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There's a misconception that intestinal parasites only exist in underdeveloped countries. They're more prevalent there, but they're much more common than you might think in developed countries as well. It's not exactly a pleasant feeling to know you're hosting a colony of intestinal parasites, but you're not alone. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3 billion people suffer from some type of intestinal parasite, and not all of these people live in underdeveloped and poor countries.
What are intestinal parasites?
Parasites are generally classified into several groups, but the two main types of intestinal parasites are helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms with many cells that cannot multiply in the human body, such as tapeworms, threadworms, and roundworms. Protozoa, on the other hand, have only one cell and can multiply inside the human body and cause serious infections.
How do you get intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are usually transmitted when a person comes into contact with infected feces (for example, through contaminated soil, food, or water). Other factors that can increase your risk of contracting intestinal parasites include visiting an area known to have the parasites, poor hygiene and sanitation (for food and water), having a weak immune system, handling animals, and age (children and the elderly are more likely to be infected). Once you are infected with parasites, it is contagious and can be easily transmitted to other people.
Why are intestinal parasites dangerous?
As the name parasite suggests, they live inside our bodies and feed on them. In places with high hygiene levels, parasites do not pose a major threat, but in poor countries and places with poor hygiene and sanitation, parasites can pose a real threat to life.
When our intestines become host to parasites, even high levels of acidity in the digestive system cannot protect our bodies, so our body tries to defend itself through our immune system, and the intestine can become inflamed. Intestinal parasites prevent the food we eat from being absorbed properly and release toxins into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Severe infections can cause intestinal obstruction when the intestine is partially or completely blocked. The blockage prevents food, fluids, and gas from moving through the intestines in the normal way. Severe infestation can also cause anemia, as it can cause bleeding in the intestines.
The problem is that there are so many types of parasites that they can cause a wide range of symptoms, and only a few of them can actually be digested. So, if you've tried various treatments to relieve your symptoms without success, intestinal parasites may be the hidden cause of many unresolved health problems.
Main symptoms of a parasitic infection in the body
1. Excessive food cravings or loss of appetite
2. Weight loss
3. Stomach pain
4. Constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
5. Fluctuations in blood sugar
6. Skin conditions, such as severe itching around the rectum and other parts of the body, rashes, or other skin irritations
7. Anxiety and depression
8. Trouble sleeping
9. Muscle, joint, or other pain
10. Fatigue and exhaustion
11. Iron deficiency or anemia
12. Immune disorders with an excessive number of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
13. Decreased sex drive
14. Blood in the stool
15. Nausea or vomiting
How to treat intestinal parasites
Treatment to get rid of intestinal parasitic infections can be done through conventional medications or through the use of alternative medical treatments.
Conventional medicine
If you suspect you have intestinal parasites, your doctor will be able to do a stool test to confirm this and use prescription medications that are most effective against your intestinal parasites.
Alternative medicine
1. Plants
Some of the most commonly prescribed herbal remedies include: garlic, goldenseal, barberis, anise, Oregon grape, wormwood, epazote, black walnut, curly mint, cloves, oregano, thyme, and olive leaf. Consult a therapist before taking any antiparasitic herbal supplement.
2. Supplements
Consult a therapist before taking supplements to ensure they do not interfere with any medication you are currently taking.
- Probiotics: Probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii and bifidobacteria help maintain the health of your digestive system and this discourages parasites.
- Digestive enzymes: These help restore your intestinal tract to its normal state, making it inhospitable to parasites. Papain is an enzyme found in papaya oil that can help kill worms when taken 30 minutes before or after meals.
- Vitamin C: Supports the immune system
- Zinc: Also supports the immune system and is also used to heal stomach ulcers.
3. Homeopathic treatments
Homeopathic remedies for parasitic infections may include: Cina, Indigo, Spigelia, Podophyllum, Cuprum nigrum oxidatum, Teucrium, Sabadilla, Stanum. It is more effective to take homeopathic remedies in a form other than granules, as they are composed primarily of sugar.
4. Food
A diet rich in garlic, pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, pineapple, carrots, beets, and pomegranates can help kill parasites if these foods are eaten raw.
- In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds with plenty of water is effective in flushing the system.
- Consuming more fiber can help the body get rid of worms.
- Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as refined foods, sweet juices and sugars.
- Drink plenty of water to aid in bowel movements.
- Temporarily avoid coffee and alcohol.
- Eat foods rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Vitamin A increases resistance to parasites.
- Add spices like turmeric and cloves which can help get rid of parasites.
5. Intestinal cleansing
This is a popular alternative approach that involves the use of a high-fiber diet and supplements such as psyllium husk, citrus pectin, papaya extract, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, pumpkin seeds, beet roots, and flax and chia seeds.
Prevent infection
We've already mentioned that parasitic infections are highly contagious. You can easily transfer parasite eggs to anything or anyone you touch. Therefore, it's important to wash your hands and maintain good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of further transmission. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. If you're traveling abroad, pay attention to the quality of your drinking water and the hygiene of the food you eat, and wash fruits and vegetables.
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