Most people shudder when they think of parasites that could be potentially living in their body, and for good reason. Parasites can be responsible for a number of health problems; however, there is no need to live with them. There are methods that you can take to ensure that your body is free from parasites that could be causing you harm.
What are Parasites?
A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism. They obtain nutrients from their hosts and cause harm to the host in the process. Most parasites need a host in order to complete their life cycle. Humans are one host for many different parasites. Parasites are responsible for a number of health problems as they secrete toxins and rob the body of vital nutrients. There are four major categories of parasite: protozoa, trematoda, cestoda, and nematoda.
There are over 100 different types of worms that can live in the body. Some are microscopic in size while others are easily seen. They can cause symptoms such as constipation, bloating, anaemia, diarrhea, fatigue, digestive disorders, and a skin rash. There are many other parasites that can infect different areas of the body.
How Do You Get Parasites?
Parasites can enter the body in a number of different ways. You can get them from the food and water that you drink, through the nose or skin, through sexual intercourse, contact with contaminated water, or through a transmitter (such as a mosquito).
If you consume too much junk food, fatty food, chemicals, and sweets, the colon can stop working properly. If this happens, the colon becomes the perfect breeding ground for parasites. The buildup of faecal matter on the colon walls is where toxins are excreted and also where the parasites get their food.
Getting Rid of Parasites Naturally
Thankfully, there are some natural ways that can help to eliminate parasites from the body. If you suspect that parasites are a problem, it is important to eat a healthy diet as a diet that is high in carbohydrates, low in proteins, and high in alkalines has been found to make a parasitic infection worse. Avoid sugar as parasites thrive on it. Because parasites take nutrients from the body, it is important to replenish these, either through a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and wholegrains, or through the use of nutritional supplements. Pineapple contains bromelain and a diet rich in pineapple can help clear parasites such as tapeworm. Foods that are rich in vitamin A can increase resistance to penetration by larvae. Vitamin C and zinc also support the immune system. Probiotics rebuild the healthy intestinal bacteria.
There are several herbal remedies that can be used to treat parasitic infections. They can not only kill parasites but also remove eggs that could re-infect the person. Some herbs that can be of help include:
- Garlic – has been found to work against roundworm, giardia lamblia, trypanosoma, plasmodium, and leishmania.
- Goldenseal – is used for infections that involve the mucous membranes in the body.
- Black walnut – used for ringworm and athlete’s foot. The juice of unripe black walnut hulls is used for parasite and fungal infections.
- Wormwood – is used for intestinal parasites. It contains sesquiterpine lactones, which are thought to weaken parasite membranes.
- Wormseed – a traditional herbal remedy for expelling roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm.
- Pumpkin seeds – used traditionally for tapeworms and roundworms.
- Grapefruit seed extract – has antimicrobial and anti-yeast properties.
Intestinal cleansing can be of great benefit in removing parasites. It involves a higher-fibre diet along with supplements such as psyllium husks, citrus pectin, papaya extract, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, pumpkin seeds, beetroot, and/or flaxseeds. Detoxification is another way to rid the body of parasites.
Colon cleansing, also know as colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy can help to flush the parasites from the colon, along with other matter such as old faecal matter.
Preventing Parasites
A healthy immune system is the best defense you can have against both parasites and disease. However, you can reduce the risk of getting parasites by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating. Ensure that meat and fish are thoroughly cooked. Drink filtered or purified water, as parasites are often associated with water-borne outbreaks.
Good personal hygiene can help as well. Wash your hands before eating, after going to the toilet, and after handling pets. Keep fingernails short and clean. Keep your living area clean as well. The dust in your house can contain human skin, soil particles, or faecal material from dust mites and cockroaches. Do not walk barefoot on warm, moist soil, or while working in the garden. Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, ponds, or public swimming pools if you have any open wounds. Never swallow water when swimming.
If your pets have parasites, de-worm them and keep them outside.
Originally published on Feb 05, 2009
