Information on Parasites in the HUMAN body
"There is a myth in some natural health circles that argues that the vast majority of people have parasites, and, therefore, need parasite cleanses. This presumption is untrue.
However, well-known parasitic infections such as malaria are a global epidemic. Malaria alone kills over 660,000 people each year, according to the
Many parasitic infections are also possible in the United States. The
- More than 60 million people have chronic Toxoplasma gondii infections, which is one of the most common parasitic infections in the world.
- Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted parasite that affects about 3.7 million people.
- More than 300,000 people live with the Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
- At least 1,000 people visit the hospital each year for cysticercosis, or pork tapeworm.
- At least 14% of the population has come into contact with Toxocara or roundworms, typically from dogs or cats.
However, some manufacturers of parasite cleanses and other detox products may inflate these numbers. Many makers of parasite cleanse products will go so far as to say everyone should do a parasite cleanse once or twice a year, with or without evidence of them having a parasite.
In reality, the only people who need treatment for parasites are the people who have parasitic infections. Anyone who is concerned they have a parasitic infection should speak to a doctor.
There is little research on whether commercial parasite cleanses are useful. Many of the people who try these products likely do not have a parasitic infection.
However, some parasite cleansers may be effective for people who do have an infection. For example, wormwood is the main ingredient in many parasite cleansing products, and it contains powerful antioxidants and other helpful compounds.
A recent study in the
Another 2018 study in humans found that wormwood could treat schistosomiasis, which occurs in people with a type of parasitic worms, as effectively as the standard medical treatment.
In the study, 800 participants with schistosomiasis received either the standard medical treatment (praziquantel) or one of two types of wormwood tea.
Those who received the wormwood tea cleared the infection faster and experienced fewer side effects than those who took standard medication.
Plants often have natural defense compounds built into them that work to protect the plant from infections, as well as ward off bugs and other invaders.
Many plants and herbs contain compounds that may have an antiparasitic effect in laboratory testing and other studies.
Therefore, manufacturers of parasite cleanses claim that many plants may kill parasites in the body as well, including:
- wormwood
- oregano oil
- black walnut
- clove
- diatomaceous earth
- grapefruit seed extract
- neem
- propolis
- Oregon grape
- olive leaf
- barberry
Many natural sources have similar effects to standard medications for parasites and show promise as antiparasitic tools. However, it may be difficult to tell if they are effective when many people using at-home parasite cleanses do not have any underlying infection.
Common symptoms of a parasitic infection include:
- general fatigue
- mental fog
- headaches
- bloating
- gas
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- skin symptoms, such as rashes
- having diarrhea while traveling
- unexplained weight loss
- passing worms in the stool
However, many of these symptoms appear with other digestive health issues. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor for a full diagnosis."
Reference:
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH on October 16, 2019 — Written by Jon Johnson, link :https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326696.php#uses