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Online trend -

The parasite cleanse TikTok trend started in late 2020 and gained popularity in early 2021. Many TikTok users claim to have seen positive results from doing a parasite cleanse, such as improved digestion and increased energy levels.

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What is a parasite? -

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, known as the host, and can cause a variety of health problems.

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How common are parasites? -

Intestinal parasites are relatively uncommon in developed countries. However, people from lower income households are more at risk.

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What is a parasite cleanse? -

Parasite cleanses are a type of detox that aim to eliminate harmful parasites from the body. They can be done using natural remedies, supplements, or medications.

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Why do a parasite cleanse? -

Parasites can cause serious health problems such as anemia, liver damage, and neurological disorders.

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Detox -

A parasite cleanse is meant to detoxify the body of parasites, so it can function optimally. Parasite cleanses can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

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Internal cleanse -

A parasite cleanse aims to kill or eliminate organisms living in your intestines or elsewhere in or on your body. By cleansing the body of parasites, it will work how it’s supposed to and symptoms will lift,  proponents claim.

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Digestive tract -

The premise of a parasite cleanse is that if you are suffering from symptoms that seem to be gut-related (i.e. beginning in the digestive tract), which are affecting your mood and energy, parasites may be a possible explanation.

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How are parasites contracted? -

Parasites can be acquired through contaminated food, water, or soil. Intestinal parasite infections are commonly associated with eating bad sushi or bad pork, and drinking bad water.

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Types of parasites -

Common types of parasites include tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. According to the CDC, there are three main classifications of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.

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Protozoa -

Giardia and Amoeba are protozoa that can only multiply within a host. You can't see them without a microscope. They are transmitted through contaminated food, water, feces, or soil.

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Helminths -

Tapeworms are one of the most common type of parasitic worms, contracted from contaminated drinking water or undercooked meat. Likewise, roundworms are common and contracted from eating the meat of an infected animal, or undercooked meat.

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Ectoparasites -

Ectoparasites live on, rather than inside, the host. Examples of ectoparasites would include head lice or fleas.

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Symptoms of parasite infection -

Symptoms are generally vague and non-specific. They can include gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, anemia, weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, rashes, and itchiness.

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Symptoms of parasite infection -

Apart from minor symptoms, parasites, as previously mentioned, can also cause more serious health problems such as anemia, liver damage, and neurological disorders.

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Diagnosis of infection -

Many types of lab tests are available to diagnose parasitic diseases. A fecal (stool) exam, also called an ova and parasite test (O&P), endoscopy/colonoscopy, and blood tests are used to diagnose infection

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#parasitecleanse -

Using the hashtag "parasitecleanse," TikTok content creators have encouraged people suffering from bloating to try a parasite cleanse. Often, they are suggested by creators who have paid partnerships with the manufacturers of parasite cleanse products.

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Cleanse ingredients -

Some popular herbs used in parasite cleanses include black walnut, wormwood, and clove. Pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, and propolis are also claimed to be effective in parasite-cleanse treatments.

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Foods to avoid -

Generally, it’s advised to avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol, or refined grains if you are trying to prevent parasites.

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Foods to include in your diet -

Including more garlic, vitamin A-rich foods, probiotic-rich foods, and avoiding meat and fish will help to prevent and fight parasitic infection, so go the claims.

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Die-off symptoms -

Some people may experience a "die-off" reaction during a parasite cleanse, which supposedly occurs when the parasites are killed and release toxins into the body. Symptoms of a die-off reaction can include headache, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and other, less-than-desirable effects.

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Parasite cleanse effects -

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 might not actually have a parasite.

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Gut flora -

Many parasite cleanse ingredients act as laxatives. If taken in large enough quantities, they can change the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract. The idea that a healthy microbiome is 'clean' and free from microbes doesn’t hold water, as our gut is filled with good bacteria that is probably better not to flush out.

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Preventing parasites -

It's important to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent contracting a parasite in the first place. Washing your hands, being mindful of the food you eat and where you eat it, as well as paying attention to any symptoms that appear, are the first steps.

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Pseudoscience? -

There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of parasite cleanses. One study involving schoolchildren in Nigeria taking papaya seeds from 2004 was taken using a small sample size.

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Pseudoscience -

Similarly, another study with papaya seeds studied the effects on goats suffering from parasites, whose genetic makeup differs from ours. The health trend follows the idea that there is toxic matter in the body that needs to be purged.

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Marketing -

Promoters of parasite cleanse products say many people have parasites in their intestines and don’t even know it. They preach their results and usually have graphic images to 'prove' their claims.

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Dangerous -

Some experts warn that parasite cleanses can be harmful and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a parasite cleanse.

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Expensive supplements -

Part of a wider obsession with gut-health healing, supplements containing these parasite-cleansing herbs can range up to US$90. However, there is little to no scientific evidence to support the claims made by promoters.

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Interference -

Many of the herbs used to treat intestinal parasites have toxic side effects or interfere with other medications. Make sure that the individual ingredients in a parasite cleanse don’t interfere with your medication, or you can’t use it.

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Precautions -

Parasite cleanses are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or people with certain medical conditions.

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Medical treatment -

Parasite cleanses are not a substitute for medical treatment for a parasitic infection. Visit your doctor or a gastrointestinal specialist and have your stool tested if you suspect you have a parasite problem.

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Medical treatment -

Remember, the only effective remedy against parasites is prescription medication that's species-specific.

Sources: (Dazed Digital) (Mic) (Daily Mail) (Rolling Stone) (Medical News Today)
(Everyday Health) (Verywell Health)
(The Washington Post) (ScienceAlert)

See also: The health benefits of tropical fruits

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