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Parasites have been a problem for people all over the world for a long time. In the past, they caused many deaths, and nobody really knew why. This article will talk about the most common parasites, the dangers they pose, and the signs that you might have them. We’ll also look at natural remedies that have been studied and shown to work. No more parasites! Here are the best natural remedies.
Common Parasites in People
Let’s talk about the parasites that most often affect humans. First up are Ascaris lumbricoides, which are basically the traditional intestinal worms. You might have seen them in movies—they look like a bunch of noodles in your intestines. These are super common and can cause big stomach problems. They can even mess with how kids grow and develop. This parasite is really, really common.
Then there’s Trichuris trichiura, another common worm found worldwide. This worm is often found in places without good sanitation. It can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and anemia. These worms are like little blood-suckers, so over time, they can lead to anemia.
Next, we have hookworms, like Necator americanus. You can get these from contaminated soil if you pick up their eggs and they get into your body. They also cause anemia because they make you lose blood in your intestines. Worms, in general, are big blood-suckers and can make people feel weak.
Giardia lamblia is another very common parasite, especially in tropical areas. This one isn’t a worm; it’s a protozoan. It’s one of the most common causes of diarrhea globally and spreads through contaminated water or food.
Then there’s Entamoeba histolytica, another protozoan that can cause serious amoebic dysentery. This illness can be severe or even deadly if not treated quickly. It spreads through contaminated water, food, or even dirty hands that touch your mouth.
Cryptosporidium is another protozoan parasite. It’s common in some countries and often affects people with weak immune systems, making them more likely to get infections, including parasites. It spreads through contaminated water.
Finally, there’s tapeworm. These can be really long, even several feet! They’ve become less common in most parts of the world, but you can still find them in very poor countries with bad hygiene.
Dangers of Having Parasites
When you have parasites, your health can be at risk in many ways. Sometimes, you don’t even notice them until they’ve grown quite a bit. But most of the time, they start showing signs early on, which helps us spot them, especially in kids and older adults who might have weaker immune systems. That’s why it’s always good to try and boost your immune system.
Parasites can cause all sorts of stomach problems like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, throwing up, not wanting to eat, and gas. Sometimes, the diarrhea and throwing up can be so bad that you get really dehydrated, which can be serious.
If you’ve had parasites for a long time, they can also stop your body from getting enough nutrients. The parasites basically eat your food, so you don’t get the good stuff. Slowly, you can become malnourished, dehydrated, and lose weight. Remember, stomach pain can often be one of the first signs of parasites in your gut. It’s important to pay attention to all these signs.
One of the most serious things parasites can do, especially hookworms and amoebas, is cause anemia because you don’t absorb enough iron. Anemia makes kids and adults look weak, with pale skin that’s lost its natural pink color, and pale eyes. If you have diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and you’re also weak, tired, pale, and have trouble breathing, these could be early signs of these illnesses.
In kids, especially those under seven, parasites can slow down their growth and development. They can mess with how kids absorb nutrients, leading to delays in physical and mental development. It’s really important to keep an eye on these signs.
Some parasites can even attack your brain and nervous system. For example, tapeworm eggs from pork can end up in your brain if you eat contaminated meat. This can cause seizures, headaches, and other serious brain problems.
If you’re pregnant, a parasite called Toxoplasma can be a concern. It’s common in cats, dogs, and other animals. If a pregnant woman gets toxoplasmosis, it can affect the baby, leading to miscarriage, early birth, or birth defects. So, be very careful with toxoplasmosis, as it can pass from mother to baby.
Many parasites can also cause allergy-like symptoms. Your body’s immune system reacts as if it’s being invaded by something it’s allergic to. This can cause hives on your skin, itching, and sometimes even trouble breathing. In severe cases, like with a lot of Ascaris worms, they can form big clumps in your intestines and block them.
A child or young person with these worms might throw up, and the worms could even end up in their lungs, which is a very serious situation. This used to be more common, especially in very poor areas.
Key Takeaways
- Parasites can cause a range of digestive issues, from mild discomfort to severe dehydration.
- Anemia is a common and serious consequence, especially with certain types of worms.
- Children’s growth and development can be significantly impacted.
- Some parasites can affect the brain and nervous system.
- Pregnant women need to be especially careful due to risks to the baby.
- Allergy-like reactions and even intestinal blockages can occur.
Natural Remedies for Parasites
We have to deal with parasites, and luckily, there are natural plants that can help. These natural remedies work best when you catch the parasite invasion early.
Garlic- Studies over the last 25 years have shown that garlic is good against many intestinal parasites, including Ascaris, pinworms, and tapeworms—basically all kinds of worms. Garlic has shown to be very effective at getting rid of immature forms of these parasites. Eating one clove of garlic every day or every other day might be enough to keep parasites from settling in your body. You can eat it plain, crushed, or mix it into a salad or soup.
One study even showed garlic works against Giardia lamblia, which often causes anal itching. Amoebas have also been studied with garlic, and it can help control more mature forms that cause amoebic dysentery. Garlic is truly amazing!
What makes garlic so good against parasites? It has something called allicin, which is a compound that stops parasites from multiplying and shortens their lifespan, so they get pushed out of your body. Garlic also has ajoene and diallyl sulfides, which are substances that fight microbes and have also been shown to have anti-parasitic properties. So, it’s not just the allicin!
Pumpkin seeds are another natural helper against parasites. Many studies have shown they work against different types of worms, especially Ascaris and tapeworms. The active stuff in them is called cucurbitacin, which paralyzes the parasites, making it easier for your body to get rid of them. Eating them regularly, though not necessarily every day, can help push out parasites when they are still young.
Papaya has a special enzyme that works wonders against parasites called papain. It’s found in papaya and works against worms. Studies in labs and with people have shown it’s effective. It’s thought to break down the parasites’ proteins, making them weaker and easier to get rid of.
Pineapple has bromelain, another enzyme that helps with inflammation and works against all kinds of parasites. Lab and real-life studies have shown it’s effective against parasites, and it’s been looked at a lot for its potential against tapeworms and Giardia, which are very common, especially in kids.
If you eat these natural foods regularly, you can fight off parasites. Why eat them regularly? So parasites don’t get a chance to settle in your body for too long before they cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. That’s the benefit of eating them often.
Now, if you already have parasites and these natural remedies are too late, you’ll probably need to see your doctor. They might need to give you extra help with medicines. So, don’t hesitate to eat these remedies regularly if you want to avoid parasites.
