Parasites
What is a parasite?A parasite can be any living organism which lives in or on another living organism. This can include fleas and lice which are found on skin and in hair and also fungal infections such as athletes foot. It is quite normal for us to have a significant population of bacteria and yeast both on our skin and within our
...Read more intestines. A healthy adult may carry some 2kg of micro-organisms (called gut flora) to help digest food and release nutrients.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of parasite infection of the digestive system are diarrhoea and abdominal pain. This can be caused in the short term by a pathogenic bacterial infection from contaminated food. In a healthy person such an infection will usually be relatively short and will clear up within a day or so. Some types of bacterial infection such as salmonella can be dangerous especially to the weak or elderly.
Other symptoms might include fatigue, joint pain, headache and many others. Since the symptoms can often be quite vague and can be attributed to other causes it is sometimes difficult for a correct diagnosis to be given.
Prevention
By far the best protection from parasites is our own immune system. If we are healthy and eat a nutritious diet we will fight off many potential infections. Also it is important to eat a diet rich in fibre. This helps to improve the speed of transit of material throughout the digestive system and therefore reducing the time in which parasites can multiply. It is important to cook potentially contaminated meat properly, especially pork and chicken, and to avoid contamination of other foods and surfaces. Hygiene is essential to prevention.
Simple prevention tips can include:
Drink filtered or boiled water
Soak and wash food thoroughly with clean water
Cook food thoroughly
Wash hands with soap
Keep toddlers away from un-wormed animals
Eat a high fibre diet
AVOID
Raw foods like sushi whilst abroad
Walking barefoot (especially in warm, moist sand)
Using tap water to cleanse contact lenses
Refined or processed foods (low fibre)
There are many supplements available to try if you feel that you may be suffering from a parasite infection. Black walnut is a common ingredient in parasite supplements. It contains natural chemicals called tannins and quinone. These tannins and quinone compounds are the primary components that give this herb the ability to expel worms and other parasites. Wormwood consists of the leaves of the Artemisia shrub. Wormwood contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are thought to weaken parasite membranes.
The products on this page have been selected by the Nutri Centre nutritionists. To find the right choices for you, or if you are on any prescription medication, please give our nutritionists a call on 0207 436 5122.
Disclaimer
All content of this website is for information only. Our service is not intended to replace your usual healthcare professional.
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