Cures for Human Parasites

Human parasites are organisms that, being unable to live on their own, depend on their host (people) for survival. These organisms can damage the body through their feeding and life cycle, excreting toxic waste products or causing an allergic reaction. They can be very small (even microscopic, in the case of amoebas or other single-celled parasites) or can grow to be several inches long (in the case of flatworms). Parasites can live in almost any part of the body, including the digestive tract, on the skin (or under it) and in the liver. Human parasites can enter the body through a number of routes, including accidental ingestion, infection via the skin or sometimes via feces. Although our bodies are able to fight these infections, in some cases other treatments are necessary to cure human parasites. Parasitic infections can range from mildly annoying to debilitating and potentially fatal.

Conventional Treatments

• There are a variety of anti-parasitic medications that can be obtained by prescription. Before your doctor will prescribe any of these drugs, which include Albendazole, Iodoquinol, and Furazolidone, she will want to check your symptoms and your recent medical history to determine if a parasitic infection is likely. These prescription medications are generally safe and work to kill off parasites of different types. You will need to take the full course of the medication and possibly have any family members or other people you interact with closely take the medication as well, as to avoid having the parasite spread and/or reinfect you.

Natural Treatments

• There are a variety of herbal products that are used for homeopathic "parasitic cleanses." Although the effectiveness of these medications has not always been thoroughly tested, they are recommended by some scientists who work with herbal medications. They include wormwood, black walnut hull tincture and cloves. These herbs are usually taken in the form of capsules and can be purchased at many health food and alternative medicine stores. The schedule you should follow when taking them is included with the products.

Diet

• A proper diet will help the body's immune system naturally fight off parasites, as well as help to clear them from the body (especially true if the parasites are in the intestines). Eating a diet that is high in fiber will encourage digestive health and help clear out anything that is living in the intestines. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables will also help in this regard. In addition, probiotic foods, such as yogurt with active cultures, will help combat parasites.

Other Dietary Treatments

• Another way of curing parasites is to avoid foods that can help sustain them. Most stomach parasites, for example, thrive on dairy products and any foods that are high in sugar or fat. Sugar and fat are easily metabolized sources of energy for these parasites. In addition, avoiding undercooked meats, especially pork, beef and chicken, will also help you avoid getting stomach parasites as well as aiding your body in ridding it of current infections.

Topical Creams and Ointments

• Many parasites, such as ringworm, can cause infections on the skin that will result in a rash or irritation. For these types of parasites, the best treatment is to rub an anti-parasitic cream or ointment on the affected area. The most common active ingredient in these medications is metronidazole, and low-concentration creams are available over the counter at most drug stores.