Most people tend to think that parasites are more related to third world countries. But the truth is that you can even have parasites living in your intestines right now! And, since they are sometimes not diagnosed, they could have been there for years. Here's what you need to know about pests and how to fight them.
We all have parasites, it is virtually impossible not to get in touch with them because they are present in our food as well as our carpets. However, having parasites does not necessarily mean that they affect you negatively.
What is a parasite?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or to the detriment of its host."
In fact, parasites will always exist, they are part of the life cycle of nature. Yet even healthy individuals have it. What we do not want is a parasitic infection. In order to keep them at bay, we must practice good hygiene - starting with our homes. Be aware that parasites love waste and feed on everything that is degraded. If you let things get out of hand, you're probably sending an open invitation to those unwanted guests.
What are the different types of parasites?
Ascaris: This type of parasite can lay 200,000 eggs per day and reach 4.57 m long. The symptoms are: upper abdominal discomfort, asthma, insomnia, appendicitis, peritonitis, fever, weight loss, and skin rashes due to secretions or waste produced by worms.
Ankylostoma: This parasite afflicts more than 700 million people. Hookworm infection induces a complex mixture of host-protective and pathological immune responses. Hookworm larvae enter the skin. When hookworms reach adulthood, they can weaken the strength, vitality and overall well-being of the human body.
Pinworms: An infection with pinworms affects one in five children. Symptoms may include itching and irritation of the anus or vagina, digestive disorders, insomnia, irritability or nervousness.
Whipworm: These infections are estimated at several hundred million worldwide. The symptoms of whipworms are bloody stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, rectal prolapse, nausea and anemia.
Tapeworms: These can grow up to 20 meters long and live ten years in a person's gut. Some tapeworms can lay up to a million eggs a day.
Flatworms: These are found in the bladder, blood, liver, lungs, kidneys and intestines. They can cause serious illness of the gastrointestinal tract and bladder.
Signs that you could have an infection
Some people may have no symptoms of infection. Yet, these are some of the most common symptoms associated with a parasitic infection:
- Mood disorders
- Strong desires for processed and sweet foods
- Anemia or iron deficiency (worms can cause sufficient blood loss to cause anemia or iron deficiency)
- Bleeding gums
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Food allergy
- Food sensitivities
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic fatigue
- Persistent digestive problems (cramps, bloating, gas, etc.)
- Breathing problems
- Itching - especially around the mouth, nose and anus
- Memory problems
- Weightloss
- Insomnia
- Rectal prolapse
- Fever
- Rashes
- Peritonitis
- Bloody stools
Use these herbs to kill the parasites:
The papaya seeds:
Papaya seeds contain an antihelminthic alkaloid called carpaine that helps fight against intestinal worms and amoebic parasites.
Cucumber seeds
Cucumber seeds can be used as a natural treatment to help eradicate tapeworm in the digestive tract.
Turmeric
It may be one of the most powerful and useful foods for just about anything. It has powerful properties: it is an anticancer, anti-inflammatory, healing, anthelmintic, and a global body purifier.
Ginger
A member of the turmeric family, ginger has many similar qualities. It also increases circulation and helps fight against all digestive problems. It is especially good for gas and nausea associated with the death of parasites. It also improves the production of gastric acid, which helps eliminate parasites and protects us from infection in the first place.
To avoid an infection because of parasites, you will need to be strategic and make your body healthy so that it becomes an inadequate living environment for them. In the end, remember that your real defense is to have an alkaline body that is well oxygenated with a strong immune system and a healthy digestive tract.
