What are tapeworms?
As their name implies, tapeworms are intestinal parasites shaped like a tape measure. Tapeworm eggs from animals enter humans via food, such as raw or undercooked meat.
Humans may also become infected if they come in contact with animal feces or contaminated water. An infection passed from an animal to a human is called zoonosis.
Tapeworms can grow to be very long, with some worms measuring up to 50 feet long in adult humans. They can survive for as long as 20 years in a human body by attaching themselves to the walls of the intestines. But if you're lucky, tapeworms could pass through and exit your body through your stool.
The dwarf tapeworm can be transmitted from human to human. It is the only tapeworm that can go through an entire life cycle in a single host. Dwarf tapeworm infection is the most common tapeworm infection around the globe.
Most individuals with a tapeworm don't experience any symptoms and they remain unaware that they are hosting one.
Noticeable symptoms, on the other hand, may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, tiredness, and weight loss. Other symptoms may vary depending on the type of tapeworm. These symptoms are:
- Altered appetite
- Convulsions (in severe cases)
- Dizziness
- Eggs, larvae, or segments from the tapeworm in stools
- General weakness
- Inflammation of the intestine
- Malnutrition
- Nausea
- Sleeping difficulties (often due to other symptoms)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (only in very rare cases)
- Vomiting
Natural cures for tapeworms
Before you try any of these natural treatments for tapeworms, consult a physician to ensure that these remedies don't interact with any medication you are currently taking.
Fruits
- Cranberries and papaya – Fruits like cranberries and papaya contain anti-parasitic enzymes that can help get rid of tapeworms.
- Pineapples – To treat tapeworms, you can try going on a raw pineapple fast for three days. Pineapples are traditionally used as a diuretic and as a natural antacid to relieve indigestion. The fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain that can destroy tapeworms.
- Pomegranate – The pomegranate tree can help destroy parasitic worms. Its root and stems have anthelmintic properties and are highly toxic to tapeworms. Adults should be given 90 to 180 milliliters (ml) of a decoction made with fresh pomegranate bark at hourly intervals thrice a day. Children should be given only 30 to 60 ml. (Related: Powerful foods that eliminate intestinal parasites.)
Herbal remedies
- Agrimony, licorice root, and marshmallow – Herbs like agrimony, licorice root, and the marshmallow plant can also be used to treat tapeworm since they support the immune system. These herbs work to keep the digestive tract smooth to easily eliminate tapeworms.
- Chamomilla (chamomile) and cina – Homeopathic remedies like chamomilla and cina can promote the proper function of the digestive tract. This helps keep the body parasite-free.
- Wormwood – Wormwood is an herb that is traditionally used to treat intestinal parasites. The herb can weaken tapeworm membranes because it contains sesquiterpene lactones.
Preventing tapeworms
Follow these tips to prevent tapeworm infections.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap after using the toilet, preparing food, or eating.
- Dispose of human and animal feces properly to prevent livestock from being exposed to tapeworms.
- To kill tapeworms and larvae, cook meat at a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meat should be frozen for 12 hours while fish should be frozen for 24 hours. Do not consume raw or undercooked beef, pork, or fish.
Practice proper hygiene and cook meats properly to avoid tapeworm infections.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
