\n<\/p>\n
A wellness trend known as \u201cparasite cleansing\u201d is going viral, with influencers claiming that parasitic infestations are more common than people think. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
On social media platforms like TikTok, influencers tout detox teas<\/a>, herbal tinctures, and DIY elixirs made with Epsom salts, baking soda<\/a>, and more, all said to flush parasites<\/a> and \u201ctoxins\u201d from the body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One TikToker shares her \u201cgrandmother\u2019s recipe<\/a>,\u201d claiming it will rid the body of parasitic worms and relieve constipation. This cleanse consists of soaking pumpkin seeds in hot water overnight, then blending them with turmeric<\/a> and ginger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Claims such as these have sparked both concern and curiosity among viewers and experts alike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n We asked medical professionals about the safety and effectiveness of parasite cleanses to find out whether they do more harm than good.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Steven Goldberg<\/a>, MD, MBA, chief medical officer at HealthTrackRx, told Healthline that DIY parasite cleanses are unnecessary for most people and potentially harmful.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe trend reflects a fundamental misunderstanding about parasitic infections and how the body works,\u201d he said. \u201cThe human body doesn\u2019t need cleansing from parasites unless there\u2019s an actual diagnosed infection, which is relatively uncommon in the United States and other high-income countries with high levels of sanitation.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Goldberg explained that while parasitic infections do occur in humans, most are specific organisms like Giardia or pinworms, which require targeted medical treatment<\/a>, not general cleanses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s also important to note that to a certain extent, the body naturally removes waste and toxins on its own. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIn most cases, the body already has highly effective systems for removing waste and toxins, primarily through the liver, kidneys, and gut,\u201d said Tom Maggs,<\/a> chief medical officer at Healthwords.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cPromoting the idea that people routinely need to cleanse parasites without evidence can lead to unnecessary anxiety<\/a> and potentially unsafe behaviors,\u201d Maggs told Healthine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n There is no credible scientific evidence to suggest that detox teas or herbal supplements eliminate parasitic infections, Goldberg said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cActual Some content creators say they\u2019ve witnessed worms in their stools after using these remedies, but Goldberg said what people are likely seeing and misidentifying as \u201cparasites\u201d falls into several categories. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The first of these is mucus strands and debris<\/a>. \u201cMany of these cleanses contain harsh laxatives<\/a> or fiber that irritate the intestinal lining, causing it to shed mucus,\u201d he explained. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThis mucus can form rope-like strands that look alarming but are completely normal digestive by-products.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n They could also be seeing undigested food particles, banana fibers, psyllium husk, or normal stool components. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe digestive process creates all kinds of textures and shapes that might seem unusual if you\u2019re looking for something alarming,\u201d Goldberg said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In short, parasite cleansing isn\u2019t an effective way to rid the body of a parasitic infection, if one is present. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cTrue parasitic worms<\/a>, when passed, are usually clearly identifiable as living organisms,\u201d Goldberg said. \u201cIf someone passes what they genuinely think is a worm, they should save it in a container and bring it to their practitioner, who can send it to a laboratory for proper identification.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Some versions of this trend involve ingesting herbal mixtures or using remedies like baking soda, Epsom salts, or essential oils<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n But experts say these concoctions may pose health or safety risks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cHerbal and dietary supplements are not regulated like medications by the FDA, meaning their safety, purity, and actual contents aren\u2019t verified before sale,\u201d Goldberg said. \u201cSeveral studies have documented serious concerns.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Product contamination and adulteration are other concerns. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cChemical analyses frequently find discrepancies between product labels and actual ingredients, including undisclosed pharmaceutical drugs, heavy metals, and toxic plant species,\u201d Goldberg said. \u201cDangerous drug interactions can occur, particularly for people taking prescription medications, and many patients don\u2019t disclose supplement use to their doctors.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n In addition, parasite cleanses may also cause side effects. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n If you\u2019re worried about a parasitic infection, it\u2019s important to understand the signs and symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n According to Maggs, symptoms that may warrant medical attention include: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, it\u2019s also important to note that parasites can not be reliably self-diagnosed. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIf someone is concerned about a possible parasitic infection, this needs to be properly assessed by a medical professional. Diagnosis typically involves stool tests<\/a>, blood tests, or other investigations depending on the suspected parasite,\u201d Maggs said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The best approach is prevention through basic hygiene and food safety practices. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n