Parasites within the human body may be invisible to the naked eye, but they can still wreak havoc and cause you to become severely ill over time.
No matter how careful you are, these tiny invaders find one way or another to enter the body and lead to illnesses such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Luckily enough, certain natural remedies are effective in killing parasites without any side effects and promoting the overall well-being of the human body.
This is your complete guide to understanding parasitic infections and discovering the benefits of the foods that kill these parasites in humans.
Symptoms of the Presence of Parasites in Humans
Parasites live in a host organism, feed off them, and spread at the host's expense. The three most common types of parasites that exist in humans are ectoparasites, helminths, and protozoa.
Each of these can produce harmful parasitic infections if not dealt with in due time. While it is quite tricky to ascertain whether you've contracted a parasitic infection, looking out for the following symptoms can surely help:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating or gas
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Skin rash and itching around the rectum or vulva
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms can put you in extreme discomfort and disturb your day-to-day life. While the best way to kill these microorganisms is by taking prescribed anti-parasitic drugs, there also are certain foods you can incorporate into your diet to help achieve this goal.
Eight Great Foods That Kill Parasites in Humans
Here are eight powerful foods that will not only help your body get rid of harmful parasites but also have other beneficial effects to assist you in maintaining a healthy, happy lifestyle.
1. Garlic
Garlic has been used since ancient times for its numerous medicinal properties. It contains allicin and ajoene, which target parasites, hookworms, and pinworms.
Garlic is also rich in sulfur substances that kill pathogenic bacteria and prevent blood clotting. The herb also promotes stomach acid production, which halts yeast's overgrowth in the gut and fights numerous fungi and bacteria.
And let's not forget about its high antioxidant content that fights inflammation and keeps the immune system functioning and healthy.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple is not only filled with flavor but has lots of beneficial compounds as well. Its core contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which is excellent for protein catabolism and can kill intestinal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms.
Additionally, pineapple juice features antioxidants that prevent the growth of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can otherwise lead to colon inflammation.
Eat the fruit raw or add it to your smoothies to promote tissue regeneration, suppress inflammation, and improve immunity against lethal parasites.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are another reliable agent in combating an intestinal parasite like a worm. They contain an amino acid called cucurbitin that has effective anti-parasitic properties.
It paralyzes the parasitic worm in the intestine and expels it through bowel movements. Apart from deworming, the pumpkin seed also features tetracyclic triterpenes compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
These seeds are also a good source of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K, which help maintain your blood sugar levels and strengthen your bones.
You can eat these seeds raw on an empty stomach after exposure to air for some days, bake them with seasonings and fresh oils, or simply add them to your smoothies and juices.
4. Cucumber Seeds
Cucumber seeds are the best medication for people suffering from a tapeworm infection. They have enzymes that specifically target tapeworms in your digestive tract and remove them from your body.
Try eating the seeds on an empty stomach in the morning or grinding them into powder for the best results.
Cucumber seeds are also abundant in phytochemicals like beta-carotene that suppress the growth of cancerous cells and are good for your vision, skin, and immunity.
Consuming these seeds daily helps kill harmful free radicals and fight inflammation, helping you stay fit and fresh.
5. Coconut
Coconut is another delicious yet effective remedy for enriching the human body with nutritious substances while also killing a parasite infection.
The fruit contains lauric acid, which eventually transforms into monolaurin compounds. It eliminates protozoa types of parasites, including ringworms and a wide range of other bacterial infections.
Aside from these health benefits, the fruit's powerful antioxidants effectively regulate blood sugar levels while improving the body's ability to absorb calcium and manganese to promote strong, healthy bone growth.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric, originating from the root of Curcuma longa, is an Indian spice used as a dietary supplement for treating various health conditions, including parasitic infections.
One of its active ingredients is curcumin which acts as an antiseptic agent and kills all types of intestinal worms in the body.
Additionally, turmeric is a natural antioxidant that helps lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, and chronic depression. It also increases the brain neurotrophic factor level, which protects the brain from Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases.
7. Neem Leaves
Neem leaves, sometimes called Indian lilac, have been used for centuries to cure skin diseases and diabetes.
Its extracts are also rich in antibacterial properties, which help in parasite cleansing for flushing out tapeworms, malarial parasites, and harmful bacteria.
Neem also contains flavonoids, a compound used to stop the growth of various cancer cells. Grind its leaves and have the paste first thing in the morning for optimal results.
8. Fresh Horseradish
Fresh horseradish is considered a natural penicillin and is an excellent remedy for intestinal worms and parasites.
The Egyptians have been using this vegetable for its medicinal properties, and you can do the same.
Because horseradish contains a powerful antibacterial compound called allyl isothiocyanate, it works effectively against several conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gout, colic, and food-borne diseases.
Use it freshly grated, in tincture form, as powder, ointment, capsules, or oil extract. For best results, use fresh horseradish and grate it properly so you get all the juice you can out of it.
Takeaway
While your primary goal should always be to prevent parasites from entering your body, you must always be ready for the worst possible outcome.
Luckily, most anti-parasitic foods effectively kill worms in humans and keep the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems functioning.
So, parasites or not, incorporate these beneficial foods into your diet and see them bring a healthy change into your life.
