There is a misconception that intestinal parasites exist only in underdeveloped countries. Indeed, they are more widespread, but they are much more common than we think in developed countries as well. It’s not very nice to know that you’re a colony of intestinal parasites, but you’re not the only one. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3 billion people suffer from some type of intestinal parasite, and not all of them live in underdeveloped and poor countries.
What are intestinal parasites?
Parasitic parasites in general are classified into several groups, but the two main types of intestinal parasites are helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms with many cells that cannot multiply in the human body, such as tapeworms, oxyides and stalks. Protozoa, on the other hand, have only one cell and can multiply inside the human body and can cause serious infections.
How do you get intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are usually transmitted when a person comes into contact with infected stools (e.g. through contaminated soil, food or water). There are other things that may increase your risk of contracting intestinal parasites, such as visiting an area known to have parasites, poor hygiene and sanitation conditions (for food and water), having a weak immune system, handling animals and the age factor (children and the elderly are more likely to be infected). Once you are infected with parasites, it is contagious and can be easily passed on to other people.
Why are intestinal parasites dangerous?
As the name of a parasite suggests, they live inside our bodies and feed on it. In places where hygiene levels are high, parasites are not a major threat, but in poor countries and places where hygiene and sanitation are low, parasites can pose a real threat to life.
When our guts become hosts of parasites, even high levels of acidity in the digestive system cannot protect our body, so our body tries to defend itself with our immune system, and the gut can become inflamed. Intestinal parasites prevent the food we eat from being absorbed properly and release toxins into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Serious infections can cause intestinal obstruction when the gut is partially or completely blocked. Blocking prevents food, fluids and gas from moving through the intestines in the usual way. Serious infestation can also cause anaemia, as it can cause bleeding in the intestines.
The problem is that there are so many types of parasites, that they can cause a wide range of symptoms, and only a few of them can actually be digested. So, if you’ve tried different treatments to relieve your symptoms without success, intestinal parasites can be the hidden cause of many unresolved health problems.
Main symptoms of a parasitic infection in the body
1. Excessive ringing or loss of appetite
2. Weight loss
3. 3. Stomach pain
4. Constipation, diarrhoea, gas, or other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
5. Fluctuations in blood glucose
6. Skin disorders, such as acute itching around the rectum and other parts of the body, rash or other skin irritation
7. Anxiety and depression
8. Sleep disorders
9. Muscle, joint or other pain
10. Fatigue and exhaustion
11. Iron deficiency or anaemia
12. Immune disorders with excessive number of bacterial, fungal or viral infections
13. Decreased libido
14. Blood in the stools
15. Nausea or vomiting
How to treat intestinal parasites
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