Children of all ages can pick up parasitic infections. Some children contract parasites by swimming in public pools or by playing with an infected child. Other parasitic infections come from eating undercooked meats or drinking contaminated water. Intestinal parasites include protozoa, one-celled organisms that multiply inside of your child's body and cause major infections. Other parasitic infections involve multicelled helminths, such as roundworm and hookworms, that cannot multiply inside of human bodies. You can typically kill parasites in children with a combination of prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, diet and herbs.
Step 1
Know the symptoms of a parasitic infection. While some children show no signs of infestation, many kids have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, gas, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Signs of a roundworm or a hookworm infection often include shortness of breath or coughing.
Step 2
Make an appointment with your pediatrician. Ask if you should bring in a stool sample and follow any instructions on collecting a fecal sample, if needed. The doctor should identify the parasite and prescribe a medication to kill the specific organism. Make sure your child takes the medication exactly as prescribed for the best results.
Step 3
Feed your child fiber-rich and antioxidant-rich foods. High-fiber foods, such as nuts and seeds, promote healthy bowel movements that can help eliminate parasites. Cherries, tomatoes, squash and blueberries all include high levels of vitamin C that can improve the health of your child's immune system so that it can more effectively fight off a parasitic infection.
Step 4
Give your child foods with anti-parasitic effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests feeding your child carrots, beets, pomegranates and pumpkin seeds.
Step 5
Add herbs and spices to your child's diet. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests using garlic, oregano and thyme, all of which have traditionally been used to kill parasites. Talk to your pediatrician before giving your child any herbal supplements.
Step 6
Ask your doctor about probiotic supplements appropriate for children. Probiotics contain healthy bacteria that boost gastrointestinal health and enhance your child's immune system.
Step 7
Give your child zinc and vitamin C supplements. This will help enhance the health of your child's immune system and help them fight off parasitic infections. Read the label to ensure that the supplements are suitable for kids.
Tips and Warnings
- To avoid parasitic infections, teach your child to wash his hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom and before handling food. Keep your child's fingernails short and clean. Cook meat thoroughly before serving to your family.
- Avoid giving your child simple carbs when trying to kill parasites. Fruit juices, dairy products, fruits, refined foods and sugars all feed intestinal parasites.
Things You'll Need
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Squash
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Beets
- Pomegranates
- Pumpkin seeds
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Probiotic supplements
- Zinc supplements
- Vitamin C supplements
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