There is no significant scientific evidence that pumpkin seeds can help eliminate parasites. Both the WHO and the U. S. National Health Service make this recommendation. How many seeds you should eat too, no one will say for sure. There are no verified data from medical organizations on this score. We will tell you how to get rid of parasites and whether it is good to eat pumpkin seeds.
How to know if you have parasites
It itself at home will not be able to understand if there are parasites. Often these uninvited roommates don’t show themselves in any way. They can only be seen on the toilet after going to the toilet or vomiting.
Many of the symptoms that the parasite indicate are actually signs of another disease. For example, diarrhea, bloody stools, nausea or vomiting can still be symptoms of poisoning or gastrointestinal disease.
And it happened the other way around. Symptoms that have nothing to do with digestion and intestinal function may indicate that parasites are present in the body. For example, ascaris larvae can end up in the lungs. Then the person will be tormented by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Apparently he has bronchitis or pneumonia.
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after examination and examination. Therefore, it is better to go to a therapist immediately.
If the doctor confirms your suspicions, he or she will recommend a stool test. Such tests can be prescribed if diarrhea, cramps, bloating and other unpleasant symptoms of bowel movements occur frequently.
More rarely, endoscopic examination is used, when a tube with a camera at the end is inserted into the mouth or anus. This is done only if no feces is found, but the doctor has reason to assume the presence of parasites.
In some cases, blood tests are performed for antibodies and antigens to which the body responds to a possible infection. If tests and endoscopies fail to find parasites, your doctor may order an MRI, X-ray, or computed tomography. But this is very rare.
How to get rid of parasites
There are many popular recipes on how to get rid of parasites by decoction of tansy, red pepper, garlic or soda. But the dosage of the ingredient is not clear, and this method cannot be called effective. There are no confirmed data on how herbal treatments work. In addition, all these methods do not take into account the possibility of side effects and allergic reactions.
There are effective medications that can help get rid of parasites. Such drugs should not be taken for prophylaxis or self-medication, as different parasites require different medications. Only the doctor chooses the appropriate drug and its dosage.
Pumpkin seeds will not help at all in the fight against parasites?
Very, very unlikely: there are many parasites, and science does not know which worms they can help. But if you really want to add pumpkin seeds to take medicine, you won’t harm yourself. Pumpkin seeds are healthy and contain 13 mg of iron per 100 grams. The norm of iron for men over 18 years and women over 50 years is 8. 7 mg per day, and for women aged 19 to 50 years - 14. 8 mg per day. It is needed to make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron can also be obtained from meat, dried fruits, legumes and nuts.
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. Add in toast, salads and cereals if you are not allergic. In order for plant iron to be better absorbed, eat foods with vitamin C - citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, raisins, potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
How to avoid being infected with parasites
The main risk factors are young age, warm climate and poor hygiene. For example, children under the age of 10 can be carriers of ringworms and cream worms, as they often do not wash their hands, like to play in the mud and jump around puddles.
To avoid the appearance of parasites, follow these rules:
- Drink bottled water only in unclean areas.
- Do not eat pre-cut fruits and vegetables, for example, at the market.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not kiss the animal and wash your hands after handling it.
- Wash vegetables and fruits until clean.
- Try not to eat raw seafood.
- Heat meat, fish and chicken until cooked.
If it seems that you have parasites, or you can see them, do not search on the Internet in the amount of how much to mix soda and red pepper. A large number of parasitic infections are now moderately treated. For example, one dose of mebendazole helps combat cream worms, and another dose after a few weeks. Immediately see a doctor and take the medicine only on prescription - if the dose is not correct, it can become toxic.
Contact your pediatrician if your child is infected with parasites. If you have it, see your general practitioner or general practitioner.