Yes, intestinal parasites can affect quality of life in many ways. Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals and can cause various health problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia.

Here are some ways intestinal parasites can affect quality of life:

  • Physical Symptoms: Intestinal parasites can cause a range of physical symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may affect a person’s ability to work or engage in other activities.

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Intestinal parasites can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to nutritional deficiencies that can affect a person’s overall health and well-being. For example, hookworms can cause iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness.

  • Mental Health: Chronic infection with intestinal parasites can also have an impact on mental health. Studies have shown that people infected with certain types of parasites may be at a higher risk for depression and anxiety.

  • Social Isolation: People with intestinal parasites may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their symptoms or seek treatment, which can lead to social isolation and negatively impact their quality of life.

Parasites that live inside the intestines

Intestinal parasites are organisms that live inside the human intestine and feed on the host’s nutrients. They can be acquired through contaminated food, water, or soil, and can cause a variety of health problems. Some common types of intestinal parasites include:

  • Giardia: A single-celled parasite that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

  • Cryptosporidium: A microscopic parasite that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration.

  • Roundworms: Long, thin worms that can grow up to several inches in length and cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

  • Tapeworms: Flat, segmented worms that can grow up to several feet in length and cause weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

  • Hookworms: Small, thin worms that attach themselves to the intestinal wall and can cause anemia, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Intestinal parasites can be diagnosed through stool analysis, and treatment usually involves medication to kill the parasites. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly and cooking food properly, can help prevent the spread of intestinal parasites.

In summary, intestinal parasites can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their social and emotional well-being. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have an intestinal parasite infection.

Intestinal parasites are far more common than most would think or hope. They may not be easily identified and seen with the naked eye, however, these shifty, not so friendly residence of the body can be wreaking havoc. Parasites can be anything from teeny tiny little organisms, right up to large worms that span much of intestines…and that’s LONG!

In addition to the above malady’s parasites are nice enough to feed on our blood and take nutrients from us. This can lead to nutrient insufficiencies such as iron and protein malabsorption and deficiency.

Where Do Parasites Live?

Sluggish-Lymphatic-System

Parasites can live in various parts of the human body, depending on the type of parasite. Some are even clever enough to be able to access the blood stream and enter our vital tissues, feeding off of them like vultures and sometimes leaving behind ulcers and scaring. Tissues that can be impacted include:

  • Intestinal Parasites: These parasites live in the intestine and include tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.
  • Blood Parasites: These parasites live in the bloodstream and include malaria parasites, trypanosomes, and filarial worms.
  • Tissue Parasites: These parasites live in the body tissues and include Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis, and Trichinella spiralis, which can cause trichinosis.
  • Skin Parasites: These parasites live on or under the skin and include lice, scabies mites, and the larvae of botflies.
  • Organ Parasites: These parasites can live in specific organs such as the liver, lungs, or brain. Examples include liver flukes, lung flukes, and the pork tapeworm.

How do we contract parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and rely on the host for their survival. They can enter the body through various means, including contaminated food and water, insect bites, and direct contact with infected animals or people, touching feces, nasal passages, having a low immune system, poor hygiene. It’s important to practice good hygiene and take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure to parasites.

Parasites can also enter the body in a variety of other ways, including:

  • Ingestion: Many parasites can be contracted by eating contaminated food or water. This can happen when food or water is contaminated with the eggs or cysts of parasites.
  • Skin Contact: Some parasites can enter the body through the skin, particularly if it is broken or if the person has been in contact with contaminated soil or water.
  • Insect Bites: Some parasites are transmitted by insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, which act as vectors for the parasite.
  • Sexual Contact: Some parasites can be transmitted through sexual contact, particularly those that affect the reproductive system.
  • Mother-to-Child Transmission: Some parasites can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth.

The specific way in which a parasite is contracted will depend on the type of parasite in question. It is important to take steps to reduce the risk of contracting parasites, such as practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with contaminated water and soil, and taking precautions to prevent insect bites.

Major symptoms of parasitic infection

These nasty fellows can cause wide spread inflammation in the muscles, skin, gut, and brain. In addition parasites are nice enough to feed on our blood and take nutrients from us. This can lead to nutrient insufficiencies such as iron and protein malabsorption and deficiency. Some of the outward symptoms that may be seen can include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Joint pain
  • Dehydration

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Abdominal discomfort such as IBS,  IBD and Gastritis etc

  • Allergies such as seasonal, plus sensitivities and intolerances to various food items

  • Unexplainable weight loss

  • Fever and chills
  • Itching and rash
  • Anemia
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Cough and shortness of breath
  • Vision problems

These are often immediate symptoms but can also last long after the initial infection.

It’s important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Food and herbal treatments

There are several food and herbal treatments that may help in treating parasitic infections. Despite all of this horrific information, hope isn’t lost if you do happen to be stuck by a troublesome little parasite. Food and herbal treatments have shown efficacy in eliminating or reducing the toxic and life altering effects that parasites can inflict.

However, it’s important to note that these treatments should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Here are some food and herbal treatments that may help in treating parasitic infections:

  • Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that have antimicrobial properties. It may be effective in treating parasitic infections when consumed regularly.

  • Pumpkin Seeds or Pepitas: Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin that may be effective in killing parasites in the digestive tract. Eating raw pumpkin seeds or taking pumpkin seed supplements may be helpful in treating parasitic infections. They are not only a delicious addition to your salads and snacking routine, adding both flavour and texture, but are praised for their anti-parasitic activity. They are paralytic to parasites, particularly helminths such as worms.

  • Oregano Oil: The oil from this delightful culinary herb is highly antimicrobial and can be effective in knocking parasites out of the park (or intestines). It is important to use the oil of oregano under the guidance of a trained health professional for dosing safety, quality and efficacy.

  • Garlic: Has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including parasitic infections. It has antimicrobial properties that may help to kill parasites in the body. Eating raw garlic or taking garlic supplements may be effective in treating parasitic infections. The sulfur rich amino acids and allicin that are found in garlic dominate parasitic infection. These compounds are released only through the fine dicing or mincing of the fresh garlic bulbs. They should be left to sit for approximately 5 minutes before consumption.

  • Oil of Clove: In short, simple and effective explanation, clove oil is effective at eradicating parasitic eggs. As with the previous remedies supervision and guidance from a qualified health professional is recommended for safety and effective dosing.

  • Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help to fight parasitic infections. Adding turmeric to your diet or taking turmeric supplements may be helpful in treating parasitic infections.

  • Wormwood: Is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat parasitic infections. It contains compounds that may be effective in killing parasites in the body. Wormwood supplements may be helpful in treating parasitic infections.

  • Black walnut: Is an herb that contains compounds that may be effective in killing parasites in the body. Black walnut supplements may be helpful in treating parasitic infections.

  • Papaya and Pineapple Fruit: These pretty, sweet tropical fruits boast amino acids and the digestive enzymes known as papain (papaya) and bromelain (pineapple). These actives create an unfavorable living space that may help to destroy the parasites in the digestive tract. Eating papaya seeds regularly may be helpful in treating parasitic infections.Papaya seeds have demonstrated significant benefits in the eradication of intestinal parasites, although caution and professional support should be obtained before commencing with these natural treatments.

It’s important to note that some of these food and herbal treatments may interact with medications or have side effects. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments.

Reducing Parasites Through Diet

Enzymes and acids play an active role in reducing susceptibility and eliminating parasitic infections. The idea is to develop an environment that makes it difficult for the parasite to thrive and survive. Enzymes and organic acids make up a portion of all fruits and vegetables including:

  • Fruit: Kiwi fruit, papaya, pineapple, avocado, citrus, berries

  • Veg: Sauerkraut, kimchi, green leafy vegetables, broccoli etc.

A good intestinal flora is also a vital preventative and treatment to the nasty parasitic bugs that can enter our system uninvited. Fermented food products such as apple cider vinegar, unsweetened kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha along with a good quality probiotic support a healthy gut colony.

Sugar & its parasitic loving powers

insulin-resistance-vs-carb-intolerance

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is found in many foods. It is a source of quick energy for the body, and it is used in many recipes to add flavor and texture. However, sugar can also have negative effects on the body when consumed in excess.

One of the negative effects of sugar is that it can promote the growth of parasitic organisms in the body. Parasites are organisms that live off of another organism, known as a host, and they can cause a variety of health problems.

Sugar is a favorite food of many parasites, including Candida, a type of yeast that can cause infections in the mouth, throat, and genital area. When sugar is consumed in excess, it can feed Candida and other parasites, allowing them to multiply and cause more damage to the body.

In addition to promoting the growth of parasites, sugar can also weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to parasitic infections. When the immune system is compromised, it is less able to fight off invading organisms, including parasites.

To prevent the negative effects of sugar on the body, it is important to consume it in moderation. This means limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages, such as soda, candy, and baked goods. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support the immune system and keep parasitic infections at bay.

If you know you have a parasitic infection or suspect you may have based on your symptoms, it is important that you eradication them as soon as possible. Long term parasitic infections that are allowed to remain dormant or active in the intestines can lead to longer term complications that can impact the entire body including digestive complaints, joint pain and nervous system complications.

Using A High-Quality Mineral Supplement

To top up your short fall of life giving foods, using a high-quality mineral supplement such Modere Mineral Solutions is a good choice. This supplement gives a real boost to depleted bodies.