It sounds gruesome, but in actual fact almost everyone has parasites in their body.  Generally they won’t cause any problems, but if they start flourishing then problems can occur.

 

One of the most common symptoms of an intestinal parasitic infection is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because the parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall, causing irritation, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, inflammation and muscular spasms.  The inflammation can also lead to regular bloating.  Parasites can also affect the absorption of all types of food and nutrients, which in turn can lead to deficiencies and – as certain foods can become increasingly difficult to digest – then allergies and food intolerances can result.  You may find that you lose weight but have a ravenous appetite.

 

Intestinal parasites can also move around the body, including into the muscles, causing muscular (and joint) aches and pains.  This can also result in the development of chronic fatigue, exhaustion, depression and cognitive impairments.  They release toxic substances into the body which can compromise the functioning of the central nervous system and the immune system.

 

Finally, they can disturb sleep patterns and make it more difficult to either fall asleep or stay asleep. They can also cause bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, where you may find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth and jaw during your sleep.

 

Food intolerance tests are one way of establishing whether or not you have a problem with intestinal parasites.  You may choose to keep a food diary and start noting any patterns or particular foods that make you feel unwell.  There are many books on the subject of exclusion diets or detox diets which can offer further help or guidance.  

 

Supplements such as Black Walnut and garlic are the most effective for removing parasites.

 

It’s also important to make dietary changes to make it harder for the parasites to flourish, so avoid simple carbohydrates, sugar, dairy and refined foods.  Following a detox programme to cleanse the digestive tract is a very good idea as it clears out excess waste and toxins which parasites thrive on, and colonic irrigation can also be of benefit.

 

Eating raw garlic, honey, pumpkin seeds and pomegranates can help too.  Make sure you drink plenty of water and add fibre to your diet, along with probiotics to keep your digestive tract healthy.  A digestive enzyme supplement will also help create an inhospitable environment for the parasites to live in.