
- General weakness.
Additionally, tapeworms cause:
- lumps under the skin;
- allergic reactions;
- high temperature;
- Neurological problems such as seizures.
In many cases, the parasites are asymptomatic in the body. Signs of its presence may take weeks or months to appear. However, if you develop symptoms, you should see a doctor. Parasites can cause damage throughout the body, from the brain to the liver.
Parasites contribute to inflammation, weakening of immunity and activation of autoimmune diseases. Because parasites interfere with the absorption of nutrients, they interfere with the normal growth and development of children. The worms cause anemia, intestinal obstruction and can affect other organs.
Ways to combat parasites.
Some types of parasites leave the body on their own and do not require treatment, writes Dr. Minesh Khatri. In other cases, the doctor prescribes over-the-counter medications that quickly attack the cause of the problem. Infections caused by parasites are more difficult to treat.
How to cleanse the body of parasites with home remedies? The author of a book on parasites, Anastasia Fadeeva, writes that the easiest way is to drink 10 glasses of salt water in an hour. Salt water is not absorbed by the intestinal walls like normal water, but rather draws out fluid. In this way, harmful deposits and parasites are eliminated, since salt water has a laxative effect.
Such cleansing is contraindicated in stomach ulcers, dysentery, diarrhea, acute colitis and intestinal cancer. To cleanse the colon, it is recommended to perform an enema of boiled water with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (citric acid). It is necessary to use between 2 and 3 liters of water.
What should you eat to eliminate parasites from your body? According to nutritionist Katie Wong, parasites are sensitive to:
- barberry;
- pumpkin or papaya seeds;
- garlic
Combining a high fiber diet with colon cleansing supplements is effective for colon cleansing. These supplements include psyllium, beets, and flax seeds. However, these products should not be relied upon as medications. It is better not to use them to treat children.
Treat children according to your doctor's recommendations; at home it is important to take care of their diet. There is evidence that a diet rich in vitamin A and the minerals selenium and zinc can improve the body's natural defenses against parasites. It is also important to drink more kefir and yogurts, which contain probiotics, avoid raw meat and fish, eat carrots, sweet potatoes and zucchini (they contain beta-carotene).
Parasites cause harm to both adults and children. They alter metabolism, interfere with nutrient absorption and cause infections. Some types of parasites leave the body on their own, but if you notice symptoms, see a doctor and do not experiment with home remedies.
Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. You should not resort to the treatment methods described here without first consulting your doctor.