Intestinal parasitic infections are common almost all over the world. Two types of parasites can live in the human body: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are multicellular worms. Nematodes (tubeworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flatworms) are the most common helminths in the human intestine. Typically, helminths do not multiply 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 one of the most common infections among humans in developing countries. In developed countries, protozoan parasites cause more gastrointestinal infections than helminths. Although the death rate from these infections is relatively low, complications often occur and many cases require hospital treatment, explains the WHO (World Health Organization).
According to Rashidul Haque, head of the parasitology laboratory, 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 are characterized by diarrhea.
How to find out if there are parasites in the body? Watch out for these symptoms:
- nausea;
- loss of appetite;
- diarrhea;
- stomach ache;
- lose weight;
- 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. It may take weeks or months for signs of their presence to appear. But if you have symptoms, you should see a doctor. Parasites can damage the entire body, from the brain to the liver.
Parasites contribute to inflammation, weakened immunity and activation of autoimmune diseases. Parasites prevent the normal growth and development of children as they interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Worms cause anemia, intestinal obstruction and can affect other organs.
Ways to fight 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 quickly prescribes over-the-counter medications that attack the cause of the problem. Infections caused by parasites are more difficult to treat.
How to cleanse the body of parasites with folk remedies? Anastasiya Fadeyeva, the author of the book on parasites, writes that the easiest way is to drink 10 glasses of salt water in an hour. Saline water is not absorbed by the intestinal walls like ordinary water, but instead removes the liquid. Thus, due to the laxative effect of salt water, harmful sediments and at the same time parasites are removed.
Such cleansing is contraindicated for stomach ulcers, dysentery, diarrhea, acute colitis and intestinal cancer. To cleanse the intestines, it is recommended to do an enema with boiled water with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (citric acid). You should use 2-3 liters of water.
What should you eat to remove parasites from your body? According to nutritionist Katie Wong, parasites are susceptible to:
- thorn;
- pumpkin or papaya seeds;
- garlic
Combining a high-fiber diet with colon cleansing supplements is effective for colon cleansing. These supplements include psyllium, beetroot and flaxseed. However, these products should not be relied upon as medicine. It is better not to use it to treat children.
Treat children according to the recommendations of your doctor, it is important to pay attention to their diet at home. 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 containing probiotics, avoid raw meat and fish, and eat carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin (containing beta-carotene).
Parasites harm both adults and children. They disrupt the metabolism, prevent the absorption of nutrients and cause infections. Some types of parasites leave the body on their own, but if you feel 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.