How To Clean Body Of Parasites

Parasitic cleanses and natural treatments for parasites are increasing in popularity and for a good reason: gut parasites are real. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that tens of millions of people worldwide have parasites living in their bodies.

Worms and protozoa are two of the most common forms of parasites that feed on a host organism and cause a variety of symptoms that affect the digestive system and skin. Worms are usually ingested as eggs and then hatch inside your body. They eat the nutrients in your intestinal tract and love to feed on sugar and junk food. Single-celled protozoa are microscopic and impossible to see with the naked eye. Once ingested, they multiply inside their host system.

Most people contract parasites by eating or handling contaminated meat, fruits and vegetables. You can also get infected through fecal contamination or contact with unclean water.

The best way to know if you have a parasite and if a cleanse will work is to educate yourself about parasite symptoms and treatments, and talk with your doctor.

Gut Parasite Cleanses: Fact or Fiction?

Many popular wellness websites claim that nearly everyone has a parasite in their colon—the large intestine. They also suggest that regular gut cleanses will detoxify the body and get rid of parasitic infections, without taking medication prescribed by a doctor.

These cleansing treatments typically include natural, plant-based supplements that contain ingredients often found in medical treatments for parasites. For example, wormwood is a key ingredient in many gut parasite cleanses and in 2018, a study in humans found that wormwood can effectively treat some types of parasites.

It's true that many of the natural ingredients in the cleanses can be helpful in clearing the body of parasites, but only if you actually have a parasite. How do you know if you really have parasites in your body? Only a lab test can provide accurate results.

It should also be noted that there hasn't been strong research to prove that colon parasite cleanses work. Many of the cleanses promote a healthier diet, which leads to positive, noticeable changes in the digestive system. Sometimes these reactions in the digestive system are perceived as parasites dying off and leaving the body, but it's hard to be sure. Ultimately, you should get tested for parasites before and after a cleanse to determine if you need treatment and if the parasites have been cleared.

If you think you have a parasite and are considering a natural gut parasite cleanse, be your own advocate and ask your doctor for a parasite screening before you start any treatment. The more you understand about parasites and what's going on in your body, the easier it will be to make a smart decision about next steps.

Intestinal Parasite Symptoms and Treatment

Gut parasite symptoms are similar to the physical symptoms of other illnesses, so it can be hard to know if you have a parasite or another type of stomach bug. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to have a doctor test you for a parasitic infection. Common symptoms include:

Unexpected or long-term digestive issues like diarrhea, gas or constipation
Progressive weight loss
Constant hunger and not feeling full, even after eating a big meal
Itching, rash and hives, especially around the vagina and anus
Muscle and joint aches
Feeling more tired than usual
Teeth grinding while you sleep
Recurring yeast infections

Parasitic Infection Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Doctors most frequently use stool tests and blood tests to identify parasites in your gut, especially the microscopic ones. It's also important to tell your doctor about visual indicators, such as seeing the presence of worms in your stool. Worms are easy to misdiagnose. One doctor reported that a patient brought in a stool sample that had hookworm-like objects in it. After closer inspection, the "worm" turned out to be an undigested bean sprout.

Once you've confirmed you are battling real gut parasites, your doctor will prescribe medicine to attack the specific parasite in your body. These medications often have unpleasant side effects, so many people prefer to try natural remedies. Keep in mind that some herbal detox supplements have side effects and can interact with current medications. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any supplemental detox program.

No matter what treatment path you choose, continue to follow up with your doctor and get tested to make sure your parasite infection is completely gone.

Parasite Prevention

Preventing parasites is just as important as treating them. Prevention can be as simple as building a healthy digestive and immune system. One of the best defenses against parasites is to avoid sugar and processed foods, eat whole foods, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of clean water to flush out your system regularly.