Have your kids ever been infected with parasites?
You’re not alone. Parasites have been around for thousands of years. But despite this, it can still be difficult to clear up an infection.
What we often forget is that our bodies are organic. We have a whole microbiome in the digestive tract that is like a vegetable garden inside us.
Just like a vegetable garden, there are some organisms that benefit the gut and body, and some that can damage it. Parasites fall into the latter.
By understanding the gut and how parasites work, we can maintain our healthy ‘vegetable gardens’ for life.
Why have we stopped talking about parasites?
Some parents are embarrassed to talk about parasites. But only by talking about them can we learn and address the situation.
Kids touch everything – they are dirty little creatures! This makes them more vulnerable to parasite infections.
So if your child picks up worms, it doesn’t make you a bad parent. In fact, it’s estimated that 50% of kids will contract worms at some point during childhood.
Some parents might be aware of their child’s worms, and treat it with over the counter worming medications. But often, this isn’t enough to treat worms. So you might end up with recurrent worm infections, and not know what to do to fix it. The same goes for other parasites.
The signs & symptoms of parasites
One reason why parasites can be hard to spot is the different signs and symptoms they can cause. Some include:
- Mood swings
- Behavioural and attitude issues
- Tantrums
- Itchy anus
- Scratching and itching
- Skin conditions or irritation
- Chewing and biting fingernails
- Strong or odd cravings, such as salt or even sand
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
- Sleep disturbances and restless sleep
Although uncommon, it is possible to have an infection without any obvious signs and symptoms.
Why over the counter medications doesn’t cut it
If a child does contract worms, your doctor will probably tell you to get some Combantrin from the pharmacy, and that’s the end of it.
But different types of parasites have different cycles. So what might work for one type of worm isn’t strong enough for others.
Often, over the counter medications won’t be strong enough to deal with parasites. It’s the same product that has been used for years – going all the way back to 1965.
But pathogens will evolve, change and become resistant to treatment with the same medication. That’s why naturopaths use high-quality supplements that are effective against the specific parasite.
How to prevent your family from contracting and spreading parasites
There is no guarantee that your family won’t contract a parasite at some point. But there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk, and minimise the spread if they do become infected.
Teach your kids proper hygiene habits from an early age.
This includes the importance of handwashing, how to toilet correctly, and clean themselves properly.
If you suspect your child has a worm infection, trim their nails and encourage them to wash their hands first thing in the morning.
Be aware of how your children interact with animals, including pets.
The most common worm infection, pinworm, only occurs in humans. But there are some other worm infections as well as other pathogens that can be passed on through animal faeces.
Make sure that your kids wash their hands after playing with pets and other animals, especially before eating.
Change and sterilise everything possible if there is a parasite infection.
You’ll want to change the bed linen, wash all of the clothes and the bath towels, and even get a new toothbrush. Many people don’t realise that a toothbrush can house a lot of different pathogens!
If you don’t change and refresh everything, you might treat your family for the parasite, but they’ll walk back into the house and reinfect themselves through touch.
Seek advice from an experienced and qualified practitioner.
This is the best way to prevent infection and treat for it, because they understand how different parasites work.
Are you struggling to eliminate parasites? Book an appointment here. Together, we’ll create an effective treatment protocol based on your child’s needs.
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