There are three main types of parasites that can affect humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. These parasites can live on or in the human body and cause various diseases. These parasites are often the result of consuming contaminated foods or water, though insects and other animals can also carry parasites.
From Contaminated Food and Water
Travelers may acquire parasitic illnesses: through ingestion of contaminated food or water, by vector-borne transmission, or. through person-to-person contact.
Transmission of protozoa that live in a human's intestine to another human typically occurs through a fecal-oral route (for example, contaminated food or water or person-to-person contact).
You can get infected by: touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them – if someone with worms does not wash their hands. touching soil or swallowing water or food with worm eggs in it – mainly a risk in parts of the world without modern toilets or sewage systems.
This diet may include avoiding greasy, processed foods and eating natural, whole foods. Some parasite cleansing diets ask the person to avoid specific types of foods, such as gluten, dairy, or pork. Diets may also include the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
Giardia is arguably the most common parasite infection of humans worldwide, and the second most common in the United States after pin-worm.
Parasitic infections, as unpleasant as they sound, are much more common than you think. Often, they are to blame for the various health issues we suffer from. From digestive issues to post-traumatic stress disorder, a parasitic infection can affect your physical and mental health.
The best way to diagnose this infection is to do a tape test. The best time to do this is in the morning before bathing, because pinworms lay their eggs at night. Steps for the test are: Firmly press the sticky side of a 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) strip of cellophane tape over the anal area for a few seconds.
Should You Be Worried? “While it is widely acknowledged that infections with some parasites can cause significant complications, not all parasites are cause for concern. Some symptoms caused by parasites can clear up on their own, and individuals with a healthy immune system may not experience any symptoms.
Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms. When they do, symptoms include the following: Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or gas.
The most common ones found in North America include Giardia infections (through contaminated water) and toxoplasmosis (spread by cats). Others include: E. vermicularis, or pinworm.
Helminths are worms with many cells. Nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common helminths that inhabit the human gut. Usually, helminths cannot multiply in the human body. Protozoan parasites that have only one cell can multiply inside the human body.
Nonpathogenic intestinal protozoa are single-celled parasites commonly found in the intestinal tract but never associated with illness.
Albendazole and mebendazole are most frequently prescribed for treatment of intestinal nematode infections (ascariasis, hookworm infections, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis, and enterobiasis) and can also be used for intestinal tapeworm infections (taeniases and hymenolepiasis).
You'll get a pharmaceutical antimicrobial which is designed to kill the parasite quickly. This usually works within a week. However some infections don't respond to these antimicrobials. They're also very powerful, so they're likely to cause quite a bit of damage to the rest of your microbiome while they do their job.
Over the last few years we have all become aware of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar but did you know this fermented apple cider can also work as an effective worm treatment for our four-legged friends.