Human internal parasites affect the body's stomach and intestinal system. Though rare in the U.S., internal worm infections remain the most common global infection affecting the poorest communities, according to the World Health Organization. Worms often enter the skin through contaminated soil or eating and drinking contaminated food. Once in the body, the worms travel into the respiratory system, are coughed up, swallowed where they enter the stomach and finally remain in the intestines. A variety of treatment options are available to de-worm the human body.
Medications
Prescription medications include albendazole and mebendazole. Both medications decrease the worm's absorption ability of sugar causing the worm to die, reports the MayoClinic.com. Food should be consumed when taking medications to increase absorption rate. Merck recommends drugs not be used during pregnancy. Patients taking albendazole to treat pinworm may suffer from reinfection. MayoClinic.com suggests patients continue to wear pajamas and underwear to sleep in at night while taking drugs. Daily cleansing by taking a bath is also recommended. A person should shake out bedding and nightclothes during and after completing treatment.
Nutritional Supplements and Diet
Some worm infections, including hookworm, cause anemia to occur. Anemia is a form of iron deficiency. Adult worms suck blood and intestinal juices from the human body decreasing blood circulation. A medical doctor may prescribe iron supplements to counteract the body's blood loss. Medical professionals may recommended a protein rich diet which is also high in iron. Weight loss and decreased growth may also occur--additional nutritional supplements may be recommended.
Prevention
Human stomach and intestinal worms may be avoided by not eating undercooked or contaminated food. All meat should be cooked to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or frozen to 16 degrees Fahrenheit for 36 hours, advises the Cleveland Clinic. The clinic reports smoking, pickling or other methods of preserving meat do not kill worms. A person should not walk barefoot while traveling to foreign countries. Walking on infected soil is a prime method for hookworm larvae to enter the body. Pinworm infections may be avoided by participating in frequent hand washing and sleeping in clean sheets and nightclothes.
