The thought of having worms or parasites in your body is enough to make your skin crawl. However, tapeworms, roundworms, and other types of worms and parasites in humans is a more common problem than you probably realize. Worms can infect your intestinal tract if you drink contaminated water, have poor hygiene habits, eat undercooked food, or handle pets that are infected.
Parasitic worms come in all shapes and sizes and they are tiny microscopic creatures. Parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, abdominal cramping, itching around the anus, and nutrient deficiencies. Because these symptoms can indicate other types of infections, diagnosing parasites and worms in humans can be a challenge.
There are many home remedies for worms in humans that rid your body of parasitic organisms. For example, many parasite cleanse diets include foods that kill worms with ingredients like garlic, onions, and papaya seeds. Also, parasite cleanse supplements containing clove oil, oregano oil, or wormwood can help to kill off worms and parasites from the gut.
In this article, you will find out the best home remedies to get rid of tapeworms and other parasitic worms in humans. First of all, it’s important to learn a little more about these tiny worms and the harm that these parasites can inflict on your health.
Types of Parasites in Humans
Here are the most common types of intestinal worms and parasites that are found in the human body.
Tapeworms. These flatworms cause a common parasitic infection that affect humans, especially in developing countries.
Doctors from WebMD say that tapeworms can grow up to 30 ft (9 m) in humans!1 They are contracted from eating undercooked food or food that has been prepared by an infected person. Some types of tapeworms are Taenia solium (from pork), Taenia saginata (from beef), and Diphyllobothrium latum (from seafood). Tapeworms can cause digestive upset and weight loss.
Roundworms. A common roundworm that affects humans is Ascaris which, according to Dr. Lars Grimmon on Medscape, can grow up to 35 cm in size and live for up to 2 years. Usually, the eggs are ingested in contaminated food. They feed on food in your digestive system and can cause vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. The worms are usually detected in feces.
Whipworms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) are about 4 cm long and infect the intestines of humans. The infection occurs from whipworm eggs in the soil that get transferred to the mouth.
The parasitic infection can happen by eating vegetables or fruits that haven’t been washed, cooked, or peeled properly. Or, not washing your hands after working with soil can cause a whipworm infection. Symptoms are painful bowel movements with mucus, water, and blood.
Hookworms. Hookworms live in the soil and can often affect people who walk barefoot, especially in developing countries or in places where animals live.
Dr. Richard Pearson from the University of Virginia School of Medicine says that hookworm infections cause an itchy rash along with digestive problems and respiratory issues. Common types of hookworms are Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Threadworms. Threadworms are tiny parasitic worms that live in the gut of humans and are between 2 mm and 13 mm (1/2 inch) long. One of the most common symptoms of a threadworm infestation is an itchy anus.
Dr. Roger Henderson on Patient.info says that scratching your rectum can cause re-infestation if some threadworm eggs get under your fingernails and are then transferred to your mouth. Getting rid of threadworms successfully involves anti-parasitic treatment and following strict hygiene habits.
Pinworms. According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, pinworm infections are the most common parasitic infections in the U.S. Pinworms grow to about 13 mm in length (1/2 inch) and can lay 1,000s of eggs while you sleep.
Common ways that pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) get into the intestines are consuming contaminated food, drink, or not washing your hands. Female pinworms lay eggs around the anus and these can be spread by bed linen, toilet seats, and toys.
Parasites. According to the CDC, parasites (or, protozoa) are one-celled organisms and can infect a person if they come into contact with contaminated food or water.8
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that Giardia is a common parasite that lives in water. Common sites where these parasitic creatures live are streams, lakes, and swimming pools. Giardia infections can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, and watery diarrhea and last for up to 6 weeks.9
Causes of Parasites or Worms in Humans
Knowing the causes of parasitic infections in humans caused by worms can help you prevent infection. Let’s look at the most common ways that parasites and worms infect the human intestines.
Worms from pets
A common way that parasites get into the human body is by coming into contact with infected pets and animals.
According to a study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, pets are a common source of parasitic infections in humans. For example, dogs can contract parasites and worms from feces, the soil, and eating contaminated food. These can then be transferred to pet owners. Researchers found that parasite infection from dogs is common, and up to 50% of dogs that aren’t treated for worms can be infected.
Veterinary physician, Dr. Amy Flowers says that worm infections from pets include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Dr. Flowers recommends ways to prevent worm infections in humans. These include not walking barefoot in gardens where pets play and always wash your hands after handling pets that have been outdoors.
Parasites and worms from poor hygiene
Bad hygiene practices like not washing your hands after using the bathroom is a common cause of tapeworm infections. This can result in various gastrointestinal problems ranging from stomach cramps to explosive diarrhea.
According to the journal Revue Scientifique et Technique, unhygienic practices when it comes to disposal of human and animal waste commonly causes parasitic worm infections. This can happen when the people preparing food touch contaminated products before or during food preparation.
Parasites from undercooked food
Food, especially pork and seafood, needs to be thoroughly cooked beforehand to avoid parasitic worms infecting your intestines.
The journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection reports that undercooked pork is a common source of parasitic infections. Contaminated pork that is not cooked properly can cause protozoa Toxoplasma gondii infections as well as transmit Trichinella spp. and Taenia spp. worms.
Eating raw seafood like sushi can also cause parasitic infections if the seafood is contaminated. The journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews reported that tapeworms and roundworms can be present in seafood that hasn’t been frozen or cooked properly. However, few people report worm infections from contaminated seafood.
...[ Continue to next page ]
Share This Post
