It's hard to believe, but headaches, frequent colds, depression, decreased sex drive, common rashes and even dandruff can actually be the result of helminths, or parasitic worms, entering the body.
Moreover, in some cases it is not so easy to remove them.This is why nutrition experts recommend regular consumption of antiparasitic foods to prevent and treat helminthiasis.Moreover, most of them are always around.
What you need to know about helminths, or intestinal parasites
Helminths are multicellular organisms, which are popularly called simply worms.Modern science recognizes several hundred species of helminths.They can live in the human body for years, poisoning it with the products of their vital activity.Just imagine: according to the WHO, there are now about 3 billion people in the world who suffer from helminthiasis, and not all of them live in third world countries.
Contrary to popular belief that helminths live only in the intestines, they are found in the blood, muscle tissue, lungs, liver, eyes and even the brain.But the most interesting thing is that people most often do not notice their presence until the moment when their number is counted in the colony and becomes critical.
But in addition to the symptoms described above, the presence of helminthiasis is indicated by:
- loss of appetite;
- stomach pain, increased gas formation, nausea;
- itching around the anus or around the eyes;
- weight loss;
- cough;
- anemia, or low hemoglobin levels;
- muscle pain;
- insomnia;
- increased fatigue etc.
The most common reasons for worms entering the body are unwashed hands, dirty vegetables, fruits, meat and contaminated water.To fight them, traditional medicine uses medications, which are practically prescribed to people at risk (children and the elderly) approximately once a year.The non-traditional turns to the help of a special diet.
Antiparasitic diet
The essence of the antiparasitic diet is the introduction of foods with certain vitamins and microelements into the diet that help improve immunity and have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.We are talking about:
- probiotics.Much has already been said about them, but the fact remains that these substances are responsible for intestinal health.And in a healthy gut there is no place for parasites;
- products with vitamin C - they increase immunity and reduce the body's susceptibility to various diseases, including helminthiasis;
- products with zinc - not only helps improve immunity, but also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates the healing process of stomach ulcers;
- fiber - improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helps eliminate parasites from the body;
- products with vitamin A - reduces susceptibility to helminths.
Top 20 products against parasites
Garlic - its wonderful properties have long been legendary, and this is not surprising.After all, it contains a special substance - allicin, which, among other things, effectively fights parasites, including roundworm and giardia.
Pumpkin seeds - our grandmothers used them, sometimes even without suspecting that the secret of the success of this product is the presence of zinc and cucurbitin.The latter paralyzes the parasites and prevents them from sticking to the intestinal walls.
Pomegranates are a source of potassium, iron, antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. The product helps remove toxins and waste from the body, normalize the gastrointestinal tract and improve immunity.Traditional medicine uses pomegranate peel in the fight against worms.However, doctors do not approve this method, since if the prescribed daily dose is exceeded, serious consequences are possible, including hypertension, dizziness and vomiting.
Horseradish – also contains allicin, which can fight parasites.
Cayenne pepper is a very hot spice used in Mexican and Asian cuisines.It contains vitamins A and C, therefore it increases immunity, improves the function and metabolism of the gastrointestinal tract, effectively fights microorganisms and parasites, and even promotes wound healing.
Turmeric is another spice with similar properties.You can replace it with cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg.
Onions are a source of allicin.
Papaya - of course, this is not the most common fruit in our country, however, it is incredibly effective.It contains a large amount of useful substances, including myrosin, carpain, caricin, etc.But to remove worms, it is necessary to consume papaya seeds.They not only fight them effectively, but also help restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract after their presence.Interestingly, scientists from the University of Maryland advise "mixing papaya seeds with honey for maximum effect."
Carrots or carrot juice are a source of vitamin A and fiber, which improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and also fight worms.This is why doctors often include carrot juice as part of antiparasitic therapy.
Cranberry juice is a source of vitamins and trace elements, which also improves immunity and cleanses the body of worms.The main thing is that it is not sweetened.
Pineapple - contains bromelain, a substance that destroys the remains of parasites.By the way, there is an opinion that it can completely destroy tapeworms in 3 days, provided that it is used regularly.But this is not the only useful property of pineapple.The fact is that this is a rather sour fruit, and worms need glucose, in the absence of which they will surely die.
Thyme, or thyme - tea is brewed from it, with the help of which strips are removed from the body.
Berries - Anna Louis Gittelman mentions these berries in her book "Guess What's Coming to Dinner", talking about foods that have anti-parasitic properties.
Oregano oil (oregano) - contains two wonderful substances - thymol and carvacrol, which have antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties.
Tonsils - not only prevent the spread of parasites in the body, but also effectively cleanse it of them.Moreover, this is explained, according to scientists, by the high concentration of fatty acids in it.Along with this, almonds have soothing properties and ease the irritation of the stomach walls.
Clove - contains tannins that destroy the eggs and larvae of worms and, therefore, prevent their reproduction.That is why it is used very often to prevent helminthiasis.
Lemon – has antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties.To achieve the maximum effect, experts advise to use it with bananas.The latter is a natural laxative that improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Broccoli - According to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, "it contains a thiol that has anti-parasitic and antifungal properties."
Yogurt is a source of probiotics, which improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increase immunity and prevent the spread of parasites.
Ginger - not only has anti-parasitic properties, but also improves metabolism and digestion, and removes toxins from the body.That's why in Japan they put it in sushi.
How else to protect yourself from parasites
- observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- monitor your health, as reduced immunity is unable to resist parasites;
- limit the consumption of sweets and starchy foods, as glucose is an excellent means of their reproduction;
- give up coffee and alcohol - they poison the body.
Helminthiasis is an insidious disease that can affect all people, regardless of their position and status.Moreover, in the 21st century they not only suffer from it, but also die.However, this is no reason to panic!On the contrary, the need to think about it and finally introduce antiparasitic products into your diet.
Take care of your health, plan your diet carefully and be healthy!