There is no significant scientific evidence that pumpkin seeds can help get rid of parasites. Neither the WHO nor the U. S. National Health Service make this recommendation. How many seeds should be eaten, no one will tell for sure. There are no verified data on medical organizations at this point. We will tell you how to get rid of parasites and whether it is worth eating pumpkin seeds at all.
How do you know if you have parasites?
You alone will not be able to understand at home if there are parasites. Often, these uninvited roommates don’t show themselves in any way. They are only visible in the toilet after toilets or when 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 disease.
And it happens the other way around. Symptoms that have nothing to do with digestion and bowel function may indicate the presence of parasites in the body. For example, ascaris larvae can enter the lungs. Then the person suffers from coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. You may have bronchitis or pneumonia.
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after and after the test. Therefore, it is better to see a therapist immediately.
If your doctor confirms your suspicion, he or she will suggest a stool test. Such a test can be prescribed if diarrhea, cramps, bloating and other unpleasant symptoms occur in the intestines.
Less commonly, endoscopic examinations are used when a tube with a camera at the end is placed in the mouth or anus. This only happens if nothing has been found in the stool, but the doctor has reason to suspect the presence of parasites.
In some cases, blood tests are performed on antibodies and antigens with which the body responds to a possible infection. If no parasites are found during examinations and endoscopy, 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 for removing parasites with tansy, red pepper, garlic or soda decoction. But the dosage of the ingredients is not clear, and these methods cannot be called effective. There are also no controlled data on the operation of herbal treatment. In addition, these methods do not take into account possible side effects and allergic reactions.
There are effective medications that can help get rid of parasites. Such drugs should not be taken for prophylaxis, nor should they prescribe themselves because different parasites need different cures. Only the doctor will select the right medicine and its dosage.
Does pumpkin seeds not help fight parasites at all?
Very, very unlikely: there are many parasites, and science doesn’t know which worms they can help. But if you really want to add pumpkin seeds to your medications, it won’t hurt you. Pumpkin seeds are healthy and contain 13 mg of iron per 100 grams. The iron norm for men over 18 and women over 50 is 8. 7 mg daily, and for women aged 19-50, 14. 8 mg per day. It is necessary to create red blood cells that carry oxygen in the body. We can also get iron from meat, dried fruits, legumes and nuts.
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. Add to cakes, salads and cereals if you are not allergic. For better absorption of plant iron, eat foods that contain vitamin C - citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, currants, potatoes and brussels sprouts.
How to avoid infection with parasites
The main risk factors are young age, warm climate and poor hygiene. For example, children under the age of 10 can become carriers of nail worms and pinworms because they often do not wash their hands, like to play in mud, and jump in puddles.
To prevent the appearance of parasites, follow these rules:
- Drink only bottled water in non-medical areas.
- Do not eat pre-cut fruits and vegetables, such as in markets.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not kiss or wash hands after handling animals.
- Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
- Try not to eat raw seafood.
- The meat, fish and poultry are heated until cooked.
If you seem to have gotten or seen parasites, don’t search the internet for the proportions of soda and red pepper. Most parasitic infections are now very easily treated. For example, one dose of mebendazole helps with pinworms and another dose in a few weeks. Go to your doctor right away and only take drugs according to his prescription - if the dosage is incorrect, they can be toxic.
Contact your pediatrician if your child is infected with a parasite. If you have any, contact your GP or GP.