Although more predominant in the developing world, more than 5% of Americans are estimated to be infected with intestinal parasites. The two types of intestinal parasites are helminths (worms) and protozoa. Protozoa are single cell organisms and are able to multiply in the human body, while helminths generally cannot. In the U.S., protozoan infections are more likely. Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed by a stool test and common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and anemia.
Potential Benefits
Helminth infections can provide beneficial stimulation of the immune response, as well as immune regulating properties that bring down systemic inflammation. Eradication of these parasites could have negative implications for autoimmune, allergies, and IBD.
Parasites & the Microbiome
- The gut microbiota is essential to our immune response and helps to protect our bodies from other organisms
- An imbalance of gut bacteria can make the host more vulnerable to parasites, and parasitic infections can negatively impact the gut microbiome
- Through the gut-brain connection, our behavior can be affected by intestinal parasites, either directly, or indirectly by changes to the microbiome
Parasite Elimination
- Prevention through personal hygiene such as handwashing, health education, and clean food and water
- Beta-glucans have been shown to trigger expulsion of certain helminths
- Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have helped clear Giardia
- Saccaromyces boulardii and berberine have proven activity against some species of protozoa
- Artemisinin has shown an effect against multiple species of protozoa and helminths
A parasite cleanse can be harsh on your gut, so it is best to get testing to confirm if parasites are present and what type you are dealing with before treatment.
References: Pathogens. 2024 Gastroenterology Research. 2023 Scientific Reports. 2020 Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 2023 Biochemical and Cellular Archives. 2019
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
