Intestinal parasites are multiple and have various forms. Pinworms, dientamoebas fragilis, trichinella, tapeworms, hookworms or labia are parasites that can live in the body by laying eggs. They feed on red platelets and food that the individual consumes. These parasites may seem terrifying but in general they are not dangerous. They are often troublesome and can cause unpleasant symptoms.
Among the most common worms found are the pinworms, small round white worms (between 5 and 10 millimeters) that live in the digestive tract. These worms are contagious and most often infect children with anal itching. We also find the tapeworm, called solitary worm, consisting of rings that are eliminated regularly. It is estimated that each year in France, nearly 100,000 people catch a tapeworm. What is certain is that there are currently 3 billion people who are infected with parasites, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).
How does contamination with intestinal parasites occur?
Hygiene is a crucial point not to catch worms but also to avoid contaminating others. Anyone in contact with stool stains human or animal is likely to be contaminated by the worms they contain. Poorly cooked meat, especially pork for tapeworms, close contact with pets or poor cleanliness, are all factors of contamination.
What are the symptoms of parasites in our body?
There are generally 10 known signs to detect their presence:
1. Excessive hunger and weight reduction
Parasites such as pinworms or tapeworms cause excessive hunger and weight loss because these parasites feed on the nutrients in the gut, spreading toxins and causing the gut to work more than in time. normal.
2. Fatigue
The presence of parasites in the body can create toxins inside the body. The latter will consume more energy to eliminate this waste, thereby causing fatigue, exhaustion and lack of vitality.
3. Abdominal disorders
Parasites can prevent the expulsion of waste. Hence the appearance of stomach pain and bloating.
4. Chronic problems related to the stomach
Parasites irritate or stick to the abdominal wall, causing incessant bowel loosening.
5. Anal tingling
Female worms lay eggs overnight and concentrate on the anal area, resulting in tingling and itching in the anal area. This discomfort can also cause difficulty sleeping at night.
6. Skin problems
When parasites infiltrate our body and begin to spread, they can cause skin problems such as: dermatitis, hives, rash, eczema, dry skin. These problems are due to the waste that these parasites release into the body.
7. Pain in muscles and joints
The presence of these parasites in the body can lead to inflammation in body tissues such as muscles and joints, which can lead to arthritis, chest pains, muscle cramps, swelling of the hands and feet. This inflammation is due to the body's reaction to the toxins that the parasites release.
8. Bruxism
The waste and poisons released by the parasites into the body can cause nervousness and anxiety resulting in tightness of the jaw and a grinding of the teeth during sleep, called "bruxism". This symptom usually affects children.
9. Mood disorders
When these pathogens affect our body, they release toxins that can harm neurons and neurotransmitters. They cause, as a result, nervousness and anxiety.
10. Anemia
Parasites feed mainly on red blood cells of the body, resulting in iron deficiency and thus anemia. Iron deficiency influences the development and growth of children.
Food and nutrition against intestinal parasites
Parasites feed on certain foods that should be eliminated from our diet, such as:
- Carbohydrates and sugars
- Dairy products
- Refined grains
- The poorly cooked meats
The recommended foods are:
Raw garlic: it contains allicin and diallyl disulphide, which is an antiparasite for cleaning the intestines.
Squash seeds: they are a powerful natural dewormer that acts on the tapeworm and pinworm.
Papaya: source of fiber, antiparasitic enzymes, it contains an anti-helminthic alkaloid, called carpaine, which has the capacity to eliminate intestinal parasites.
It is also advisable to consume foods rich in fiber and drink a large amount of water to activate the intestine for good evacuation of stool.
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult your doctor.