Parasitic infections have undermined the health and immune system of a lot of people around the globe. Gone are the days wherein it was assumed that these infections are only prevalent in underdeveloped countries. Today, approximately 14% of the population of the USA has been exposed to parasites.
The presence of parasites majorly contributes to the overall gut health and fatigue level in a person. If someone is suffering from the symptoms of parasites then the best way out for them is to consult a doctor and get themselves tested. Mostly all of the parasitic infections start from the gut. To keep a check on gut health, a comprehensive stool test is necessary. The CDSA Functional stool test is one of the best tests available in the market. It helps detect all the possible parasites that can be present in the body.
The imperative way forward after the detection of parasites is to get oneself treated for it. It is extremely crucial for a person with parasites to get the necessary medications. But have you ever wondered what might happen to your body if you leave the parasites untreated? Let’s have a closer look at changes that the body might face if these parasites are not treated timely.
1. Production of toxins
Parasites present in the body can produce harmful toxins like chitinase, protease, and other enzymes. These toxins harm the body and weaken the immune system. The weakened immune system becomes more susceptible to diseases. With the toxins present in the body, the affected person’s bodily functions get hampered.
2. Mechanical damage
The size and quantity of parasites can pose the following problems in the body:
- Hydatid Cysts-The ingestion of larva or eggs of parasites can make a way for them into the human intestine. Once the parasite enters the organs, they start to form a thick layer of hydatid cysts. These cysts grow and multiply over time and get attached to the intestinal mucosa.
- Intestinal Obstruction- Large roundworms can grow up to the length of 35 cm. Ascaris Nematode is one of the most commonly found parasites in human systems. These worms can entangle themselves in the internal organs and create a blockage in the intestinal passage.
- Inflammation- Hookworms and Ascaris can penetrate through the organs and can perforate them causing inflammation in organs.
3. Malnutrition
Parasites take up all the vital nutrients that the body requires. They deplete the systems from various body-building ingredients. According to a study by L S Stephenson, hookworms reduce the food intake among people. With the limited food intake, the worms also trigger diarrhea and vomiting which creates a nutrient deficit in the body. The body starts to lose the protein energy and may also cause anemia.
4. Skin infections
If the parasite is left untreated then the chances of it penetrating into the skin increases. The parasites can enter the skin and can cause rashes and itching. According to the study done by Hermann Feldmeier and Jorg Heukelbach, parasites can cause six major skin conditions namely scabies, pediculosis (capitis, corporis, and pubis), tungiasis, and hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. Open wounds and skin lesions can also increase the chances of bacterias and parasites entering your body. River blindness is a disease caused by filarial worms and it can lead to depigmentation of the skin.
5. Blood and fluid loss
Some parasites and flukes have the capacity to corrupt the human circulatory system. Hookworms and microfilariae of filarial worms can attach to the lymph nodes and take up the body fluids and blood required by the host’s body.
6. Effects on fetal and children
Pregnant women and newborn babies have sensitive immune systems. Parasites can severely affect their system. The study by L S Stephenson listed above talks about how the parasites can lead to the increased maternal mortality rate, premature delivery of babies, underweight babies at birth, and decreased productivity among children.
7. Fatigue
Parasites take up the nutrition that is necessary for the human body’s development. Prolonged parasitic infections can cause persistent dizziness, nausea, and fatigue amongst the infected.
8. Anaphylactic shock
The body can react to a sudden rush of antibodies produced to kill the parasite. African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness can cause anaphylactic shock. In the case of malaria, merozoites are released in bulk from the infected erythrocytes.
9. Impaired cognitive skills
Raffi Arorian, a PhD holder says that parasitic infections contribute largely to the impaired cognitive skills in people. Long-term infections allow the parasite to make way into the brain of humans and hamper its functioning. Some studies have also suggested increased chances of memory loss if the parasites are left untreated.
Conclusion
Untreated parasites can pose a threat to human systems. There are mounting evidence of a compromised immune system, decreased productivity, cognitive disorders, and malnutrition caused by the parasites. It is best to get tested and work on a recovery path. There are numerous ways to cleanse and get rid of the parasites infecting the body. One must be diligent enough to catch the symptoms of parasites early on and speak to a specialist as early as possible.