How to Tell If You Have Intestinal Parasites and What to Do About That

There is a common misconception that intestinal parasites exist only in underdeveloped countries. While they are indeed more prevalent there, they are much more common than many people realize in developed countries as well. It's not a pleasant thought to consider yourself a host to a colony of intestinal parasites, but you are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, over 3 billion people suffer from some type of intestinal parasite, and not all of these individuals live in underdeveloped or impoverished nations.

What Are Intestinal Parasites?

Parasites are generally classified into many groups, but the two main types of intestinal parasites are helminths and protozoa.

• Helminths are multicellular worms that cannot multiply in the human body, such as tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms.

• Protozoa, on the other hand, are single-celled organisms that can multiply inside the human body and can cause serious infections.

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How Do You Get Intestinal Parasites?

Intestinal parasites are typically transmitted when a person comes into contact with infected feces (for example, through contaminated soil, food, or water). Other factors that can increase your risk include:

• Visiting an area known to have parasites.

• Poor hygiene and sanitation practices (for both food and water).

• Having a weak immune system.

• Handling animals.

• Age factor (children and the elderly are more likely to get infected).

Once you are infected with parasites, the condition is contagious and can be easily passed to other people.

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Why Are Intestinal Parasites Dangerous?

As the name suggests, parasites live inside us and feed off us. In places with high hygiene levels, parasites might not pose a great threat, but in poorer countries or areas with low hygiene and poor sanitary conditions, parasites can be a real life threat. When our intestines become a host to parasites, even the high levels of acid in the digestive tract may not fully protect our body. Our immune system then tries to defend itself, and the gut can become inflamed.

Intestinal parasites can prevent the proper absorption of food by the body and release toxins into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Severe infections can cause a bowel obstruction, where the intestine is partly or completely blocked, preventing food, fluids, and gas from moving through the intestines normally. Severe infestation can also lead to anemia by causing bleeding in the intestines.

The challenge is that because there are so many types of parasites, they can cause a wide range of symptoms, and only a few of them are directly digestive in nature. So, if you've tried various treatments to relieve your symptoms without success, intestinal parasites could be the hidden cause of many unresolved health issues you're experiencing.

Key Symptoms of a Parasite Infection in the Body

1. Excessive food cravings or, alternatively, loss of appetite.

2. Weight loss.

3. Stomach pain.

4. Constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

5. Blood sugar fluctuations.

6. Skin disorders, such as acute itching or pain around the rectum and other body parts, rashes, or other skin irritations.

7. Anxiety and depression.

8. Sleep disorders.

9. Pain or aching muscles or joints.

10. Fatigue and exhaustion.

11. Iron-deficiency or anemia.

12. Immune disorders with an excessive number of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

13. Diminished libido.

14. Bloody stools or light-colored stool.

15. Nausea or vomiting.

16. White specks in stool.

17. Sulfur burps.

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, it's advisable to see your doctor.

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How to Treat Intestinal Parasites

Treatment for intestinal parasitic infections can involve conventional medication or alternative medical approaches.

Conventional Medicine

If you suspect you have intestinal parasites, your doctor will be able to perform a stool test to confirm the infection and then prescribe medication most effective against the specific type of intestinal parasite identified.

Alternative Medicine

1. Herbs: Some commonly suggested herbal treatments include: garlic, goldenseal, barberry, anise, Oregon grape, wormwood, wormseed, black walnuts, curled mint, cloves, oregano, thyme, and olive leaf. Always consult a physician before taking any anti-parasite herbal supplement.

2. Supplements: Consult a physician before taking any supplements to ensure they don’t interfere with current medications.

   • Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria) help keep your digestive tract healthy, which discourages parasites.

   • Digestive enzymes help restore your intestinal tract to its normal state, making it inhospitable to parasites. Papain, an enzyme from the papaya plant, may help kill worms when taken 30 minutes before or after meals.

   • Vitamin C supports the immune system.

   • Zinc supports the immune system and is also used to heal stomach ulcers.

3. Homeopathic Treatments: Homeopathic remedies for parasite infections may include: Cina; Indigo; Spigelia; Podophyllum; Cuprum oxidatum nigrum; Teucrium; Sabadilla; Stanum.

4. Diet: A diet rich in raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, pineapple, carrots, beets, and pomegranates can help to kill parasites.

   • In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds with plenty of water is good for flushing the system.

   • Consuming more fiber may help the body get rid of worms.

   • Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as refined foods, sweetened juices, and sugars.

   • Drink plenty of water to aid fecal elimination.

   • Temporarily avoid coffee and alcohol.

   • Consume foods rich in beta-carotene (a precursor for vitamin A), such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Vitamin A is thought to increase resistance to parasites.

   • Add spices such as turmeric and cloves, which can help fight parasites.

5. Intestinal Cleansing: This is a popular alternative approach that involves a high-fiber diet and supplements such as psyllium husks, citrus pectin, papaya extract, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, pumpkin seeds, beetroot, and flaxseed.

6. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Food-grade diatomaceous earth is also a natural and effective way to eliminate internal parasites. A study published in the Journal of Poultry Science found that DE has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control parasites. Some people like to take a mixture of clove oil and wormwood along with food-grade diatomaceous earth to kill intestinal parasites. When buying diatomaceous earth, be sure to look for a brand that is food-grade, meaning that it is safe to ingest.

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Preventing Infection

As previously mentioned, parasite infections are very contagious. You can easily pass parasite eggs onto anything or anyone you touch. Therefore, it is crucial to wash your hands and maintain good hygiene habits to reduce the chances of further transmission. Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the restroom and before eating or preparing food. If you travel overseas, pay close attention to the quality of drinking water and the hygiene of the food you consume, and wash fruits and vegetables well.