Typhoid is one of the very common health issues doctors in Nigeria treat. Sometimes, people prefer to use natural remedies that have no side effects.
Sometimes, before diagnosis, with some symptoms evident, people suggest to you to treat typhoid.
One of the reasons Typhoid is common is the poor water supply system in the oil-rich nation.
Most homes provide themselves water.
Sadly, several builders do not do due diligence to ensure that the water is drinkable.
Tunde and his siblings have consistently treated typhoid, without much knowledge about what the issue was.
The last time Tunde fell ill, he thought it was COVID-19. His fear was as a result of the cases of the deadly disease that had been reported in Nigeria.
Sharing his experience with us, he said his temperature was so high it could make a sachet water hot.
Interestingly, we could tell what the problem was after asking him few questions.
In his family house, the sewage tank is close to a well they get water from. The water in the well becomes contaminated when it rains.
Unfortunately, the water from the well which they also cook with looks so clean. At other times, they wash their fruits with the water before they eat it.
Unknowing to them, that was the source of their problem.
All we did was recommend that they should get their cooking water from a borehole made with necessary precautions considered.
Their ordeal ceased.
Causes Of Typhoid
Typhoid fever is an invasive bacterial infection. It is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.
A recent research says more than 10 million clinical Salmonella Typhi infections arise each year in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Of this number, 3 million (30% of the total cases) occur in Africa (1) .
The Salmonella typhi bacteria is often in poo (stools) of an infected person. After using the toilet, they may fail to wash their hands which may have come in contact with the poo.
They can contaminate any food they touch and anyone else who eats this food may become infected.
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Also, the bacteria that cause typhoid could also be passed out in pee (urine). If infected persons fail to wash their hands properly peeing, they can spread the infection.
According to the NHS, other ways typhoid fever can be contracted are:
a) Using a toilet contaminated with bacteria and touching your mouth before washing your hands
b) Eating seafood from a water source contaminated by infected poo or pee
c) Eating raw vegetables that have been fertilised with human waste
d) Taking contaminated milk products
e) Having oral or anal sex with a person who’s a carrier of Salmonella typhi bacteria.
f) Cockroaches could also contaminate food items, since some come from pit toilets.
Symptoms
According to research, symptoms of typhoid fever usually develop 1 or 2 weeks after a person becomes infected.
If not treated, the symptom usually gets worse over the course of a few weeks.
Sadly, there is a significant life-threatening risk and this is because it could result in internal bleeding or perforation of the stomach.
The major symptoms of typhoid fever are:
a) High temperature, which can reach up to 39 to 40 degree Celsius.
b) A cough
c) A headache
d) Constipation
e) General aches and pains
Other late symptoms that show up as the infection progresses are loss of appetite, feeling of being sick and tummy ache and diarrhoea.
Diagnosis
Furthermore, to find out if you have typhoid, you need to go for diagnosis.
Usually, simple analysis of samples of blood, poo (stools) or pee (urine) will show this bacteria.
Lab scientists often examine these samples under a microscope for the Salmonella typhi bacteria.
Unfortunately, it could require that you go for diagnosis several times before test could detect it.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, you could treat typhoid at home if it is in its early stage.
A course of antibiotic tablets is often prescribed which is mostly taken for 7 to 14 days.
Unfortunately, some strains of the Salmonella typhi bacteria have developed a resistance to one or more types of antibiotics.
This is increasingly becoming a problem with typhoid infections.
Natural Remedy For Typhoid
Also, there are natural remedies for typhoid that you can also explore at home.
They are plant-base and have researches backing why they work.
Take Lots Of Fluids
Taking water and natural juices will help build up your immune system to fight the bacteria.
It will be great to add vegetables and fruit blends to your diet.
Fruits contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for the detoxification of your body.
Water also helps to flush out toxins that the bacteria may have deposited in your body.
Interestingly, increasing the level of water intake to cleanse your organs.
Garlic
Unfortunately, this one is repulsive for some persons because of the odour.
But doing what you have to do to get well as fast as possible is vital in in this matter.
Garlic has anti-bacterial activity.
Researches have shown that garlic has a positive effect in the treatment of typhoid fever.
It should be consumed raw or semi-cooked to reap its full benefits.
Consumption of crude garlic extract can help when treating typhoid.
A 2015 study showed that garlic caused a significant reduction in the number of Salmonella typhi in the feaces of the infected rats (2).
It also reduced the duration of infection from 5 to 3 days.
Furthermore, garlic contains antioxidants that act as blood purifier. This way it cleanses the blood and flush out all toxins from the bacteria.
This is why it is one of the typhoid remedies that we recommend.
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Also, garlic helps the kidney to flush out toxins from the body.
Oregano Can Help Treat Typhoid
A 2013 research says oregano also known as Origanum vulgare, a culinary herb, can overcome multidrug resistance if used in antibiotic therapy along with lesser doses of synthetic antibiotics (3).
It may also lessen the toxic effects of synthetic drugs.
Adding oregano to your diet will help in healing and ensuring that the bacteria does not form resistance for the synthetic antibiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This solution is one of the natural typhoid remedies that you should try.
Often, when an individual has this condition, the body temperature rises and produces so much heat.
Drinking a glass of water with a table spoon of apple cider vinegar would help.
The solution contains acidic properties that will bring high fever down. It draws out heat from the body of the person suffering from typhoid fever.
Cold Compress
This is done by placing a towel damp with cold water on the body of the ill person to lower temperature.
Indeed, this helps dispel the heat from the ill person and bring relief.
Very very educating