How to Treat Intestinal Parasites in Humans

Intestinal parasites in humans include worms, such as tapeworms and roundworms, and protozoa which can multiply in the body and cause serious infection. They are transmitted through contaminated food and water, or accidental contact with contaminated fecal matter. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for intestinal parasites. Treatment for intestinal parasites include medication, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and dietary changes.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's appointment
• Medication
• Herbal remedies
• Anti-parasite foods

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Instructions

• 1

  Note your symptoms. Signs and symptoms of intestinal parasites include weight loss, stomach pain, diarrhea (possibly containing blood) and fatigue. However, intestinal parasites can live in the human body for years without causing any symptoms.

• 2

  Get tested. The physician may examine stool samples, or conduct tests such as the "Scotch tape test" which involves collecting material around the anus with Scotch tape and observing it under a microscope, or the "string test" which involves swallowing a string, pulling it back out, and observing the stomach contents that it picked up.

• 3

  Consider your treatment options. Common drugs to treat intestinal parasites include Thiabendazole (Mintezol), Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Nitazoxanide (Alinia). Make sure to complete the entire course of treatment or the parasites may not be eliminated.

• 4

  Herbal and homeopathic remedies may be used to treat intestinal parasites; however, they may have serious side effects and take longer than drugs to eliminate the parasites. Do not attempt to use them without supervision from a health care provider. Common herbal remedies for intestinal parasites include garlic, tea tree oil, anise and wormwood.

• 5

  Dietary changes will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for your treatment. Avoid simple carbohydrates, which worms feed upon, and increase your fiber intake. Eat more foods with anti-worm properties such as pumpkin seeds, carrots, honey and raw garlic. Increase your intake of vitamin C and probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.

• 6

  Avoid reinfection as this can cause more serious problems. Prevent the spread of intestinal parasites by washing and peeling fruits and vegetables, washing hands after using the bathroom and before touching food, and avoiding contaminated waters such as lakes and rivers, and the drinking water in foreign countries. If water is contaminated with intestinal parasites, boil it for one minute to kill the organisms.