How to Get Rid of Worms and Intestinal Parasites in Humans

The idea of having worms or parasites in your body can be unsettling, but it's a more common problem than you might realize. Infections can occur from drinking contaminated water, eating undercooked food, poor hygiene, or contact with infected pets. Symptoms often include diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal cramps, which can make diagnosis challenging.

This article outlines the most common types of parasitic worms and natural remedies to help eliminate them from your body.

Common Types of Parasites and Worms

• Tapeworms: These flatworms can grow up to 30 feet and are typically contracted from undercooked meat or fish.

• Roundworms (Ascaris): Can grow up to 35 cm and live for up to two years in the intestines, causing nutrient deficiencies.

• Whipworms: These worms are about 4 cm long and cause painful bowel movements. Infection often occurs through contaminated soil.

• Hookworms: Found in soil, hookworms can infect people who walk barefoot, causing an itchy rash and digestive issues.

• Threadworms & Pinworms: Small parasitic worms that cause an itchy anus. Pinworms are the most common parasitic infection in the U.S. and spread easily.

• Protozoa (Giardia): Single-celled organisms that live in contaminated water sources like lakes and streams, causing severe, watery diarrhea.

Causes of Infection

• Pets: Infected pets can be a common source of parasitic infections, transferring worms from feces or soil to their owners.

• Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands after using the bathroom or handling contaminated surfaces can lead to infection.

• Undercooked Food: Consuming undercooked pork, seafood, or other meats can introduce parasitic worms into your system.

• Contaminated Water: Unsafe drinking water is a significant source of various parasitic infections. Boiling water is recommended if you are unsure of its quality.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a parasitic infection can vary but often include:

• Itching around the anus (common with pinworms)

• Watery or pale-colored diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain and cramps

• Nausea

• Unexplained weight loss and nutrient deficiencies

• Fatigue

• In rare cases, bowel obstruction or lung infections

These symptoms can also indicate other conditions, so it's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Natural Remedies and Parasite Cleanse Diet

Several natural ingredients have anthelmintic (anti-worm) properties and can be used to help eliminate parasites.

1. Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): This non-toxic powder can be safely ingested to kill internal parasites by damaging their exoskeletons. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of food-grade diatomaceous earth in a glass of water and drink daily for up to two weeks.

2. Anti-Parasite Diet: A diet focused on certain foods can create an inhospitable environment for worms.

• Garlic: A powerful natural medicine, garlic is effective against parasites like giardia and tapeworms. Crush 2 cloves of garlic, let them sit for 10 minutes to activate the active compound allicin, and mix with a spoonful of plain yogurt. Consume daily for two weeks.

• Papaya Seeds: Research shows that papaya seeds can eliminate 71% to 100% of parasites from the stool. Grind 5-6 seeds and drink daily in water or a smoothie for 2-3 weeks.

• Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds contain compounds that can paralyze intestinal worms, preventing them from attaching to the intestinal walls. Eat a few tablespoons daily or grind them into a powder and add to your food.

• Onions: Like garlic, onions contain sulfur compounds that can kill off intestinal parasites. Squeeze the juice from an onion (about 2 teaspoons), mix it with raw yogurt, and consume daily for 2-3 weeks.

3. Parasite Cleanse Supplements: Several natural supplements can also aid in cleansing your body of parasites.

• Clove Oil: Known for its anti-parasitic activity, clove oil supplements can help kill off parasites.

• Oregano Oil: A study found that taking oregano oil supplements helped to eradicate intestinal parasites and improve gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Wormwood: Traditionally used to treat malaria, wormwood extracts are also effective against many internal parasitic infections.

• Black Walnut: Traditionally used to kill intestinal parasites.

• Olive Leaf Extract: Studies have shown that olive leaf extract has anti-parasitic benefits.

When to See a Doctor

If you or your child exhibit symptoms of a parasitic infection, especially after traveling abroad, you should see a doctor. This is particularly important if you experience frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. A doctor can perform stool or blood tests to confirm the presence of a parasitic infection and recommend appropriate treatment.