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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Neurocysticercosis
If tapeworm larvae pass through the intestines and create cysts in the brain or on the spinal column, it can lead to a condition known as neurocysticercosis. Brain tissue can begin to degrade, depending on the location and number of parasites involved. Symptoms of neurocysticercosis include seizures, adult-onset epilepsy, headaches, dementia, and even blindness. This infection can also increase an individual's risk of developing other brain infections, such as meningitis. In rare cases, neurocysticercosis can lead to death. This condition can often be treated with antiparasitic drugs and antibiotics, though surgery may be necessary in certain circumstances. Additional problems could occur if neurocysticercosis presents with no symptoms, which may sometimes be the case.
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Disruption In Organ Function
If newly hatched larvae make their way out of the intestines, they can pass through to vital organs, such as the liver and lungs. Once these parasites attach themselves, a cyst forms around the head to protect the larvae as they grow. These cysts can become quite large, often blocking ducts or airways or causing pressure that can result in a disruption in organ function. Larva cysts in the appendix may cause an organ rupture, which emergency surgery is needed to correct. Left untreated, it is possible an individual may experience organ failure from larval cysts, which can lead to death.
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Blockages In The Bile And Pancreatic Ducts
Larvae that make their way out of the intestines may cause blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts. Bile is created in the liver and aids in the digestion of fats. If the ducts get blocked, bile can back up in the liver, resulting in jaundice, pain in the abdomen, nausea, and very lightly colored stools. A blockage of the pancreatic ducts can lead to a condition called pancreatitis, which results in inflammation and infection of the pancreas. Internal bleeding may occur with this condition, as well as bulky, oily stools due to inadequate digestion. If the pancreas becomes too damaged by this infestation, it is possible this could lead to the development of diabetes in the affected individual.