Understand the intestinal worms and parasites’ effect on the human body. Early detection of the symptoms can cure yourself from this problem easily. Intestinal parasites are organisms like worms and protozoa that live inside the human body and make the body weak. There are several reasons behind this problem, some of which we have provided for you. In this blog, we will discuss what intestinal worms and parasites are, types, common digestive problems, foods that kill parasites in humans, intestinal symptoms, causes of intestinal parasites, and how to get rid of intestinal parasites and stomach worms.
What Are Intestinal Worms and Parasites?
Intestinal worms and parasites are living creatures that take up residence in the human body. A person’s body is usually equipped with a healthy microbiome that consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. On the contrary, parasitic worms are abnormal, the appearance of these worms is an indication of a stomach infection.
These microorganisms in the human digestive system extract nutrients from the food and thus are the main cause of malnutrition, abdominal pain and weakness. The infection is transmitted through contaminated food and water and is more common in the areas where sanitation is poor. Parasites are a worldwide health risk since they affect billions of humans globally and children are the most vulnerable cases. These parasites can be medicated and also hygienic practices can prevent the infection.
Types of Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are living organisms that survive inside the human gut. They are mainly of two types:
- Parasites (Protozoa): These are single cell organisms that live inside a different organism simply to make their own survival possible.
- Worms (Helminths): They cause helminthiasis infection. The worms, besides confusing your immune system, also disturb your gut health which results in symptoms like abdominal pain.
These Parasites are microscopic and single celled organisms that you cannot see with the naked eye. They usually spread through contaminated food or water and cause diarrhea.
What are the Stomach Parasite Symptoms?
Here you can see some common digestive and specific symptoms that occur when you suffer from a stomach parasite problem:
Common Digestive & General Symptoms
- Stomachache & Cramps: Sometimes pain gets worse.
- Diarrhea: Can be watery, bloody or contain mucus.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Common symptoms.
- Loss of Appetite: Causes sudden hunger.
- Tiredness: Early fatigue.
- Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Can be the reason of iron deficiency or vitamins deficiencies.
Specific & Other Symptoms
- Itching: Especially around the anus (pinworms) which is often worse at night or skin irritation where larvae enter.
- Worms in Stool: Notice worms or segments in stool.
- Rectal Prolapse: This condition may occur in the case of severe whipworm infections.
What Causes Intestinal Parasites?
Here we have given some of the most common causes of intestinal parasites:
- The main source of intestinal parasites is the feces of an infected person or animal contaminating food or water, which is finally eaten.
- Personal hygiene hardly gets any attention. People don’t wash their hands either before eating or after using the toilet.
- Eating raw or undercooked beef or fish can transfer tapeworms and other parasites into your body.
- Touching infected surfaces and people can also cause this problem and ths problem is most common in schools.
Foods To Naturally Get Rid of Intestinal Worms (Foods that Kill Parasites In Humans)
You can add these foods to your diet to naturally get rid of intestinal worms:
Onions
Onions are a good source of sulfur compounds that first slow down and then destroy the parasites. At the same time, onions assist the liver detoxification and gut health. If a person regularly eats raw or slightly cooked onions, it is possible that this will lessen the parasite survival rate.
Pineapple
Besides its many other health benefits, pineapple is also known for bromelain, a digestive enzyme that digests parasite proteins. It is great for better digestion and it can potentially make it easier to get rid of insects by intestinal movements because bromelain may break down their protective skin.
Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin has high antiparasitic abilities as well as anti-inflammatory ones. Turmeric prevents the parasites from multiplying, helps to heal the inflamed intestines, and aids the detoxification of the liver. When taken together with black pepper and some good fats, absorption is better.
Ginger
Ginger is able to make the digestive system work better, also it can elevate the level of stomach acid and in this way create the environment which is not friendly to parasites. The bioactive compounds of ginger also have a negative effect on parasites by both fighting parasites and at the same time relieving symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and intestinal discomfort that parasitic infections may bring about.
Pomegranate
Tannins and alkaloids which are found in pomegranate have been used traditionally to get rid of tapeworms. Parasites are paralyzed by it and at the same time it also starts the process of healing the gut. Pomegranate helps by soothing gut inflammation, supporting immunity and improving recovery
Papaya Seeds
The metabolism of the parasites is disrupted by the carpaine and enzymes in papaya seeds. Researchers have found that taking papaya seeds regularly substantially lowers the amount of parasites in the intestines and therefore, it is preferable to consume papaya seeds in crushed form or blended with honey so the body can absorb them more easily.
Cloves
Eugenol is a major compound of cloves, and it is one of the best foods that kill parasites in humans. It can kill parasite eggs and stop the process of infection again. They are the most effective when used together with other antiparasitic foods. A small amount of ground cloves or clove tea is traditionally used.
Garlic
Allicin and sulfur compounds in garlic are responsible for making the environment inside intestines unfavorable to parasites. In time, garlic has been used to reduce the strength of parasites, stop their growth, and increase the power of the immune system to fight them. Consuming raw or barely cooked garlic often is a method to reduce the chance of survival of parasites as well as improve the health of the gut.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a chemical, which is proven to be responsible for the paralysis of the intestinal worms, the body thus can let them go naturally more easily. Besides, they improve digestion and intestinal motility. Mostly pumpkin seeds are consumed raw or in ground form for better absorption.
Coconut
Raw coconut and coconut oil contain medium chain fatty acids such as lauric acid that can interfere with the metabolism of the parasite. Also, besides that coconut cleans the intestines and at the same time it enhances digestion while offering antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Neem
Neem possesses strong antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties. It is a herb which you can rely on for its digestive cleansing and parasite load lowering effects. Neem boosts the immune system as well as it balances the gut environment. Because of its potency, it is usually consumed in small amounts.
Carrots
Carrots are a source of dietary fiber and beta-carotene that can help the intestinal wall stay intact and bowel movements be regular therefore, it becomes quite tough for the parasites to latch onto the gut walls. Their antioxidants also help the immune system to combat infections effectively.
Cabbage
Cabbage contains sulfur compounds and fiber. Both of these are involved in the detoxification of the digestive system and the stimulation of healthy intestinal bacteria. These features may contribute to reduce the only survival of parasites and facilitate gut repair when eaten raw or slightly fermented.
Oregano
Oregano carvacrol and thymol both have antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. These two help the operation of the parasites and support digestion at the same time. You can take oregano fresh, dried, or as oregano oil, but you should limit the intake.
Figs
Traditionally, figs have been used for digestive cleansing mainly because they contain a high amount of fiber and natural enzymes. They may help to separate parasites from the intestinal wall and excrete through a more regular bowel movement.
How to Get Rid of Intestinal Parasites and Stomach Worms?
Intestinal parasites and worms may be completely wiped out through a combination of sanitation, medicine, and good habits. To have the proper medicine, you have to take a doctor’s advice. Hand washing, drinking clean water, and consuming well-cooked food are essential. Besides the treatment, the early diagnosis and prevention of the disease through a high-fiber diet, clean house, no barefoot walking, etc, are some of the ways to keep healthy.
You can easily control and improve your gut health by following a clean diet but a parasitic infection often requires medical treatment. Dietary changes not only improve your gut health but it also improves your overall body functions. So it is better to always consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment and then make dietary changes.
Conclusion
If intestinal parasites are not treated on time they can damage the digestive system and affect your general health. Firstly, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms at the beginning, keep good hygiene and get medical treatment in time. Natural antiparasitic foods that kill parasites in humans like turmeric, ginger, papaya seeds, and cloves. However, only professional medical treatment can fully get rid of the parasites.