Parasites aren’t just limited edition of travelers inside the body. As reported, there are approximately 1 out of 3 is infected with an intestinal parasite at any given time in the US. Intestinal parasites are micro-organisms that live in the intestines. Although some parasites can live for long periods in the bowel without causing any symptoms that require treatment, others can cause pesky digestive complaints that could be a sign that they’re going to get you.
There are two main types of intestinal parasites: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms with many cells. Tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms are among the most common helminths in the United States.
Helminths
Protozoa, on the other hand, have only one cell, that can multiply inside the human body, which can allow serious infections to develop. The most common protozoa are giardia and cryptosporidium.
Protozoa
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Gas or bloating
- Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
- Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
- Stomach pain or tenderness
- Feeling tired
- Weight loss
- Passing a worm in your stool
Prevention and Treatment
Good hygiene is necessary to avoid catching these pesky parasites. Once you got infected, your General Practitioner would prescribed you with anti-helminthic drugs. So, next time, be sure that all meat, chicken and fish is cooked thoroughly. Don’t use a microwave to cook meat, chicken or fish.
Microwaves often don’t heat foods completely. Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water before eating. Always wash your hands, kitchen counters and utensils with hot soapy water after cutting or handling raw meat, chicken or fish. Be sure that all meat, chicken and fish is cooked thoroughly.
Furthermore, always wear shoes or slippers (to prevent hookworm infection). Do not use water from septic tanks or other potentially contaminated sources for watering vegetables
Teach children about proper hygiene (washing hands after going to the toilet, playing outside and before preparing or eating food).
If you have parasites, you can reduce the likelihood of passing them on to others by carefully washing your hands after having bowel movements and cleaning the genital area before having sex.
Wear gloves when changing the cat box. Deworm pets periodically.
Avoid swallowing river, stream or lake water.
Eat high-fiber foods and avoid sugar and other refined carbohydrates and keep your body slightly acidic by including pumpkin seeds, calmyrna figs, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice and pomegranates in your diet.
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