Parasites are living organisms that live and feed off other organisms, according to Dictionary.com. Although infestation of humans is usually associated with living or traveling in exotic locations, you can come into contact with parasites anywhere in the world, according to Organic Nutrition. Humans are likely to play host to hookworms and tapeworms, according to the National Institutes of Health's website MedlinePlus. A parasite-cleansing diet may help rid you of these pests. Discuss any infections or treatment methods with your doctor before attempting to treat your own health conditions.
Identification
Parasites that live and feed off humans can come from a wide range of species, according to MedlinePlus. Some parasites can grow quite large, while others remain microscopic. Humans can get parasites from a number of sources, even in the United States. An infestation of giardia can come from drinking contaminated water, reports MedlinePlus, and cats can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which can be dangerous to pregnant women. Parasite infestations are usually diagnosed with an ova and parasite test, or an O&P test.
Function
A parasite-cleansing diet will help rid the body of parasites, according to Just Cleansing. A cleansing diet may start with a juice fast, which relies on the vitamins, minerals and enzymes present in fresh juice to boost the immune system and help rid itself of toxins, including parasites and their waste products. It also helps restore nutrients that are lost when parasites share your food, according to Organic Nutrition.
Process
A juice-cleansing diet for parasites should begin with preparing the body by eating mostly raw fruits and vegetables for a day or two beforehand, according to Just Cleansing. During the diet, drink up to 64 oz., or one-half gallon, of fresh juice per day along with plenty of water to help the body flush out parasites and their toxins. You may also wish to use a laxative tea to allow the body to remove parasites via the colon, advises Just Cleansing. After a few days, ease back into eating solid foods with fresh or lightly steamed vegetables and fruits.
Maintenance
After a cleanse, you can make several changes to your diet to help protect yourself from re-infestation, according to Just Cleansing. Try adding pumpkin seeds, garlic, onions, apple cider vinegar, kelp and yogurt to your diet for an added boost of protection, suggests Just Cleansing. You may also consider adding herbal supplements that may kill parasites, advises Organic Nutrition. A tincture consisting of black walnut, clove and wormwood may help your body fight off parasites, according to Organic Nutrition. Always check with a physician before taking any herbal supplement to be sure it will not interact badly with any medication you may be taking.
Prevention
You can help protect yourself and your family from parasite infestation. If you are traveling to a foreign country, there are many ways in which to treat water in order to make it parasite-free and safe for drinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Boiling water kills many microorganisms, according to the CDC. You can also buy filters that are fine enough to screen out many types of parasites and their eggs.
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