Giardia is arguably the most common parasite infection of humans worldwide, and the second most common in the United States after pin-worm.
Helminths are worms with many cells. Nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common helminths that inhabit the human gut. Usually, helminths cannot multiply in the human body. Protozoan parasites that have only one cell can multiply inside the human body.
There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.
You can get them from contaminated food or water, a bug bite, or sexual contact. Some parasitic diseases are easily treated and some are not. Parasites range in size from tiny, one-celled organisms called protozoa to worms that can be seen with the naked eye.
Dioctophyme (=Dioctophyma) renale, the giant kidney worm, is the largest known parasitic nematode infecting humans — adult females can reach over one meter in length. The genus has been spelled as both “Dioctophyma” and “Dioctophyme”. Human infections are very rare.
It is estimated that around 80% of both adults and children have parasites in their gut. People can be infected with these parasites in a number of ways. The most common route is through the faecal oral route.
Drink a lot of water to help flush out your system. Eat more fiber, which may help get rid of worms. Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacilus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria). Help keep your digestive tract healthy.
Adult worms can live up to 7 years in a person's lymph system.
Unexplained digestive problems, itchiness, anemia, muscular and joint pain, and inability to feel satisfied after even a hearty meal are some of the commonly experienced signs you may have a parasite. Call your doctor if your unusual signs indicate the presence of a parasite.
In humans parasites may live in several places and infect many body parts and organ systems, for instance: Lungs (for example lung flukes). Muscles (for example Trichinella spiralis larvae). Joints (Giardia lamblia infection may lead to later development of arthritis).
Use an anthelmintic medication (aka a medicine used to destroy worms). Some anthelmintic medicines, like mebendazole, thiabendazole, and albendazole, starve and kill the worms. Other medicines, like ivermectin and praziquantel, paralyze the worms so they pass in your stool.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.
What are some skin parasites? Skin parasites can either be helminths, protozoa, or ectoparasites. They include ticks, fleas, lice, mites, bedbugs, hookworm migrans larvae, tapeworms, amoeba, and nematodes (filarial worms).
Some parasites go away on their own, especially if you have a healthy immune system and maintain a balanced diet. However, talk to a healthcare provider if you have signs of a parasitic infection. They can make an official diagnosis and help prevent the spread of the parasite to others.
For those who do get sick, signs and symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and may include: Watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools.
Nutrition and Supplements
Eat more raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets, and carrots, all of which have been used traditionally to kill parasites. In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds cleared stools of parasites in 23 out of 30 subjects.
Ginger. Just like garlic, ginger can also increase the production of stomach acid, which can kill parasites and prevent infections. Apart from that, ginger can increase blood circulation and is good for all types of digestive issues.
Parasites could be using glucose (or other things present in the host blood after eating) as a food source: When hosts eat, parasites eat.
Blood tests
SerologyThis test is used to look for antibodies or for parasite antigens produced when the body is infected with a parasite and the immune system is trying to fight off the invader. This test is done by your health care provider taking a blood sample and sending it to a lab.
First, the clean-out process for the colonoscopy is very thorough (if you've had one you know what I mean) and it wipes out any obvious parasites. Even more important, is the fact that parasites actually live INSIDE the colonic wall which will not be seen with the camera.