Intestinal parasitic infections are common almost everywhere in 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 in the human intestine. Generally, 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 among 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 hospitalization, explains the WHO (World Health Organization).
According to the head of the parasitology laboratory, Rashidul Haque, the most common intestinal protozoan parasites are:
- Intestinal giardia;
- 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 out for these symptoms:
- nausea;
- lack of appetite;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- weightloss;
- general weakness.
Additionally, tapeworms cause:
- bumps 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 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 address 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 salt water in an hour. Salt water is not absorbed through the intestinal walls like regular water, but it draws out fluid. In this way, harmful deposits and at the same time parasites are removed, because 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 based on boiled water with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (citric acid). You should use 2 to 3 liters of water.
What should you eat to eliminate parasites from your body? According to nutritionist Katie Wong, parasites are susceptible 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 flaxseed. However, these products should not be considered medicines. It is best not to use them to treat children.
Treat children as recommended by your doctor; 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 yogurt, which contain probiotics, avoid raw meat and fish, eat carrots, sweet potatoes and zucchini (which contain beta-carotene).
Parasites cause harm to both adults and children. They disrupt metabolism, interfere with nutrient absorption 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 here without first consulting your doctor.