Intestinal parasitic infections are common almost throughout the world. Two types of parasites can live in the human body: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are multicellular worms. Nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common helminths found in the human intestine. Typically, helminths do not reproduce in the human body. Protozoan parasites, which have only one 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 to find out if there are parasites in the body? Look out for these symptoms:
- nausea;
- lack of appetite;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- weight loss;
- general weakness.
In addition, tapeworms cause:
- lumps under the skin;
- allergic reactions;
- high temperature;
- neurological problems such as seizures.
In many cases, parasites are asymptomatic in the body. Signs of their presence may take weeks or months to appear. However, if you have symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Parasites can cause damage throughout the body, from the brain to the liver.
Parasites contribute to inflammation, weakened immunity and activation of autoimmune diseases. Because parasites interfere with the absorption of nutrients, they interfere with normal growth and development in children. Worms lead to 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 using folk remedies? The author of a book about parasites, Anastasia Fadeeva, writes that the easiest way is to drink 10 glasses of salted water within an hour. Salt water is not absorbed by the intestinal walls like regular water, but rather draws out liquid. In this way, harmful deposits are removed, and at the same time parasites, since salt water has a laxative effect.
Such cleansing is contraindicated for stomach ulcers, dysentery, diarrhea, acute colitis, and intestinal cancer. To cleanse the colon, it is recommended to do an enema of boiled water with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (citric acid). You need to use 2–3 liters of water.
What should you eat to remove 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 medicines. 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 yoghurts, which contain probiotics, avoid raw meat and fish, eat carrots, sweet potatoes and zucchini (contain beta-carotene).
Parasites cause damage to both adults and children. They disrupt metabolism, interfere with the absorption of nutrients, and cause infections. Some types of parasites leave the body on their own, but if you notice symptoms, consult a doctor and do not experiment with folk remedies.
Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. You should not resort to the treatment methods described herein without first consulting your doctor.