Dangers And Complications Of The Tapeworm Diet

Getting a parasitic infection can result in a dangerous scenario, but some individuals do this intentionally to increase their ability to lose weight. Individuals will swallow some sort of capsule that actually contains the egg of a tapeworm, then wait for it to hatch and grow in their intestines. The entire premise behind this risky diet is the tapeworm will eat the food eaten by the individual, allowing them to lose weight without working at it. Although weight loss is often a side effect of a parasitic infection, there are other dangerous side effects and complications that make the tapeworm diet too risky to be worth any real value at all.

Abdominal Pain

As the tapeworm grows within the intestines, it can get as large as thirty feet long. Although these parasites are fairly narrow, they can still take up some room, often causing pain. Abdominal pain may also be caused as segments of the worm break off and become stuck in bile ducts or other areas within the digestive tract. There is also a risk the worm will not attach itself inside of the intestines but will make its way out of the digestive tract and move into an organ or the abdominal cavity itself. There, it will form a cyst that can grow and result in pain. This cyst may even rupture, resulting in additional pain and the spread of more parasites throughout the body.

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Diarrhea

One symptom that occurs regularly with a parasitic infection and the tapeworm diet is diarrhea. These loose, watery stools must occur at least three times a day to be considered an issue. A physician can typically determine if diarrhea is caused by a parasite because symptoms often come on slowly and develop into a mild form of the condition. Continuing diarrhea can keep the body from getting the nutrients it needs from the foods individuals consume. Additionally, because so much fluid is leaving the body, meaning patients could become dehydrated, which can lead to more extensive symptoms and further complications.

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