How to Get Rid of Stomach Parasites - Counsel & Heal

How to Get Rid of Stomach Parasites - Counsel & Heal


How to Get Rid of Stomach Parasites - Counsel & Heal

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 12:19 PM PST

(Photo : Unsplash)

If you're wondering how to get rid of stomach parasites roaming freely in your body, explore these natural and holistic home remedies.

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Every year, billions of people throughout the world struggle with stomach parasites. Many of these people don't even realize they're experiencing intestinal parasite symptoms.

Do you suspect that you have a parasitic infection? If so, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn how to get rid of stomach parasites for good.

What Are Stomach Parasites?

Stomach parasites take up residence in a person's digestive tract and feed off of their host to stay alive.

It's rare for a parasite to kill their host, as they need them to survive. However, they can cause a wide range of serious health problems, especially when they go untreated for long periods of time.

There are many different stomach parasites that a person can experience. The following are some of the most common parasites, though:

  • E. vermicularis (also known as a seatworm or pinworm)
  • G. lamblia (which causes Giardia, one of the most common parasitic infections)
  • A. duodenale and N. americanus (two common types of hookworm)
  • E. histolytica (which causes amebiasis)

There are plenty of others, of course. If you're dealing with a parasitic infection, though, there's a good chance one of these parasites is at the root of it.

Signs of Gut Parasites

Stomach parasites don't often cause symptoms right away. It can take a while before the host starts to experience negative health effects. When they do, though, they might notice the following signs:

  • Severe abdominal pain and/or tenderness
  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
  • Gas and/or bloating
  • Severe fatigue
  • Sudden, unexplained weight loss

Some people may also experience skin rashes. They might notice blood or mucus in their stool as well.

What Causes Stomach Parasites?

There are lots of different situations that can lead to the development of a parasitic infection. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Consuming undercooked meat from an infected animal (fish, cow, pig, etc.)
  • Consuming contaminated water
  • Consuming unwashed plants grown in contaminated soil
  • Coming in contact with feces from a contaminated person or animal
  • Poor sanitation practices
  • Poor hygiene practices

Once a person comes in contact with a contaminated substance, that parasite can often travel to the intestinal tract. There, they'll grow and reproduce. The more time they have to grow and reproduce, the worse a person's symptoms may become.

Intestinal Parasite Risk Factors

Certain people may be more prone to intestinal parasite infections that others. For example, children face a higher risk because they have a tendency to play in places where contamination is more common (dirt piles, sandboxes, etc.). Those who live in third-world countries or who travel to them often are at risk as well.

Diagnosing Parasites

The most common way to diagnose a parasitic infection is through a stool test. A physician will examine a sample of your stool to look for the presence of parasites. They may also perform additional diagnostic tests, such as x-rays or MRIs, to get a closer look at what's going on inside of your body.

How to Get Rid of Stomach Parasites

Stomach parasites are serious business. Luckily, though, there are quite a few effective remedies one can use to get rid of them. Here are some of the most well-known options to consider trying if you're dealing with a parasite infection:

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help you eliminate parasites from your body. There are different medications that the doctor can prescribe based on the specific type of parasite infection you're dealing with.

These medications can be quite effective. Some people are wary of using them, though, because they can come with serious side effects, such as severe headaches, swelling of the body, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Berberine

For those who don't want to use anti-parasitic medications, there are plenty of natural remedies that can be effective at treating parasite infections.

For example, supplementing with berberine, a natural compound found in a variety of herbs, can help to provide relief to those dealing with tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. Berberine supplementation may help when it comes to preventing parasites from coming back, too.

Papaya Seeds

Another popular option is papaya seeds. Papaya seeds have been shown in numerous studies to help get rid of parasitic infections. Papaya seeds appear to be effective on their own and when they're administered along with honey. 

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of berberine. They also contain many amino acids and essential fatty acids, as well as other anti-parasitic compounds like cucurbitine and palatine. This combination makes pumpkin seeds a true superfood that can help people dealing with parasitic infections to overcome their symptoms sooner.

Wormwood

Wormwood is an herb that helps to kill off certain types of parasites. It also contains compounds that may weaken the membranes of various parasites. Supplementing with wormwood may be an especially effective option for those dealing with Heterobranchus longifilis infections.

Dietary Changes

Many people dealing with stubborn parasitic infections also see great results when they change their diet. A nutrient-rich diet can help to strengthen the immune system and provide the body with the tools it needs to fight off infections and be more resilient in the future.

An anti-parasitic diet often includes lots of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as supplementation with papaya seeds and other compounds outlined above. It's best for those with parasite infections to avoid sugar, refined and processed foods, alcohol, and coffee, too. These foods contain compounds that may feed parasites and make symptoms worse.

Say Goodbye to Parasites in the Stomach Today

Now that you know more about what a parasitic infection looks like, as well as how to get rid of stomach parasites, it's time to take action. Follow the steps outlined above so you can say goodbye once and for all to parasitic infections and improve your quality of life.

Are you looking for more information on digestive health and healing? If so, visit the physical wellness section of our site today. You'll find lots of helpful resources there that will teach you everything you need to know.

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How to Treat Dry Skin on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies - GoodHousekeeping.com

Posted: 30 Dec 2019 12:13 PM PST

dry skin on dogs

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Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dry skin. And unsurprisingly, some of the same causes of the condition in humans are responsible for dry skin on dogs, too. Although it's generally more of a discomfort than a serious danger to your pet, dry skin can be spotted and treated effectively so that your pup is back to living his best life in no time. Here are the the causes, symptoms, and most effective ways to treat dry skin on dogs, according to veterinarians.

What causes dry skin on dogs?

When the weather changes — or even when the conditions within a dog's indoor environment change — dry skin can strike. "Dry skin in dogs can be due to environmental changes, such as cold weather in the winter [or low air humidity]," says Dr. Juliette Bouillon, assistant professor at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Another factor could be your dog's food. She notes that "poor nutrition," including deficiencies in protein, vitamins, or essential fatty acids, could be a culprit.

Just like people, dogs can suffer allergies to a number of different factors in their environment. "Because allergies can cause excessive itching in dogs and cats, it is one of the major causes of dry skin," says Dr. Amanda Nascimento, the head of integrative veterinary medicine and research at NHV Natural Pet. "It can be caused by ingestion of food, dust, or liquids, for example."

Similarly, all those baths you think are helping your dog stay in top condition might actually have the opposite effect on their skin. "Excessive bathing can also lead to dry skin, especially when the shampoo is not followed by a moisturizer," Bouillon notes.

In some cases, your dog's dry skin could be something more serious. "Ultimately, scaling can develop in association with some illnesses such as endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes mellitus), skin allergies, resolving skin infections, parasitic infestations (mange, lice, Cheyletiella) and, more rarely, cancer or genetic diseases like ichthyosis (fish scale disease)," Bouillon warns.

What are the symptoms of dry skin on dogs?

Because there are several different causes of dry skin on dogs, there are also a range of symptoms. "The first step is to be able to identify dry skin," says Wag! advisory board member and veterinarian Dr. Ann Eliopulos. "Typically, these dogs will have a lackluster coat and flakes, which are dead skin cells that are sloughing off. A certain amount of flaking is normal, but excessive amounts and/or chronic flaking is not."

Other symptoms are more serious and often require a visit to the vet, says Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian with Rover.com. These symptoms include redness, which can indicate inflammation in the skin from an allergic or infectious cause; crusting, which may indicate a fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infection; itchiness, which could indicate parasites, allergies, bacterial, or fungal infections; hair loss, which could indicate endocrine changes, autoimmune disorders that attack the skin and fur, parasites, or fungal infections; or an odor, which is usually indicative of a yeast infection that is a common secondary infection with bacterial or other infections. In many of these cases, your vet will recommend effective prescription medications as a next step.

What are the best treatments for dry skin on dogs?

If there are no underlying causes requiring further treatment, follow a healthy, vet-advised protocol to keep your pet's skin moist and decrease dry skin.

First, make sure your dog's shampoo is gentle and moisturizing (human shampoo is at the wrong pH), then follow up with a conditioner, suggests Dr. Richter. After the shampoo, don't blow dry your pet's coat. "Even cool blow dryers will dry out the coat, Richter notes. "Toweling down and blotting to absorb the majority of the moisture will be effective enough and your pet will naturally take care of the rest."

Make sure your dog's food is nutritionally balanced. Most packaged pet food from pet stores is nutritionally balanced for dogs, but "look for the AAFCO symbol on the back of pet food to be sure," Richter advises. "If this symbol is not on the feed packaging, then it is not being appropriately regulated and may not contain the nutrients your pet needs to maintain healthy skin and a fur coat."

Consider supplementing your pet's diet with products like fish oil and probiotics to improve the coat and skin condition. Adding a little moist food and supplying abundant fresh water will also increase your pet's hydration intake and add moisture to the skin.

Beyond that, make sure you're keeping up your flea-prevention treatments all year long. "This is a standard veterinary recommendation, even if you rarely see a flea. That's because as soon as a flea jumps on and bites your pet, the saliva is allergenic enough to cause itching and scratching which creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and infection," Dr. Richter says. "It's better to just prevent a bite."

Can't Figure Out What's Wrong? 5 Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites to Look For - - VENTS Magazine

Posted: 25 Dec 2019 08:34 PM PST

You returned home after a trip overseas. After a few days, you begin to feel ill. Your stomach aches repeatedly, and you have frequent diarrhea.

You're eating more than usual over the past few days. However, you're still losing weight. And, you cannot sleep at night.

You're irritable due to a lack of sleep. You're also extremely fatigued throughout the day.

All of these are symptoms of intestinal parasites. You can get intestinal parasites by drinking contaminated water or consuming undercooked meat. The primary symptoms include weight loss, diahrrea, fatigue, rashes, and stomach pains.

Children are especially prone to parasitic infections when playing in contaminated soil. And, the elderly can get them due to weakened immune systems.

Anyone living in third-world nations can get parasite infections because of diminished sanitation standards. This article will show you the warning signs of parasite infection in greater depth. Read further if you want to further recognize the warning signs.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Weight loss occurs because the parasites are eating the food in your system. Intestinal worms are notorious for causing weight loss to the point where some people dangerously swallow tapeworms to lose weight.

Intestinal worms are dangerous because you lose precious nutrients as the worm consumes food meant for your body. It will reside in the intestines and consume any food, causing weight loss. Even though you're losing weight, you may never feel full after eating a meal.

If you have an intestinal parasite, you may also notice an upset stomach or frequent loss of appetite.

Additionally, weight loss is an immune system response to the parasite's presence. The body will take over a hormone that tells a person when to stop eating. Weight loss could be the result of the body trying to expel the parasite.

Abdominal Pains

Pain in the abdominal area is usually between the pelvic and chest areas. Like any disease, worms in your stomach affect the organs in your stomach area. Abdominal discomfort could affect some of the following organs:

  • Spleen

  • Liver

  • Gallbladder

  • Appendix

  • Pancreas

Additionally, intestinal blockage from a parasite could create stomach discomfort. Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite that can also cause abdominal pain, but a host of other parasites can foster the same symptom.

Constant Fatigue

Intestinal parasites can also spawn fatigue. In the worst cases, chronic fatigue can lead to neurological issues.

Parasites can also cause chronic fatigue. You may have chronic fatigue if you suffer from extreme lethargy.

You can get fatigued as the parasite drains nutrients, but your body can grow exhausted fighting the parasite. The fatigue may also cause a vitamin deficiency, most notably B12. A parasite test can reveal anemia or a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Fatigue can manifest in the following forms:

  • Apathy

  • Depression

  • Irritability

You may also wake up at night frequently or have trouble falling asleep. A lack of sleep can also cause fatigue.

Irregular Stool

Diarrhea can also cause fatigue because it dehydrates the body. A parasite can disrupt the healthy bacteria living in your intestines, causing irregular bowel movements.

A parasite normally entrenches itself in the lining of the small intestines. It is here where the parasite interferes with the absorption of fats and nutrients, resulting in diarrhea.

Diarrhea may include other symptoms, such as bloating or incessant flatulence. The composition of the stool is usually watery in nature. And, it's usually greasy or softer than a normal stool.

Depending on the parasite, you could see the worms in your stool. You can see the worms inside your underwear, around the anal area, or in the toilet after passing stool. However, certain parasites do not always reveal themselves in diarrhea.

Skin Rashes

Parasites can also cause allergic reactions or hives. A parasite could give you the following types of rashes:

  • Rosacea: This is a common skin condition that exposes blood vessels in the face. It can also cause small, red bumps that could exude puss. However, such a flareup is usually temporary.

  • Ezema: This parasite can cause rough skin patches that may cause oozing. They are extremely itchy and may give your skin a cracked appearance.

Certain parasites are more allergenic than others. A person's genetics may play a role in getting skin rashes from the parasite infection, in addition to nutritional status. Regardless of a person's individual profile, certain parasites can cause rashes across the board.

Intestinal parasites, for example, can spark skin rashes. In particular, hookworms are an intestinal parasite that creates hookworm rash. The rash occurs at the site where the hookworm burrowed through the skin. The rash itself can also be itchy.

You must be careful when scratching an infected area, as excessive scratching could lead to a skin infection. A skin reaction could also come in the form of crusty patches or pimply rashes.

In some cases, the rash may be oozing. The larvae can also move from the skin and into the lung, causing a cough or wheezing.

If you have small black bugs that burrow in your skin, you could have sand fleas or mites. They will lay eggs beneath your skin, which can cause skin rashes.

Many waterborne parasites will dig beneath the skin. For instance, you could get a burning or an itchy rash from a parasite that will dig beneath the top layer of the skin, otherwise known as swimmer's itch.

Like many parasite symptoms, however, a skin rash may not occur. And, a skin rash may indicate other health problems. However, a skin rash accompanied by other parasitic symptoms should be cause for concern.

What Can I do if I Show Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites?

If you have symptoms of intestinal parasites, contact a doctor immediately. A doctor can prescribe medicines that will attack the muscles of an intestinal parasite, killing it eventually. From there, the body will remove the dead parasite on its own.

The best preventative techniques include cooking meats thoroughly and washing your hands before eating.

Interested in reading more? Click on our other stories to learn how you can improve your health.

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