A healthy intestinal tract is a key to preventing attacks by various pathogens. Parasites can be fought with high doseages of such probiotic substances as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and bifidobacteria. Treatments need to last for several months, however. The health and number of organisms making up the normal flora of the bowel needs to be strong in order to compete against potential pathogens. Intestinal parasites and yeasts can ravage the intestinal flora, preventing the vital manufacture and absorption of nutrients, causing the whole body to breakdown in some fashion.
Intestinal worms develop when the immune system is compromised in some way, whether from another illness or from a poor diet. It is noted that when the diet improves, the worms die off. Garlic is a natural antiparasitic as well as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral – a cheap all-purpose medicine. Onions, figs, and pumpkin seeds also create an uninhabitable environment for worms, and increased nutrients forces worms out of the body. Since absorption in the intestines is impaired by infestations, the body requires large amounts of nutrients. Animals, as well as humans, that are fed diets deficient in protein and vitamins become infested with several types of parasites. Acidophilus is especially helpful for amebic dysentry, as well as all intestinal infestations. Sufficient stomach acid will also destroy parasites contained in the food eaten.
Parasites do not like the following: unrefined carbohydrates, raw green vegetables, bitter melons, tomatoes, black pepper, raw carrots and their tops, fresh horseradish, onions, vegetable proteins, high fiber, radishes, kelp, raw cabbage, ground almonds, blackberries, figs, and alkaline diets. In addition, roundworms can be expelled with rose hip tea, and raisins soaked in senna tea makes for faster elimination of parasites in children. However, a heavy intake of raw fruits and vegetables, as well as that of iced drinks, cause the intestines to contract, trapping toxins rather than releasing them. In Mexico, fresh pineapple and papaya are used to cure worm infestations, and the seeds are often chewed to eliminate parasites.
Parasites do like a diet high in meat and dairy, sugar of any kind, acid-forming foods, and constipation, where they are allowed to flourish.
Having enough hydrochloric acid in the stomach is important to warding off parasitic attacks. This is why most children are susceptible to parasites as their digestive systems are not yet mature. The habitual us of antacids, as well as the practice of using them to obtain calcium, is also setting an individual up for such an attack.
A proper balance of alkaline foods to acidic foods helps to discourage parasites. The ideal ratio of alkaline to acidic is 4:1. Alkaline foods include the following: figs, most fruits, green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, herbs and spices, molasses, olives, soybeans, cucumbers, spinach, real maple syrup, beets, avocadoes, almonds, carrots, chestnuts, potatoes, canteloupe, lettuce, pineapples, cocoanuts, baked beans, cabbage, cherries, sprouted seeds and grains (they become alkaline through the sprouting process). Just because a fruit tastes acidic does not mean that it is. Honey and raw sugars are alkaline, but, if taken in excessive amounts and in higher concentrations, they become acid formers. Soy products should be eaten sparingly since they leave an alkaline residue, on which parasites thrive. An alkaline environment can increase the parasite population to a point where the infestation can cause food allergies, especially to milk and gluten.
Acidic foods include the following: egg yolk is the most acidic, most grains except millet and buckwheat, most carbohydrates (like pastas), wheat germ, chicken, beef, liver, lamb chops, cod fish, coffee, processed sugar, alcohol, cola drinks, catsup, cocoa, flour products, mustard, and dairy products. Such fruits as prunes, cranberries, plums and their juice are acidic. All food with added sugars become acidic. Alcohol, drugs, aspirin, and tobacco are acid-forming. White vinegar is very acidic, but balsamic and rice vinegars are low in acid.
In addition, all forms of sugar, including juices, honey, etc, affect the immune system. When the immune system is lowered, parasites, as well as other pathogens, have the environment needed to encourage their growth. Sweeteners can reduce white blood cell (WBC) production by at least 50%, lasting over a five-hour period. This leaves the body vulnerable to attacks from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Doing this several times a day leaves the immune system chronically depleted, as does the consistent eating of allergy-causing foods, which impair the immune system. Caffeine, as well, dramatically reduces the immune system by reducing the levels of immunoglobulines in the serum necessary for immune response.
Iron plays an essential role in carrying oxygen throughout the body, but it also is required by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and tumor cells for their growth. The internal heat caused by fever accompanying an infection helps keep bacteria from multiplying by preventing the germ from using the host’s iron stores. Alcohol tends to increase iron levels, which accounts for more parasitic infestations found in alcoholics. Malnutrition, on the other hand, understandably lowers iron levels. Famine victims, when given an improved diet including iron supplements, had an increase in, and a greater severity of, infections, including malaria and tuberculosis.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice, complete with rind, in a gallon of water is also a good food wash. Soak vegetables about fifteen to thirty minutes and then rinse thoroughly and dry carefully. Wrap in clean tea towels. Do not store in plastic bags as this shortens their shelf life. Make lemon water, using slices of lemon peel, seeds, and juice. It is cleansing for the whole system and will help eliminate worms in children. You can also crush the seeds and take them for five days, stop for two days, and repeat for two more weeks to rid the body of parasites.
