Diet for Parasite-Borne Diseases

There are two aspects of the diet for parasite-borne diseases. One is to avoid foods that can carry parasites and worms, and the other is diet for persons afflicted with parasite -borne diseases. Intestinal parasites come in many shapes and size, but the main divisions are single -celled protozoa, or amoebas, and multicelluar flatworms and roundworms. While the single -celled organisms can multiply inside the digestive tract, few parasitic worms can reproduce in the human body, although they may grow in a host for years. Some worms hardly even, make their presence felt, while others cause symptoms that come and go, including fever, coughs and wheezing, diarrhoea, and weight loss. No matter how mild or serious the symptoms, all worms drain the body's resources, and most rob the body's stores of iron and vitamin B12. Tapeworms in beef or mutton are now rare, but meat must be well cooked to prevent trichinosis, another type of parasite Tapeworms and roundworms are reported in fish, shrimps and shellfish, and undercooked fish items are probable causes of worm infestations. Toxocara canis- a dog worm-and its feline cousin, Toxocara cati, are parasites passed in dog and cat faeces. Children easily pick up their eggs from contaminated soil in parks and playgrounds and also within the house. Such faeces have to disposed of the pet owners when they take pets outside, and also within the house. Salad greens, such as lettuce, and watercress and all types of 'shag' are among the more nutritious of vegetables. But they may be contaminated by parasites and bacteria, depending on where it is grown.

In all cases of parasite -borne diseases, eat plenty of :

• Lean meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, and other iron-rich foods,
• Citrus fruits and green vegetables for vitamin C to promote iron absorption
• Animal products for vitamin B12

Avoid

• Undercooked meat and fish and shellfish unless prepared professionally.
• Salad greens and 'shag' that are not well washed and examined for foreign bodies.

Submitted By:
STETHOSCOPE DIETITIAN

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