A parasite cleanse is any diet, supplement, or other detox product that aims to remove parasites from the body. However, it is best for a person to consult a healthcare professional before trying any parasite cleanse.
Many companies go so far as to recommend these cleanses for just about anyone, without a doctor ever diagnosing a parasitic infection.
This article examines parasite cleanses and whether or not they are effective.
Parasite cleanses, or parasite detoxes, are dietary supplements that aim to naturally rid the body of parasites.
Parasite cleanses often contain natural ingredients that manufacturers claim have anti-parasite properties, including:
- wormwood
- oregano oil
- black walnut
- clove
- diatomaceous earth
- grape seed extract
- neem
- propolis
- Oregon grape
- olive leaf
- barberry
Learn more about parasite infections in humans and how to treat them.
There is little research on whether commercial parasite cleanses are useful.
A
These results are promising, but the researchers call for more tests before recommending wormwood as a treatment for parasites in humans.
However, there is no research that proves that any other of the aforementioned ingredients can help cleanse the body of parasites.
Instead of doing a parasite cleanse, it is best to contact a doctor if someone suspects they may have a parasitic infection. The doctor can prescribe anti-parasite medications that will rid the body of the parasite.
Additionally, many makers of parasite cleanse products might go so far as to say everyone should do a parasite cleanse once or twice a year, with or without evidence of them having a parasite.
Although
Cleansing diets or programs will often recommend a person eat a supportive diet while taking the product. This diet may include avoiding greasy, processed foods and eating natural, whole foods.
Some parasite-cleansing diets ask the person to avoid specific types of foods, such as gluten, dairy, or pork. Diets may also include the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, such as garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
There is no evidence to suggest that following a specific diet will get rid of parasites from the body.
However, many so-called “parasite cleanse diets” may make a person feel better simply by removing processed and greasy foods and introducing healthy probiotics and antioxidants.
Although eating a varied and balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, will benefit a person’s overall health, it is always best to consult a doctor before following a specific diet.
Signs and symptoms of a parasite may differ depending on the type of parasite and the problems it causes.
According to the
These include Chagas disease, cyclosporiasis, cysticercosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis.
The following table provides more information about these parasitic conditions.
| Disease | Parasite responsible | Location | Transmission | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chagas disease | Trypanosoma cruzi | South | contact with a triatomine or “kissing bug” | can cause no symptoms, but initial symptoms may include: • fever • fatigue • body aches • loss of appetite • diarrhea and vomiting later signs include cardiac and gastrointestinal complications | treatment includes antiparasitic treatment with benznidazole and nifurtimox complications in the later stage may need specific management techniques |
| cyclosporiasis | Cyclospora cayetanensis | ingesting food or liquid contaminated with poop | symptoms occur around 1 week after exposure and • watery diarrhea • frequent bowel movements • weight loss • nausea | a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) | |
| toxocariasis | Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, roundworms commonly present in dogs and cats | found in pets across the United States | ingesting dirt contaminated with pet poop that contains Toxocara eggs | Toxocara does not cause symptoms in many cases; it may cause vision problems or fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain | antiparasitic drugs |
| toxoplasmosis | Toxoplasma gondii | found across the United States | ingesting the parasite through undercooked, contaminated meat or any substance contaminated with cat poop | can cause no symptoms, but some may experience flu-like symptoms and muscle aches lasting for | treatment may not be necessary if the body can clear the parasite on its own, but doctors may prescribe anti-parasite medication |
| trichomoniasis (trich) | Trichomonas vaginalis | having sex without a condom or a barrier method with a person who has trich | can cause no symptoms, but some may experience genital itching, discomfort when peeing, and unusual genital discharge |
In some cases, parasites clear up on their own, especially in a person with a healthy immune system.
If the parasite causes concerning symptoms or may cause complications, doctors will likely order an antiparasitic medication that kills the parasite.
If a person suspects a parasite infection, they should avoid attempting to treat the issue themselves and contact a doctor instead.
While individual ingredients may show promise in laboratory studies, there is little proof that commercial cleansing products kill parasites.
A person can have a parasitic infection, even if they do not experience symptoms. However, there is no evidence that people who self-diagnose and use parasite cleanses get any benefit from these products if no parasite is present.
The methods behind many cleansing programs typically involve the person switching to a whole foods diet, eating supportive herbs, and improving their digestive health.
Switching to a more balanced diet may give a person similar benefits to those they would expect from using parasite cleanses.
If a person is concerned about parasites or that they may have a parasitic infection, it’s best to contact a doctor.