Worms in your Gut causing Digestive Problems

Our gut is gateway to our health. If you are suffering from some digestive problems and no medical approach is able to cure you, then it might be a parasite. According to WHO, 10% population of developing countries is infected with intestinal worms, and contaminated water is the primary reason for that. If you have returned from a tour of any developing nation and not feeling well since then, then it might be due to a parasite residing in your gut. Several unexplained and unresolved digestive disorders are often diagnosed as parasites (worms) in gut.

When we refer to intestinal parasites or worms in your gut, then it means tiny organisms that feed on your nutrition. These worms often enter your body as larvae and then grow in your gut. They come in different sizes and shapes and cause a wide variety of symptoms. Usually these worms feed on your nutrition and your blood, which sometimes causes anemia. Most of these worms ever start reproducing  there.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain
• Gas / Bloating
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Rashes or Itching around rectum

Severe symptoms

• Diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool
• Blood or pus in your stool
• Vomiting daily or frequently
• Elevated body temperature
• Extremely fatigued and dehydrated

Following symptoms can also be considered as suspected Intestinal Worms

• Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• History of food poisoning and you are having digestive problems since then.
• If you suffered from diarrhea while abroad
• Diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia
• Never feeling full after your meals
• Grinding your teeth in your sleep

Toxins released by worms in your body can go into your blood stream and cause very different symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, skin irritations. These toxins can interact with your neurotransmitters and blood cells and then cause depression, frequent feelings of apathy, mood swings, anxiety, trouble falling asleep, wake up multiple times during the night and even insomnia.

Never fall prey to myth that intestinal parasites are not found in developed countries. They are found everywhere but the count may vary. Sometimes intestinal worms can survive in your body for years without showing any symptoms. 

How does intestinal worms enter your body ?

• Contaminated food and water.
• Undercooked meat.
• Poor hygiene
• While swimming in lakes, ponds, or creeks.
• Unclean or contaminated fruits and vegetables.
• Some parasites enter the body through foot and then travel upwards into the body.
• Contact a parasite when handling animals.

Treatment of Intestinal Worms

Once presence of Intestinal Worms is confirmed after stool test and blood test, anti-parasitic medication is prescribed by doctors.
Oral medication like praziquantel (Biltricide) is used for Tapeworm infections.
Mebendazole (Vermox, Emverm) and albendazole (Albenza) are used for roundworm infection.