Parasites are organisms that depend on a host for their survival. They attach themselves to or invade another living organism, feeding off their host’s nutrients and often causing health problems in the process. The host may experience a spectrum of health issues from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to debilitating diseases. These unwelcome guests can infiltrate your body in a variety of ways: consuming contaminated food or water, bites from insects, sexual contact, or even simply walking barefoot on contaminated soil.
However, the good news is that a careful choice of dietary intake can serve as a natural defense mechanism against such parasitic infections. This article aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of the best anti-parasitic foods, their health benefits, the scientific studies backing their use, and additional tips on how to incorporate them into your daily diet.
So how do you know if you have parasites? There are countless kinds of parasites that exist and many of them are so common, that you may even be unaware that some of the problems you’re experiencing could be because of parasites.
Top 10 Signs You May Have A Parasite:
- Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, or IBS symptoms
- You’ve had traveler’s diarrhea while traveling internationally
- You have a history of food poisoning and are still dealing with digestive issues
- You have difficulty falling asleep and you wake up often during the night
- You grind your teeth while sleeping
- You have skin irritations, rashes, hives, eczema or rosacea for unexplained reasons
- You have aching muscles and joints
- You never seem to feel full after your meals
- You have iron-deficiency anemia
- You are dealing with fatigue, depression, exhaustion or apathy
If you have recognized yourself reading these symptoms, don’t hit the panic button just yet! Mother Nature has got your back! There are some magical herbs and foods out there that you can eat to help get rid of your parasites.
The Most Effective Anti-Parasitic Foods to Add to Your Diet
1. Raw Garlic
Garlic is a potent anti-parasitic food that has been used throughout the centuries for its health benefits. Containing powerful compounds like allicin and ajoene, garlic exhibits anti-parasitic and antimicrobial properties. Raw garlic, when incorporated in your meals, can help eliminate parasites while also bolstering your immune system.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, rich in immune-supporting zinc, also harbor a powerful amino acid called cucurbitacin. This compound boasts anti-parasitic properties, and regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can serve to prevent and treat parasitic infections.
3. Pomegranates
Pomegranates, packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic effects. Drinking pomegranate juice or consuming the fruit directly can contribute to eliminating parasites and improving your overall health.
4. Beets
Beets are powerhouses of betaine, a compound that supports liver function and detoxification. They also contain fiber, which assists in eliminating parasites and other toxins from the digestive tract.
5. Carrots
Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, aid in immune function and help combat infections. They also contain fiber, which assists in flushing out parasites. Other foods high in beta-carotene like sweet potatoes and squash can also prove beneficial.
6. Honey and Papaya Seeds
A study revealed that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds managed to clear stools of parasites in a majority of subjects. Papaya seeds harbor an enzyme known as papain, which may help eliminate worms when consumed half an hour before or after meals. However, it should be noted that papain may increase bleeding risk in people with clotting disorders or those on blood-thinning medication.
7. Water
Water, particularly when treated and filtered, is crucial for flushing out parasites and toxins. It also aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
8. High-Fiber Foods
A high-fiber diet can help eliminate parasites and toxins from the digestive tract. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
9. Probiotics
Probiotics, or beneficial gut bacteria, aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can help prevent and treat parasitic infections[^8^, ^10^].
10. Papaya Seeds
In a 2015 study, papaya seeds demonstrated significant anti-parasitic potential. A group of schoolchildren in Kenya were given porridge with ground papaya seeds, which resulted in a significant reduction in roundworm eggs in their stool.
11. Oregano
Oregano is a potent anti-parasitic herb that can help kill parasites and prevent them from reproducing. While it’s often consumed in capsule, tincture, or tea form, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy.
Apart from these foods, traditional herbs like garlic, barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, anise, wormwood, curled mint, and black walnuts have been used to treat parasitic infections. It’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating these into your diet, especially as supplements. They may have side effects or interact with other medications. This is particularly important for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Foods to Avoid When Battling Parasites
In addition to adding anti-parasitic foods to your diet, certain foods should be avoided if you’re trying to eliminate a confirmed parasitic infection. These include simple carbohydrates found in refined foods, fruits, juices, dairy products, and all sugars except honey. Raw meat and fish should also be avoided until the infection is completely cleared.
7 Herbs And Foods That Can Kill Internal Parasites Naturally
In addition to the foods above if you are looking to prevent parasites, you can include the herbs below as part of your regular diet or even complete a parasite cleanse 2-3 times a year. You can find a parasite cleanse kit in health food stores and the process will last a few weeks; these kits contain many of the herbs listed below in the therapeutic quantities.
If you suspect a severe parasite infection, visit a Naturopath who can connect you with a parasitology lab to get accurate testing done. They will then be able to recommend the most appropriate dosage for the herbs below, along with others as required.
1. Black Walnut Nuts & Hull
The nuts and green hulls of black walnut (Juglans nigra) possess the powerful ability to cleanse your blood and your intestines. Black walnut hull is effective in helping with fungal infections. The juice from the green hulls is the part that is used to kill parasites. Make sure to only use green hulls.
How to use it? You can buy black walnut nuts and hull as a tincture and use it internally as directed. It is often found as an ingredient in internal cleansing products. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tnpy3IwZgyI
2. Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is an herb with small yellow-green flowers. Leaves and flowers are both powerful for your stomach problems and wormwood is the perfect remedy for intestinal worms (note that wormwood should be avoided by nursing women). Wormwood also possesses strong antimicrobial properties and can be useful for other infections besides parasites.
How to use it? Besides being found in many internal cleansing products, you can make tea out of wormwood. Just add 0.5 – 1 tsp to hot water and you have a cleansing tea ready.
3. Cloves
Clove essential oil dissolves the eggs found in your intestines left behind by worms. It may be the only herb that destroys almost all parasite eggs. It is incredibly powerful when used in conjunction with black walnut and wormwood because the trio breaks the parasite’s life-cycle. Clove is antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal, hence how incredibly powerful it can be.
How to use it? Cloves are used to flavor many dishes and baked goods from relishes, pies, pickles, Indian dishes, teas, and cider.
4. Thyme
Thyme is one of the most wonderful herbs for stimulating the thymus, a major gland of your immune system. Thyme stimulates your body’s natural defenses. Thyme oil cannot only eliminate the growth of many parasites, but it can also kill them in the intestinal tract.
How to use it? You can use thyme in practically any dish you’d like along with marjoram, rosemary, oregano, and other spices. You may also just use it dry or fresh.
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is incredibly powerful and one of the most effective herbs you can use against all kinds of problems, including parasites. It is infused with extremely high levels of free radical-crushing antioxidants. Oregano oil is also antiparasitic, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, making it a powerful yet protective killer that can reset the microbial environment in your intestines.
How to use it? You can use oregano oil as a tincture, tea, or as an essential oil. Make sure you get good quality food-grade oils from a reliable source. It is also an ingredient in many cleaning products.
6. Chinese Goldthread
Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine used for helping with all types of infections, including bacterial, parasitic, yeast and protozoan. Its superpower ingredient, berberine, is responsible for the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
How to use it? You can make tea out of Chinese goldthread. Look for teas with it as an ingredient. You may want to visit your Asian supermarket. https://www.youtube.com/embed/L7-BmO6o-7oIntegrating anti-parasitic foods and herbs into your diet can be an effective measure against parasitic infections. These foods not only ward off parasites but also promote overall health and well-being. However, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a parasitic infection and follow the appropriate treatment plan. Combining a balanced diet with medical supervision ensures a comprehensive and safe approach to dealing with parasitic infections.
