There is no significant scientific evidence that pumpkin seeds can help deal with parasites. Neither the WHO nor the U. S. National Health Service makes this recommendation. How many seeds you also need to eat, no one will say for sure. There are no verified data from medical organizations on this result. We will tell you how to get rid of parasites and whether it is worth eating pumpkin seeds at all.
How to know if you have parasites
Alone at home they will not be able to understand if there are parasites. Often these uninvited roommates do not show up in any way. They can be seen in the toilet only after going to the toilet or vomiting.
Many of the symptoms that indicate parasites can actually be signs of many other diseases. For example, diarrhea, bloody stools, nausea, or vomiting may still be symptoms of poisoning or gastrointestinal illness.
And vice versa. Symptoms that have nothing to do with digestion and bowel function may indicate that parasites are present in the body. For example, ascaris larvae can end up in the lungs. Then the person will suffer from coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. He may appear to have bronchitis or pneumonia.
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after examination and examination. Therefore, it is better to consult a therapist immediately.
If your doctor confirms your suspicions, he will recommend a stool test. Such a test may be prescribed if diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and other unpleasant symptoms from the bowel occur regularly.
Endoscopic examinations are less commonly used when a camera tube is eventually inserted into the mouth or anus. This is done only if nothing is found in the feces, but the doctor has reason to assume the presence of parasites.
In some cases, a blood test is performed for antibodies and antigens with which the body reacts to a possible infection. If tests and endoscopy have failed to find parasites, your doctor may order an MRI, X-ray, or computed tomography scan. But this is very rare.
How to get rid of parasites
There are many popular recipes on how to remove parasites with tansy, red pepper, garlic or soda. But the dosage of ingredients is not clear and these methods cannot be called effective. There is also no verified data on how herbal treatment works. In addition, all these methods do not take into account possible side effects and allergic reactions.
There are effective medications that can help eliminate parasites. Such drugs should not be taken for prophylaxis or prescribed for themselves, as different parasites need different medications. Only a doctor selects the appropriate drug and its dose.
Pumpkin seeds will not help fight parasites at all?
Very, very unlikely: there are many parasites, and science does not know which worms can help. But if you really want to add pumpkin seeds along with taking medication, you won’t hurt yourself. Pumpkin seeds are healthy and contain 13 mg of iron per 100 grams. The norm of iron for men older than 18 years and women older than 50 years is 8, 7 mg per day, and for women from 19 to 50 years - 14, 8 mg per day. It is needed to create red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body. Iron can also be obtained from meat, dried fruits, legumes and nuts.
You can eat pumpkin seeds raw or baked. Add them to baked goods, salads and cereals if you are not allergic. In order for vegetable iron to be better absorbed, eat foods with vitamin C - citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, currants, potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
How to avoid parasite infestation
The main risk factors are young age, warm climate and poor hygiene. For example, children under the age of 10 can become carriers of worms and earthworms because they often do not wash their hands, like to play in the mud and jump over puddles.
To prevent parasites, follow these rules:
- Drink only bottled water in unhygienic rooms.
- Do not eat pre-cut fruits and vegetables, for example, in markets.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not kiss animals or wash your hands after handling them.
- Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
- Try not to eat raw seafood.
- Heat the meat, fish and poultry until cooked through.
If you seem to have parasites or have been able to see them, don’t search the internet in what proportion to mix soda and red pepper. Most parasitic infections are now treated very simply. For example, one dose of mebendazole helps with worms and the other dose after a few weeks. Contact your doctor immediately and take medications only on his prescription - if the dose is incorrect, they can be toxic.
Contact your pediatrician if your child is infected with the parasite. If you have them, see your GP.