So-called “parasite cleanses” frequently trend on TikTok, with users touting specific diets or supplements that can allegedly rid the body of unwelcome organisms.
Some users even claim to see the carcasses of parasites in their poop after undertaking a cleanse — complete with photographic evidence.
“I’m going to deworm and de-parasite for the first time,” Klum, 52, said. “Everything I’m getting on my Instagram feed at the moment is about worms and parasites. So I’m doing a worm cleanse and parasite cleanse with my husband.” She added, “I don’t know what the heck is going to come out.”
But do parasite cleanses work, are they necessary, and most importantly, are they safe?
What Is a Parasite Cleanse?
Parasite cleanses are any diet or herbal supplement regimen meant to rid the body of parasitic infections. Parasites are organisms that infect other organisms and feed off their host’s nutrients. In humans, common types of intestinal parasites includes single-celled organisms like Giardia and various kinds of worms like tapeworms.
Many manufacturing companies and wellness influencers who tout the use of parasite cleanses claim that most people have parasites in their bodies and don’t even know it. They encourage others to use these cleanses even if they haven’t been diagnosed with an infection by a doctor.
What Experts Are Saying About Parasite Cleanses
The notion of parasite cleanses isn’t new, says Christine Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic, who has seen this trend come up in years past.
“It pops up every now and then,” she says, adding “I think it’s resurfacing again with the popularity of people eating more healthy and being more mindful about getting more fibrous, plant-based foods in their diet, which can look a little different when they come out.”
In other words, those stringy contents that may resemble worm carcasses are likely just pieces of celery or mushrooms, and those seeing them in their stool following a parasite cleanse do not actually have a parasite, she says.
While, some preliminary research suggests certain herbs such as wormwood, which is often used in parasite cleanses, may have some properties that could be helpful in treating parasites, their benefit hasn’t been established in humans.
“There are no proven population-based, controlled studies to support this recommendation,” says Roopa Vemulapalli, MD, associate professor of internal medicine in the division of digestive and liver diseases and medical director of UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Digestive Disease Clinic in Dallas.
Do Most People Have Parasites in Their Bodies?
Many people around the world, particularly in developing countries with inadequate sewer systems, do have intestinal parasites. According to research published in BioMed Research International, it’s estimated that 30 to 60 percent of these populations have parasites at some point in their lives. “This is more common in tropical and subtropical countries,” Dr. Vemulapalli says.
However, this isn’t the case in the United States. “Here in the United States, we’re really fortunate to live in a state where there is well-serviced sanitation and sewer systems,” Dr. Lee says.
So while it’s certainly possible to have a parasitic infection while living in the United States, it’s relatively rare.
How Would You Know if You Had a Parasite?
Normally, parasite infections occur when eating or drinking contaminated food or water. For Americans, this may happen when traveling abroad to tropical or subtropical countries.
Depending on the parasite, symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in your stool
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
Of course, these symptoms could be caused by any number of health issues, so it’s important not to assume you have a parasite or try to self-treat with a cleanse. If your digestive issues have been ongoing or if you have concerning symptoms like bleeding or unexplained weight loss, talk to your doctor, Lee advises.
How Are Parasites Normally Treated?
Some parasitic infections may go away on their own, but many require treatment. The specific type of therapy will depend on the parasite.
Some infections can be treated with antibiotics, Lee says, while others will need a class of drugs called anthelmintics.
If left untreated, parasitic infections can have a number of complications, including anemia, weight loss, intestinal obstruction, and an increased risk of bladder and liver cancer, Vemulapalli warns.
“Some parasitic infections are very invasive and they can embed themselves into the lung, liver, or brain, which can turn fatal,” Lee says.
That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and appropriate therapy if you have a parasitic infection.
Are There Risks of Parasite Cleanses?
In addition to the potential complications associated with not getting the appropriate treatment if you do have a parasite, there are some other risks of parasite cleanses to consider.
First, if the cleanse involves taking supplements, it’s important to know that these aren’t tightly regulated. Legally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they’re sold.
“The concern with this is that you don’t know how much you’re taking and at what quantity and what unwanted side effects that might carry,” Lee says. “Even benign or nonharmful things, when taken at exorbitant or unhealthy amounts, can become dangerous.”
What’s more, certain supplements may have interactions with prescription medications or other supplements you might be taking. It’s always recommended to speak to your doctor before starting any new supplements.
The Bottom Line on Parasite Cleanses
Though parasite cleanses may be the latest health trend, there’s no scientific proof that they work. Furthermore, not getting the appropriate medical treatment for a parasitic infection can result in serious and even fatal complications.
If you’re worried about any new or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, talk to your doctor so you can get a proper diagnosis.