Understanding Parasites and How They Affect Your Health
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host organism and get their food from or at the expense of the host. There are many different types of parasites, including protozoa, worms, and ectoparasites like ticks and mites. Many parasites do not cause any symptoms at all, while others can cause mild distress or even serious illnesses.
Some common parasitic infections in humans include:
- Giardia - Causes giardiasis infection in the small intestine
- Cryptosporidium - Leads to cryptosporidiosis infection
- Pinworms - Causes itching around the anus or vagina
- Tapeworms - Found in undercooked meat and fish
- Roundworms - Spread through contaminated soil
Having a parasitic infection may cause digestive issues like diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Parasites can also lead to malnutrition, since they take away nutrients from the body. In some cases, they can spread to other organs and cause more severe illnesses like liver disease or anemia.
You are more likely to get a parasitic infection if you travel to or live in developing countries with lower sanitation standards. Eating undercooked meat or fish, drinking contaminated water, having contact with feces, or walking barefoot where animals defecate can expose you to parasites.
Signs You May Have a Parasite
Some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a parasitic infection include:
- Diarrhea or watery stool
- Stomach pain, cramps, or tenderness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating or excess gas
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or increased hunger
- Itching around the anus or vagina
- Digestive issues that last or come and go
- Anemia or other signs of malnutrition
Keep in mind many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Consult your doctor if you experience any persistent gastrointestinal problems or think you may have been exposed to parasites.
Can a Colonic Help Get Rid of Parasites?
A colonic is one method some people try in an attempt to cleanse parasites from their bodies. Colonics involve flushing out the large intestine with water or other liquids.
During a colonic treatment, a tube is inserted into the rectum and several gallons of water or other irrigation solution flows into the colon. The water and waste is then drained out. This is repeated several times in order to "clean out" the entire colon from top to bottom.
There is limited evidence that colonics are an effective way to eliminate all parasites. The colonic may flush out some worms or parasite eggs that are passing through the digestive tract. However, many parasites can embed themselves into the intestinal walls or tissue and may not get cleared out.
Colonics only reach the large bowel and cannot remove parasites farther up in the small intestine. The waters used are also not anti-parasitic solutions specifically designed to kill parasites.
Potential Risks and Downsides of Colonics
While colonics may seem like a natural cleansing ritual, they can come with health risks and complications. Some concerns with colonic therapy include:
- Perforation or puncture of the intestinal wall
- Electrolyte imbalances from fluid shifts
- Infection from equipment or solution
- Dehydration
- Abdominal cramping or bloating
- Nausea, vomiting, or fatigue afterwards
Repeated colonics can also upset the natural balance of gut bacteria needed for healthy digestion. There are concerns with the cleanliness and disinfection practices at some colonic centers as well.
If you have gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis, colonics may further aggravate the bowel. Those with heart or kidney issues may not tolerate fluid shifts well either.
More Effective Natural Parasite Cleanses
While colonics are not the best way to eliminate parasites, there are other natural anti-parasitic foods, herbs, and supplements you can try. Some options include:
1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain amino acids called cucurbitacins that can paralyze and kill worms in your intestines. Compounds in pumpkin seeds may also help expel parasites from the body.
To use: Eat a couple tablespoons of raw, organic pumpkin seeds each day. You can also take pumpkin seed extract supplements.
2. Garlic
The allicin and ajoene in garlic have powerful anti-parasitic properties that can help your body ward off or expel many types of parasites. Garlic may also prevent the growth and spread of parasites.
To use: Eat 2-3 raw garlic cloves each day, add generous amounts of garlic to your cooking, or take garlic extract supplements.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized algae called diatoms. It can pierce the exoskeletons of parasites and kill them off while being gentle on the digestive tract.
To use: Take 1 tablespoon daily mixed with water or juice. Can also be used topically for parasites on skin or hair.
4. Cloves
Cloves have powerful antimicrobial properties and compounds like eugenol and beta-caryophyllene that are toxic to many parasites. Cloves may help kill off eggs and disrupt the life cycle.
To use: Add ground or whole cloves to food dishes and beverages. Can also take clove essential oil internally in small diluted amounts.
5. Oregano Oil
Carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil make it antiparasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial. Oregano oil may be effective at killing many stubborn parasites.
To use: Take 3-5 drops oregano oil under the tongue or in juices/smoothies 2-3x per day. Can also rub diluted oil over skin.
6. Black Walnut
Black walnut hulls have juglone that may disrupt the metabolism and energy production of parasites. This can essentially starve and eliminate intestinal worms.
To use: Take black walnut extract or add powdered hulls to drinks and foods. Limit to a couple weeks to avoid side effects.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics like saccharomyces, lactobacillus acidophilus, and bifidobacteria can help crowd out and kill parasites and balance gut flora. Good bacteria keep your digestive system inhospitable to parasites.
To use: Consume probiotic-rich foods daily like kefir, kimchi, raw yogurt, and kombucha. Can also take a probiotic supplement.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric’s key component curcumin exhibits antiprotozoal activity and may be effective against many parasites like giardia, candida, and amoebas. Turmeric may target the entire parasite life cycle.
To use: Take turmeric extract capsules daily. Cooking with turmeric and black pepper boosts absorption.
9. Coconut Oil
The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil can help expel parasites by making the lining of your intestines inhospitable to parasitic attachment. Coconut oil also contains antimicrobial lauric acid.
To use: Consume 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil each day. Use in cooking, smoothies, or directly eaten off a spoon.
10. Neem
Neem powder, seeds, and extracts contain beneficial compounds like azadirachtin that act as natural insecticides and may help eliminate parasites. Neem also soothes irritation caused by parasites.
To use: Take neem leaf capsules or use neem powder. Avoid neem oil internally.
When to See a Doctor for Parasites
While some parasite cleanses and natural remedies can be helpful, they should not replace medical treatment if you have a confirmed parasitic infection. Seek medical care right away if you experience any of the following:
- Prolonged diarrhea lasting over 2 days
- Bloody or black stool
- Vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down
- Rapid weight loss or malnutrition
- Immune dysfunction or chronic fatigue
- Fever with abdominal pain
- Neurological symptoms like muscle pain or tingling
Diagnosing a parasitic infection often involves submitting a stool sample to check for eggs and parasites. Your doctor may prescribe medications like:
- Albendazole to treat pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms
- Metronidazole for giardia, amoebas, and other protozoa
- Nitazoxanide for cryptosporidium and giardia
- Ivermectin helps treat roundworms and whipworms
Antiparasitic medication works throughout the entire digestive system, unlike colonics which only reach the colon. This more thoroughly eliminates parasites from your body. Always finish the full course as prescribed.
Protecting Yourself from Parasitic Infections
While periodic parasite cleanses can be beneficial, preventing an infection in the first place is ideal. Some tips to avoid parasites include:
- Wash hands frequently before eating or preparing food
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Only drink filtered or bottled water when traveling
- Do not drink from lakes or streams
- Avoid undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
- Wear shoes outdoors where animals defecate
- Avoid fecal exposure during sexual activity
- Do not swallow water when swimming in ponds or pools
- Keep good hygiene and properly treat cuts to avoid bacteria
- Control rodent and insect populations in your home
Pay extra care when traveling in developing countries with higher parasite risks. Also make sure your pets are up to date on deworming treatments.
While periodically doing a parasite cleanse can help eliminate any parasites lurking in your body, parasites are often preventable with proper precautions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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