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.
Parasitic infections can cause a whole host of problems including chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and mineral depletion. It's important for everyone to know the risk factors, warning signs, and treatments in the event of a parasitic infection.
Parasites are not a disease, but they may spread diseases that can be fatal. However, many parasitic infections are treatable and preventable. If a person is experiencing a skin rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other symptoms of a parasitic infection, they should speak with their doctor.
Parasites and parasitic infections are common. They affect millions of people throughout the entire world. Many people may not notice they have an infection because they have few symptoms. Others may have serious illnesses.
Parasites can live in the intestines for years without causing symptoms.
Nonpathogenic intestinal protozoa are single-celled parasites commonly found in the intestinal tract but never associated with illness. They do not harm the body, even in people with weak immune systems.
- Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those found in refined foods, fruits, juices, dairy products, and all sugars, except honey. - Eat raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets and carrots, all of which have been used traditionally to kill parasites. - Drink a lot of water to help flush out your system.
Symptoms of a Parasite
Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (especially common with Blastocystis infections) Problems with your skin such as rashes, itchiness, hives, or eczema. Feeling anxious and not being able to explain why.
Parasitic infections cause a tremendous burden of disease in both the tropics and subtropics as well as in more temperate climates.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.
Parasitic infections are diseases caused by organisms that live off of another living thing. They can cause fever, fatigue, intestinal symptoms, skin rashes or neurological symptoms. You can get them from contaminated food, water or surfaces, bug bites and eating undercooked meat.
By looking at a blood smear under a microscope, parasitic diseases such as filariasis, malaria, or babesiosis, can be diagnosed. This test is done by placing a drop of blood on a microscope slide. The slide is then stained and examined under a microscope.
Symptoms generally last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. In people with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to illness such as HIV), symptoms may last longer. Healthcare providers can prescribe the appropriate antiparasitic medications to help reduce the amount of time symptoms last.
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. Skin disorders like eczema, hives, or unexplained chronic itching.
Most experts recommend you do about two weeks of a parasite cleanse, taking the supplements above, then take a week off. After your one-week break, jump back into the plan for two more weeks. The protocol itself is an important part of your treatment, just as much as taking the supplements.
Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, some 3.5 billion people are affected; 450 million are symptomatic, and yearly more than 200,000 deaths are reported [2].
Parasites feed off of sugary foods (Cookies, cakes, sweeteners), and foods that convert to sugar quickly (grains, pasta, wheat, rice). Eating foods high in sugar will worsen a parasitic infection, causing it to spread quicker. Parasites are the most active at night, eating late at night can make them more active.
It is estimated that around 80% of both adults and children have parasites in their gut. People can be infected with these parasites in a number of ways.
Some common components of a parasite cleanse include berberine, black walnut, papaya seeds, pumpkin seeds, and wormwood. Garlic, probiotic-rich yogurt, and carrots or sweet potatoes are sometimes also recommended to help support your body's natural defenses.
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.
In general, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat your infection. Other treatments can help reduce symptoms, like drinking plenty of water to reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated when your infections causes diarrhea.
Deworming is not always necessary, but is recommended for children who live in endemic areas once a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is over 20% and twice a year when the prevalence of soil-transmitted parasitic worms in the community is 50%.