The University of Maryland Medical Center tells us there are two types of intestinal parasites: helminths and protozoa. Helminths are multi-celled worms such as tapeworms, pinworms and roundworms. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that multiply in the human body, unlike the helminths. Giardia and cryptosporidium are the most common protozoa in the United States. Parasites are normally spread through feces-contaminated soil, food or water. Treatment options include drugs and complementary or alternative remedies.
Drug Treatments
Antiprotozoal medications are prescribed to combat protozoa infections. They include Mepron, Flagyl, Pentam-300 and Yodoxin, among others. Common adverse reactions include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea and cramping. Anthelmintics are used to fight helminths but are very specific to the organism. For example, Hetrazan is used for roundworm, pinworm, whipworm; antiminth for roundworm and pinworm; and Vermox against hookworm, pinworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache.
Nutrition and Supplements
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that alternative therapies, such as proper nutrition, in tandem with conventional medicine may help keep parasites from growing. They advise to stay away from simple carbohydrates and refined sugars such as fruit juices, fruits, all sugars and dairy products. They recommend eating raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets, carrots and more fiber. A mixture of honey and papaya seeds may help clear parasites out of stools.
Herbs
Once diagnosis is made by a health care provider, dried extracts such as teas and powders, glycerin extracts or tinctures can be helpful. The University of Maryland cautions that some herbs may be harmful when used with other medications, therefore take them under supervision of a practitioner. Commonly used herbs are garlic, goldenseal, anise, curled mint and black walnut.
