Treatment Options for Gut Parasites: Natural and Medical Solutions

Understanding Gut Parasites

Parasitic infections, caused by intestinal helminths and protozoan parasites, are one of the most common infections worldwide.

There are many types of gut parasites.

Let’s see some of them:

1. Protozoa:

Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes that can be free-living or parasitic and feed on organic matter like other microorganisms or debris. Historically, protozoans were regarded as “one-celled animals”.

These include:

Giardia: 
Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis, the most prevalent parasitic infection in the developed world and is also common in the developing world.

Entamoeba Histolytica: 
This causes amoebiasis. Amoebiasis is the third leading cause of death from parasitic diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 50 million people worldwide suffer from amoebic infection each year, which results in 40-100 thousand deaths annually.

2. Helminths (Worms):

The most widely known parasite is helminths. Helminths are worms with many cells. Usually, helminths cannot multiply in the human body.

There are four species of intestinal helminthic parasites, also known as geohelminths and soil-transmitted helminths:

• Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides).
• Hookworms (Ancylostoma and Necator).
• Tapeworms (Taenia species).
• Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis).

These infestations are most common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially those without adequate water and sanitation facilities.

They rarely cause death, but they can affect your overall health and nutritional status.

Symptoms of Gut Parasite Infections

Parasites can live in your body for many years. They may or may not cause any symptoms during this period. The symptoms can often overlap with other disease symptoms, thus increasing the chances of missing this out as a causative factor during diagnosis. Different kinds of gut parasites can cause different kinds of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms seen are as follows:

• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Abdominal pain or bloating.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Anal itching (common with pinworms).
• Loss of appetite or increased appetite.
• Blood in stools.

Medical Treatment Options for Gut Parasites

Treating gut parasites as soon as they are diagnosed is essential, as the longer they stay in your body, the more they can harm your body. Gut parasites can be treated with a variety of medical treatments. Let’s see some of these below:

1. Antiparasitic Medications

Antiparasitic medications are commonly used by healthcare practitioners. In many countries, they are also given as a preventive treatment for young children.

a) Protozoa:

The following are the treatments of Protozoa: 

Giardia Lamblia: 
The nitroimidazoles class of agents is used to treat G. lamblia infection. It includes metronidazole, tinidazole, ornidazole, and secnidazole. 

This class was discovered in 1955 and was found to be highly effective against several protozoan infections. Since this discovery, metronidazole and other nitroimidazoles have been used by healthcare practitioners as a treatment for G. Lamblia infection.

Entamoeba Histolytica: 
Metronidazole is the first-line treatment for intestinal amebiasis and amebic liver abscess. Alternatives to metronidazole include tinidazole, ornidazole, and nitazoaxanide.  It is followed by paromomycin to clear cysts.

b) Helminths (Worms):

The following are the treatments for helminths (worms):

Albendazole or mebendazole: It is the most effective drug against roundworms, hookworms, and pinworms.

Praziquantel: 
Nowadays, praziquantel (PZQ) is the ‘drug of choice’ for the treatment of opisthorchiasis, schistosomiasis and other diseases caused by helminths. It is also used for tapeworm infections.

Pyrantel Pamoate: 
It is not as effective for hookworms and roundworms but is often recommended for pinworms and is available as an over-the-counter drug in some regions.

2. Supportive Care

Apart from medical intervention, supportive care is also very important. Without this, your condition may not resolve quickly and can cause further issues. Some simple, supportive care is as follows:

a) Hydration: 

Adequate hydration is always necessary for your overall health. Diarrhoea can cause water loss, which makes you feel weak and tired. Rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS), coconut water or electrolytes helps to combat dehydration from symptoms like diarrhoea.

b) Pain Relief: 

Stomach pain is a very common complaint in almost all parasitic infestations. Some other complaints, such as vomiting, body aches, and fever, can persist. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be beneficial for such symptoms.

3. Surgical Intervention (Rare Cases):

Most of the cases of parasitic infestations can be managed simply by medical therapy using antiparasitic medicines. However, sometimes, when these cases go undetected for a more extended period of time, they can become more and more complicated and serious. Sometimes, these can cause intestinal blockages or adhesions in your intestines due to infections. Surgery is the last resort in these cases and is very necessary for severe cases as, if immediate action is not taken, it can be fatal.

Natural Remedies for Gut Parasites

Along with several medical and surgical methods, there are many simple and natural remedies that can help you flush out your gut parasites. Some of these are:

1. Garlic: 

A compound known as allicin is present in garlic and is known for its antiparasitic properties.

How to Use: Consume raw garlic on an empty stomach or as a supplement. Garlic may even help to prevent future instances of stomach worm infestation. It is one of the best natural remedies for intestinal parasites. However, be cautious if you have heat-related issues in your body.

2. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain compounds known as cucurbitacin that can paralyse the gut parasites, making it easier to expel them from your body. They are flushed out along with your stools. 

How to consume: Mix a tablespoon of roasted pumpkin seeds with some water to get the best results. You can also blend this into a smoothie if desired. This mixture should be taken every morning on an empty stomach.

3. Papaya Seeds

Papaya seeds have been used traditionally to treat intestinal parasites. Its seeds have anti-amoebic and anthelmintic properties, which help to eliminate intestinal worms from your body. 

How to consume: Papaya seeds can be consumed with honey by crushing and mixing it with honey. This drink should be taken first thing in the morning.

4. Wormwood

A powerful herb which is used widely to expel worms. Wormwood has been used to treat intestinal worms for as long as Ancient Egypt. A compound known as Thujone has antiparasitic properties.

How to Use: You can take it as tea or in the form of capsules but do not use it for a prolonged time.

5. Oregano Oil

It is rich in carvacrol and thymol, which helps tackle protozoa issues.

How to Use: You can take diluted oregano oil daily in doses, as suggested by a healthcare expert.

6. Coconut Oil

It contains fatty acids that have antiparasitic properties. Coconut is one of the best natural methods to remove intestinal worms. It destroys parasites of many kinds, including tapeworms and helminths.

How to Use: Add coconut oil to your diet by including it in your meals or consuming it alone simply.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that support your gut microbiome. They ensure that a balanced digestive process is maintained in your body. They help to restore balance after a parasitic infection.

Sources: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, buttermilk, kanji or supplements.

Dietary Adjustments for Managing Gut Parasites

Gut parasites are often caused due to a bad diet. Along with the above-mentioned measures, adjustments in your diet are vital for the management and elimination of parasites from your gut. Some simple adjustments which you can easily do in your routine are: 

High-Fibre Foods

Fibre is an important component of your diet. It helps in the formation and smooth elimination of your stools. They help to add bulk to your stools when you include enough fibre in your diet, and your bowel movements are boosted, which helps to expel parasites from your gut.

Examples: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, lentils.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Many natural food sources help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation can occur when parasites attack your gut. Some of these foods are:

Examples: Turmeric, ginger, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Hydration

Hydration is a crucial component of your overall health. Ensure you drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Water helps to flush toxins out and maintain adequate hydration in your body.

Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods

The incidence of parasites is seen mainly in people who consume a lot of sweets. Parasites thrive on sugar and grow in your gut. So, reduce your intake of sugary and processed foods to prevent this.

Preventing Gut Parasite Infections

Lastly, Prevention is always better than cure.

Some tips to keep in mind for prevention of parasitic infection are:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Always wash your hands with soap or handwash thoroughly before eating and after using a bathroom.

Clean your kitchen or food preparation areas regularly with a suitable antiseptic or antibacterial liquid or with soap.

2. Drink Safe Water

Use filtered or bottled water, especially when you are travelling to areas with poor sanitation or in another country, as the normal water in a country may be suitable for the local people but not for you.

Even at your home, drink filtered or boiled water only.

3. Cook Food Thoroughly

Ensure the meat, fish, and eggs you consume are cooked properly at safe temperatures to kill parasites or any cysts. Avoid eating undercooked and raw foods, as this may increase your chances of parasite infection.

4. Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water to remove any contaminants, pesticides, eggs of parasites or living parasites.

5. Avoid Walking Barefoot

Hookworm infestation can occur if you usually walk barefoot. Always wear shoes outdoors to prevent this.

6. Regular Pet Deworming

Regularly deworm your pets as they can also cause parasite transfer, as many parasites can survive in both animals and humans.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most of the parasitic infections are not fatal. They are mostly chronic and cause moderate symptoms that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis, proper care and treatment.

But you should seek immediate medical attention if you face:

• Persistent diarrhoea or abdominal pain.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools.
• Anal itching that doesn’t improve.
• Severe fatigue or malnutrition symptoms

Wrapping Up

Discomfort caused by gut parasites can be different for different people. Antiparasitic medications are the most popular for getting rid of parasites. On the other hand, natural remedies and dietary changes can also support your recovery. Preventive measures help to reduce the risk of potential infections in the future. If you start experiencing any symptoms, always consult a healthcare expert to rule out a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. You can contact our Nirva team of health experts for more information.