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 (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common worms in the human gut. 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 worms and protozoan parasites are among the most common infections in developing countries. In developed countries, protozoan parasites are more likely to cause gastrointestinal infections than helminths. Although the mortality rate of these infections is relatively low, complications are common and hospitalization is often required, 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 called giardiasis, amoebiasis, cyclosporiasis, and cryptosporidiosis 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;
- 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 can last for weeks or months. However, 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, weakening of immunity and activation of autoimmune diseases. Because parasites interfere with the absorption of nutrients, they interfere with the normal growth and development of children. Worms lead to anemia, intestinal obstruction, and can affect other organs.
Ways to fight against parasites
Some types of parasites leave the body on their own and do not require treatment, writes Dr. Minesh Khatri. In other cases, your doctor will prescribe over-the-counter medications that quickly attack the cause of the problem. Infections caused by parasites are more difficult to treat.
How to clean the body of parasites with folk remedies? The author of the book on parasites, Anastasia Fadeeva, writes that the easiest way is to drink 10 glasses of salt water within an hour. Salt water is not absorbed by the intestinal walls like normal water, but instead draws out the liquid. In this way, they remove harmful deposits and also parasites, since salt water has a laxative effect.
Such cleaning is contraindicated in case of gastric ulcer, dysentery, diarrhea, acute colitis and intestinal cancer. To clean the colon, it is recommended to do an enema made of boiled water with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (citric acid). 2-3 liters of water should be used.
What should be eaten to remove parasites from the body? According to nutritionist Katie Wong, parasites are susceptible to:
- barberry;
- pumpkin seeds 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 referred to as medicines. It is better not to use them to treat children.
Treat children according to the doctor's recommendation, it is also important to pay attention to their diet at home. There is evidence that a diet rich in vitamin A and selenium and zinc can improve the body's natural defenses against parasites. It is also important to drink kefir and yogurt containing more probiotics, avoid raw meat and fish, and eat carrots, sweet potatoes and zucchini (they contain beta-carotene).
Parasites cause damage to both adults and children. They disturb the 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 informative only. Do not resort to the treatment methods described here without first consulting your doctor.