There is no significant scientific evidence that pumpkin seeds can help to get rid of parasites. Neither WHO nor the US National Health Service makes this recommendation. How many seeds you need to eat too, no one will say for sure. There is no verified data from medical organizations in this score. We will tell you how to get rid of parasites and whether pumpkin seeds are worth eating.
How to know if you have parasites
Alone at home you will not be able to understand if there are parasites. Often, these unwanted roommates do not show themselves at all. They can only be seen in the bathroom after going to the bathroom or vomiting.
Many of the symptoms that indicate parasites may, in fact, be signs of many other diseases. For example, diarrhea, bloody stools, nausea or vomiting can still be symptoms of poisoning or gastrointestinal illness.
And it happens the other way around. Symptoms that have nothing to do with digestion and bowel function may indicate that parasites are present in the body. For example, the larvae of ascaris can end up in the lungs. Then the person will be plagued by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. It may appear that he has bronchitis or pneumonia.
Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after examination and examination. Therefore, it is best to seek out a therapist immediately.
If the doctor confirms your suspicions, he will recommend a stool test. This test can be prescribed if diarrhea, cramps, flatulence and other unpleasant bowel symptoms occur regularly.
Less commonly, endoscopic examinations are used when a tube with a camera at the end is inserted into the mouth or anus. This is only done if nothing is found in the stool, 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 responds to a possible infection. If tests and endoscopy did not find the parasites, your doctor may order an MRI, an X-ray or a CT scan. But this is very rare.
How to get rid of parasites
There are many popular recipes on how to remove parasites with a decoction of tansy, red pepper, garlic or soda. But the dosage of the ingredients is not clear and these methods cannot be considered effective. There is also no verified data on how herbal treatment works. In addition, all of these methods do not take into account possible side effects and allergic reactions.
There are effective medications that can help to eliminate parasites. These drugs should not be taken for prophylaxis or prescribed alone, because different parasites need different drugs. Only a doctor selects the appropriate medication and its dosage.
Won't pumpkin seeds help in the fight against parasites?
Very, very unlikely: there are many parasites and science doesn't know which worms they can help with. But if you really want to add pumpkin seeds to your medicine intake, 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 per day, and for women 19 to 50 years old - 14, 8 mg per day. It is necessary to create red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron can also be obtained from meats, dried fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. Add them to bakery products, salads and cereals, if you are not allergic. For vegetable iron to be better absorbed, eat foods with vitamin C - citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, currants, potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
How to avoid being infected by parasites
The main risk factors are young age, hot weather and poor hygiene. For example, children under 10 years old can become roundworm and pinworm, because they often do not wash their hands, like to play in the mud and jump in puddles.
To prevent the appearance of parasites, follow these rules:
- Drink only bottled water in unhealthy areas.
- Do not eat pre-cut fruits and vegetables, for example, at the markets.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not kiss the animals and wash your hands after handling them.
- Wash vegetables and fruits well.
- Try not to eat raw seafood.
- Heat meat, fish and poultry until cooked.
If you think you have parasites, or if you have managed to see them, do not search the Internet for the proportion to mix soda with red pepper. Most parasitic infections are now treated very simply. For example, a dose of mebendazole helps with worms and another dose after a few weeks. Go to the doctor immediately and drink medication only according to his prescription - if the dosage is incorrect, they can be toxic.
Contact your pediatrician if your child is infected with the parasite. If you have them, consult your GP or GP.