Parasites are more common than you think and you may catch one through the food you eat or the water you drink. They can also make way inside your body through your feet if you walk barefoot. Lack of hygienic practices such as eating without washing your hands could be another cause. Whichever way you contract these parasites, they can cause a host of infectious diseases and other health issues. They feast on what you eat while you get deprived of nutrients despite eating healthy.
The biggest challenge lies in identifying them because most of them are capable of living in your intestine for prolonged periods without even letting you know. If you travel frequently, your chances of getting a parasite increases. Paying attention to the food and drinks you consume is the best prevention strategy, but they may still creep in somehow. Now the next obvious thing on your mind would be about dealing with parasites if you do get them. Here are some tips that can help you deal with parasites more effectively.
Be vigilant about the symptoms
The mainstay of getting rid of parasites is to identify them as early as possible. Since the symptoms may often be mild or there may be no symptoms to begin with, you need to be extra conscious about what is happening inside your body. Pay attention to your weight as parasites can cause unexplained weight gain by eating away the nutrients you consume. Other symptoms include constipation or diarrhea, frequent bouts of indigestion, fatigue, lethargy, skin irritation and insomnia. If you experience one or more of these symptoms consistently, consider seeking medical advice.
Get a stool test
If you suspect parasites being present in your gut, you can opt for a stool test even before visiting a doctor. Having a test confirmed means half the work done because the doctor will know where to start from. He can recommend further testing to find the kind of parasitic invasion and tailor a treatment plan accordingly. These are the advanced tests that are usually done when the infection seems severe or the patients require early treatment. Identification of the parasite enables the doctor to initiate the right treatment for countering the specific organism.
Eat the right foods
Your diet can make all the difference when it comes to fighting these intruders that have entered your system. A balanced diet is recommended to boost your immunity and give you enough strength to fight off parasites. At the same time, you should include certain types of food items in your diet as these are the ones that change the environment of your gut and make it inhospitable for parasites. Garlic, papaya seeds, oregano, and coconut oil are some of the foods that can eliminate parasites from your system and restore your health.
Know the foods to avoid
While there are some foods that are effective for parasite elimination, there are others that these organisms thrive on. Simply speaking, you should avoid the foods that parasites love to feed on as they will only make them stronger and more potent. Sugar is the major culprit, which is the reason that you should avoid sweet foods as well as those high in carbs such as pasta, rice, bread, and sugary foods. Coffee, meat, and dairy should also be avoided because they create an acidic environment within your gut, which makes it favorable for parasites. Stay away from alcoholic drinks as well.
Take antibiotic treatment
Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones is the natural parasite cleansing therapy that works in most of the cases. But it may not be as effective in yours and you may still need to undergo antibiotic treatment to get rid of the parasitic invaders. This also becomes essential if you are suffering from a serious parasitic infection and need relief sooner rather than later. Furthermore, antibiotics are recommended for young children and the elderly because they need to be treated effectively and fast before the parasites do any major damage.
Following this strategy can help you in dealing with parasites more effectively. Even though a lot has been said about treating the causes of the diseases by these organisms, the main focus should still be on preventing them in the first place. The best you can do is to ensure that the water and food you consume are uncontaminated. Even if you are traveling, choose places that are hygienic and offer clean food and water. Additionally, following good hygiene practices is also important.