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 found in the human intestine. Normally, 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;
- Histolytic Entamoeba;
- 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? Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- nausea;
- lack of appetite;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- weight loss;
- 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 experience 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 nutrient absorption, they interfere with children's normal growth and development. 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 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 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 by the intestinal walls like normal water, but it draws out liquid. In this way, harmful deposits are removed and, at the same time, parasites are removed, as salt water has a laxative effect.
Such cleaning is contraindicated in 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, beetroot and flax seeds. However, these products should not be considered 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 your 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 (they contain beta-carotene).
Parasites cause harm to 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 try 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.