Millions of people all over the world come to Bali to cure their travel bug. They come to get a dose of lush rice fields, magnetic spiritual healing, the vast cultural richness, or the peeling waves. Well, there is another type of travel bug that creeps in as part of the package. That is the intestinal parasites.
Whether they are aware or not, many people will contract some parasites while staying in Bali. Parasites are about as common as the canteen shaped rattan bags. They are everywhere. Almost everyone that travels here gets one and if you don’t have one, you probably have 3 friends that do. There are many different types of parasites but the most common types of contracted in Bali are roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), and fluke worms (trematodes).
You are especially susceptible to getting parasites if you love salads or eating at local warungs. Parasites are usually contracted from food that has not been properly washed, under cooked or raw meats, or contaminated water. Even if you are super careful with your food it is still likely you may have ingested something contaminated while living in Bali. Most parasites are ingested in very small traces such as tiny eggs or recent hatchlings and once they find their perfect host they begin to flourish.
Parasites are sneaky squirmers and can be asymptomatic for some time. When people start to become aware of the parasites it will show up in symptoms such as
If you are starting to show any of these symptoms we have compiled a resource for you to naturally heal and prevent intestinal parasites. Although we are not medical professionals, as your friend we would like to offer you our personal recommendations to holistically cure and prevent parasites. Please seek medical further attention if your symptoms are extreme or feel threatening.
These are our top 7 natural remedies for intestinal parasites. Each of these foods can be purchased at any of our Alive locations.
1. Papaya Seeds
Next time you snack on some papaya make sure to eat the seeds as well. The black peppery seeds help with many digestional issues. If you find the seeds to be bitter, you can add a little organic honey to sweeten them up.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. This compound is capable of paralysing tapeworms in the intestines. It is recommended to eat about 130 g a day for a week to clean out the system.
3. Garlic
Garlic is an extremely medicinal plant that has been used for healing in cultures all over the world. It is recommended to have 1 chop clove of garlic each morning and evening for 2 weeks to clear any parasites from your system.
4. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has been nicknamed the natural antibiotic because of its powerful properties that help to kill unwanted bacteria in the body. It can be ingested by adding a couple of drops of ingestible oregano oil to water or taking in in a capsule.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an elixir for digestional issues. This contains compounds that help to balance the pH of the stomach and acts as a probiotic. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water and taken 30 minutes before each meal for one week. Apple cider vinegar can also be mixed with mineral water and used as a wash to kill potential parasites from fruits and veggies.
6. Cloves
Cloves offer antiseptic properties that specifically get rid of parasitic eggs and worms. A recommended parasitic remedy is to drink clove tea 3 times a day for one week. Clove tea can be made by boiling water and adding 1 tablespoon of cloves. Allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes and drink warm or refrigerate.
7. Coconut Oil
Yes, coconut oil is always the answer. Coconut oil for digestional issues and parasites can be taken by starting with 1 teaspoon, working up to taking 1 tablespoon, 3x a day for one week. It can be taken by itself or added to coffee, smoothies, soups, rice, vegetables, etc.
Supplementing your diet with these foods can be a natural way to cleanse and clear the body of intestinal parasites. Equally, it is important to eliminate certain foods that support parasitic growth or have a high chance of containing them.
The foods to eliminate while cleansing parasites:
* Alcohol
* Wheat
* Sugars
* Pork
* Processed Foods
If you are an expat living in Bali, we recommend doing one of these regiments every 3 months just to keep your system clean. If you are a wellness warrior and have your own recommendations or regime to deal with parasites, please send us over your health secrets.
About the author
Colleen Grady is a is a 500HR yoga instructor, bohemian fashionista, jetsetter, and soul searcher. She is currently living in Bali working as wellness blogger and graphic designer. You can check out her blog at www.mindbodycolleen.com or her design business at www.studioshakti.com
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