The thought of something living inside of your body is enough to make anyone squeamish. While some organisms are friendly and crucial to our body’s many processes, others can cause serious harm.
Parasites are commonly found in the digestive tract, a warm, squishy place to soak up all our much needed nutrients. Experts believe that about one third of us have an intestinal parasite at any given time, some think the number is far higher. So these 8 foods that fight parasites naturally are important to include in your diet regularly.
Foods that Fight Parasites
1. Raw Garlic
Often found at the top of any anti-parasitic foods list, raw garlic has profound benefits for purging parasites and harmful bacteria from the body.
Eating raw garlic can help individuals with roundworm, Giardia and other common parasites. It is also a great prebiotic, so it will help build healthy gut flora and improve digestion.
2. Pineapple
Bromelain is an enzyme mixture that is found readily in pineapple. It yields numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to its anti-parasitic characteristics.
This tropical fruit has also been used to help treat chronic inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory components.
3. Coconut Oil
This popular oil contains lauric acid, which is thought to have powerful anti-parasitic, anti-viral and antibacterial properties.
Cooking coconut oil over high heat can destroy some of its nutritional benefits, so try to buy cold-pressed coconut oil and eat it raw.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
High protein, high fiber and tasty to boot! Pumpkin seeds are used to rid the body of the dreaded tape worm.
In order to get the maximum benefit, eat pumpkin seeds in their shell for the added fiber.
5. Wormwood
An herb that has been used to treat intestinal parasites for centuries. Wormwood has sesquiterpene lactones, thought to weaken the membrane of the parasite and rid it from your body.
Wormwood can be taken as a tea, capsule or liquid extract.
6. Black Walnut
Juicing the unripened husks of black walnuts is an ancient remedy for ringworm. Used to fight parasites as well as fungal infections such as athletes foot.
7. Horseradish
This pungent root can be a bit much for some, but fresh grated horseradish can have some profound benefits when it comes to dealing with unwanted worms. It contains an antibacterial ingredient known as allylisothiocyanate, but be sure to use it promptly after grating or chopping.
8. Fermented Foods
It is no secret that fermented foods are fantastic for our digestive health. By supporting healthy bacteria, fermented foods help usher out harmful bacteria and parasites.
Author: Contributing to numerous online health publications, Jeff focuses the majority of his research towards antioxidants and dietary supplements. He recently launched his own immune boosting multi-vitamin GSH Gold.
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