Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I get Rid of Intestinal Worms?

S. Gonzales
S. Gonzales

The health issue of intestinal worms is not just restricted to those who live in poor or underdeveloped countries. In reality, anyone who consumes poorly cooked meat or tainted meat or practices unsafe hygiene can contract intestinal worms and suffer from infection. Luckily, intestinal worms can be easily remedied with treatments received from a doctor or treatments undergone at home.

Conventional treatments require that an infected person visit a doctor and undergo a series of tests. Stool samples may be examined, the contents of the stomach may be tested using strings, a piece of Scotch tape may be applied to the anus and removed for evidence of parasites or their eggs and X-rays with barium may be ordered. If the presence of parasites is confirmed, doctors may prescribe antibiotic drugs like Mebendazole (Vermox®), Thiabendazole (Mintezol®), Nitazoxanide (Alinia®) and Metronidazole (Flagyl®).

Washing hands before meals can help to minimize the chance of getting intestinal worms.
Washing hands before meals can help to minimize the chance of getting intestinal worms.

Those who suffer from intestinal worms may also consider undergoing a parasite cleanse as part of parasite treatment. Parasite cleanses help detoxify the body and rid it of both mature parasites and their eggs. Specific herbs should be ingested together and dietary restrictions should be adhered to for maximum effectiveness.

Herbs like black walnut hull, wormwood and cloves can be taken in conjunction to combat infection. A diet rich in carrots, papaya, pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets, raw garlic, fiber and probiotics can help reduce the instance of intestinal worms and restore the body to its natural, worm-free state. Drinking apple cider or consuming papain before meals can encourage good digestive health and make the intestines inhospitable to parasites. Those with intestinal worms are advised to refrain from consuming sugar, meats, dairy products and refined foods during the cleansing process. A small fast before the cleansing may increase its success rate.

An unripe papaya, which is used to make papain, which can help with intestinal worms.
An unripe papaya, which is used to make papain, which can help with intestinal worms.

Infection prevention can be easy. Cooking meat thoroughly, adopting an organic diet, practicing good hygiene, regularly sanitizing items and minimizing the skin's contact with dirty areas can significantly reduce the potential for an infection of intestinal worms. Specifically, washing and boiling food before preparation, washing hands before meal consumption and simply wearing shoes can mean the difference between good health and an intestinal worm infection. For those who are already suffering from an infection, changing sheets daily, washing clothes and underwear after one use and avoiding physical contact with others can reduce the spread of infection. In addition, sanitizing oneself after handling children, making sure that pets don't eat the feces of other animals, quarantining new pets and controlling flea infestations can also reduce the risk of infection.

Discussion Comments

anon41764

"natural, worm-free state"? show me a human population anywhere in our evolutionary history that has not had worms.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Washing hands before meals can help to minimize the chance of getting intestinal worms.
      By: Lasse Kristensen
      Washing hands before meals can help to minimize the chance of getting intestinal worms.
    • An unripe papaya, which is used to make papain, which can help with intestinal worms.
      By: sassyphotos
      An unripe papaya, which is used to make papain, which can help with intestinal worms.
    • Freshly ground cloves can be used to help eliminate intestinal worms.
      By: bergamont
      Freshly ground cloves can be used to help eliminate intestinal worms.
    • Pumpkin seeds can be part of a diet to help recover from intestinal worms.
      By: areif
      Pumpkin seeds can be part of a diet to help recover from intestinal worms.
    • A tapeworm is a parasite that lives in a host's intestines.
      By: 3drenderings
      A tapeworm is a parasite that lives in a host's intestines.
    • Stool samples that are collected at home are usually placed into plastic containers.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      Stool samples that are collected at home are usually placed into plastic containers.