Home Remedies for Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms present a significant concern in global health, affecting millions of individuals and posing considerable challenges to well-being and productivity. While conventional treatments are available, a growing body of research highlights the potential of natural foods to combat these parasitic infections effectively. This article highlights dietary options that can aid in managing and mitigating the effects of intestinal worms, offering valuable insights into complementary approaches for enhancing health outcomes.

Causes of Intestinal Worms​

Intestinal worm infestations typically occur when humans come into contact with environments or substances contaminated with the parasites or their eggs. While ingestion is the primary mode of transmission, here’s a brief explanation of the key causes and routes:

1. Eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals: Some intestinal worms, such as tapeworms and certain types of roundworms, are commonly acquired through consuming meat (especially pork, beef, or fish) that hasn’t been properly cooked, which may contain larvae or cysts. Cooking meat thoroughly kills these parasites.
2. Drinking contaminated water: Water sources contaminated with worms or their eggs can lead to infections. Protozoan parasites and certain worm eggs enter the human body through drinking untreated or inadequately treated water.
3. Handling faecal matter or contaminated soil: Some worms, like the hookworms, thrive in soil contaminated with human or animal feces, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil or getting the soil into the mouth through unwashed hands can lead to infestation.
4. Poor personal hygiene and inadequate sanitation: Lack of proper handwashing before eating or after using the toilet can lead to contamination and infestation. Additionally, inadequate sanitation infrastructure facilitates the spread of parasites, allowing eggs or larvae to persist in the environment.
5. Direct skin penetration: Certain larvae, such as those of hookworms, are capable of penetrating the skin directly. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil or coming into contact with contaminated water can result in these parasites entering the body through the skin.
6. Consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables: Produce that has been improperly washed or irrigated with contaminated water can harbor worm eggs or larvae. Cross-contamination can also occur during food preparation when items used for handling meat (e.g. chopping boards, knives, etc.) are used for handling vegetables without proper sanitation. Ingesting these unwashed or improperly washed fruits and vegetables can lead to infection.
7. Contact with animals: Pet owners or people who have close contact with animals might be at risk, especially if their animals carry parasites. This can occur through petting, cleaning, or coming into contact with animal feces.

Once inside, these parasites settle in the intestines, where they reproduce and multiply, eventually causing symptoms. Understanding these pathways helps in implementing effective preventive measures, such as cooking food thoroughly, practicing good hygiene, proper sanitation, and maintaining clean water supplies, to reduce the risk of worm infestations.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worm Infestation​

Intestinal worm infestations can manifest in various ways due to the way these parasites interact with their host’s body. While some individuals may remain asymptomatic for years, others might experience:

• Abdominal pain: Worms can cause irritation and inflammation of the intestinal wall as they attach themselves to it. This can lead to cramping and discomfort.
• Diarrhea: As worms interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients, they can cause digestive disruptions, leading to diarrhea. Some worms release substances that draw water into the intestines, causing watery stools.
• Vomiting and nausea: The body may react to the presence of these foreign parasites with nausea and vomiting as a defense mechanism, trying to expel the irritants from the gastrointestinal system.
• Bloating: Worms may produce gases as they digest host nutrients or cause inflammation that leads to gas buildup, resulting in a feeling of fullness and bloating.
• Unexplained weight loss: Worms consume nutrients from the host's body, which can lead to nutrient deficiency and subsequent weight loss, despite normal or increased food intake.
• Fatigueand anaemia: Nutrient malabsorption due to worms can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients (including vitamins and minerals), leading to chronic anaemia, weakness and fatigue.
• Abdominal tenderness: Inflammation and irritation caused by worms can lead to tenderness upon touching the abdomen, due to the localized response in the intestinal tissues.

In severe cases:

• Dysentery: Severe infections can cause inflammation and ulceration in the intestines, leading to dysentery, which is characterized by blood and mucus in stools.
• Itching and rashes near the rectum or vulva: Certain worms, like pinworms, are known to cause itching around the anus as they lay their eggs, which can lead to skin irritation and rashes.
• Passage of worms ruring bowel movements: As worms multiply and live in the intestines, they can be expelled in stool, visible during bowel movements, especially as infestations grow large.

These symptoms vary, depending on the type of worm, the severity of the infestation, and the host's individual immune response, which can explain why some people may not experience symptoms for extended periods.

Foods in Your Pantry to Combat Intestinal Worms​

• Coconut: Effective against parasites and tapeworms, coconut can be eaten during breakfast for maximum benefit.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Containing cucurbitacin, pumpkin seeds possess anthelmintic properties. Mixing roasted seeds with water or coconut milk and consuming them on an empty stomach is advised.
• Unripe papaya and carrots: Both papaya and its seeds boast anti-amoebic and anthelmintic properties. Taking papaya juice (you can add honey for taste) on an empty stomach (especially in the morning) can aid in worm removal. Eating raw carrots on an empty stomach each morning can help push pinworms out of the intestines.
• Cloves: With anti-parasitic and antiseptic qualities, cloves can be boiled to make a juice that should be consumed several times a week.
• Neem: Studies after studies after studies have established the pharmacological value of neem extract, especially its antimicrobial and antihelmitic potency. Neem can be consumed as a paste mixed with water, or tea of neem powder dissolved in warm water on an empty stomach for several days to benefit from it.
• Garlic: With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, garlic is effective against intestinal worms. Garlic is effective in the treatment of dysentery and serves as a dewormer.
• Turmeric: Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, the active element in turmeric, curcumin, can help alleviate the effects of intestinal worm infestation. Using it as an integral spice in daily dishes can be beneficial.

User discretion is advised before any of these remedies is adopted since different people respond differently to different foods. The active ingredients in some of these foods may react adversely with prescription medicine. Consult your doctor if you are under medication or if you have an underlying medical condition, including food allergies. This will ensure safe and effective treatment.