Every human is prone to getting parasites living inside them. These parasites are microorganisms that live off other organisms and it’s actually pretty common. Some parasites can cause disease directly, while others can cause diseases through the toxins that the produce. There are different types of parasites; some survive on the food that you eat, some feed on red blood cells and some even lay eggs in your body. Yikes! Some of the common parasites that can infest your body are pinworms, lambia, hookworms, tapeworms, trichinella and dientamoeba fragilis. They normally enter the body through the skin and mouth. You might be wondering just how these tiny (and sometimes not so tiny) devils gain access to your body. Well, a person can get a parasite infection due to several reasons including exposure to areas having parasites, travelling to places that have parasite infestations, intake of contaminated water or food, poor sanitation, poor hygiene, close contact with pets and a weak immune system. Here are top signs and symptoms that your body is full of parasites:
Signs your body is full of parasites
When was the last time you dewormed?
1. Chronic digestive issues.
Intestinal parasite infestation can cause inflammation and destroy the intestinal lining of the gut, leading to chronic diarrhea. The toxic waste produced by the parasites can also cause constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and burning sensations in the stomach. If you’re eating high fiber and highly alkaline foods on a daily basis and still experiencing diarrhea or other digestive issues, you need to deworm.
2. Abdominal pain.
This is another stomach problem caused by parasites. Parasites living the upper small intestinal region cause inflammation and irritation in this area. This leads to a bloated feeling and pain in the abdomen. In addition, parasites can even block the passage of waste products exiting the body, which can lead to pain in the upper abdomen.
3. Anal itching.
If your anus is itchy, you might be suffering from a pinworm infestation. Itching around the anus occurs frequently at night when the female pinworms lay their eggs. Scratching the area may increase the risk of a secondary bacterial infection. Since it mainly occurs at night, it leads to lack of sleep and restlessness. If your anus itches for over two weeks, you definitely need to see a doctor.
4. Fatigue and weakness.
This is mainly associated with intestinal worms that deplete the body of vital nutrients by feeding on the food you eat. This malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates can make the body weak and leave you feeling exhausted and with low energy.
5. Increased appetite.
If you notice a sudden change in your appetite, particularly and increase in appetite, it may be due to presence of parasites in your body. In fact, an increased appetite combined with weight loss is often noticed in cases of tapeworms or pinworm infestation. This is because the parasites eat a good amount of the food you consume.
6. Grinding your teeth when asleep.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, may occur while sleeping due to anxiety and restlessness caused by waste and toxins released by the parasites in the body.
7. Iron-Deficiency Anemia.
Infestation by intestinal roundworms or pinworms can lead to iron deficiency in the body and ultimately cause anemia. This is because the parasites steal the good vitamins including iron, from the food the person eats, leading to an iron deficiency.
8. Skin problems.
Parasites that invade the intestinal tract cause inflammation in the body, which in turn causes several skin problems such as rashes, hives, eczema and other forms of skin allergies.
9. Muscle and joint pain.
Certain parasites can invade the soft tissue in the joints and muscles, and this can cause irritation and pain, which is often mistaken for Arthritis.
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