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Everyone is talking about parasite cleansing online, from supermodels and TikTok stars to TikTok’s influencers.
Celebrities like Heidi Klum, and viral content on social media, have fueled the trend. It promises to remove hidden worms and cure everything from brain fog to bloating.
These DIY detoxes work or are they just a fad? Could they do more harm than benefit? Read on for a deep dive into the booming interest in parasite cleanses – and what science, tradition, and global case studies say.
Parasites are a hot topic.
Influencers on TikTok claim that they have expelled worms as small as pencils using herbal drops and extreme cleanses. Kim Rogers – also known as the ‘Worm Queen’ – gained fame by posting a cleanse video. She then sold her remedies.
According to the underlying argument, we all carry parasites even if we aren’t aware of it. A detox is the only way to get rid them. Some people use it to control unexplained symptoms; others do it as a preventative measure rooted in ancient traditions.
What is a parasite?
Parasites exist. Parasites are organisms that feed off of a host, such as you. They can cause everything from brain fog and bloating to eczema or malnutrition when left untreated. Parasitic infections are prevalent worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.5 billion individuals are affected by parasitic infections worldwide.
In countries like the UK, US, and most of Europe, infections are less common — though not unheard of. Dr. Leana WEN, a professor and physician at George Washington University told CNN:
Most cases of syphilis in high-income nations are documented in travellers returning from places with poor sanitation. Or in people with exposures like contact with infected animal. CNN
The idea of parasite cleaning isn’t a modern fad. In countries like South Korea, parasite infections were once endemic, which affected over 80 percent of the populace in the 1970s. A national programme of public health was launched in 1969 for screening and treating schoolchildren twice annually with antiparasitic medicines. The programme included educational outreach and mass campaigns, supported by international aid from Japan in particular.
South Korea’s national infectivity rate has dropped from 84.3% to 2.6 percent by 2012, thanks to this structured approach.
The parasites are a major problem in areas where sanitation and hygiene are poor. The key difference between South Korea and other countries is that they used medical treatment instead of DIY cleanses.
Parasites and their symptoms
Most people who seek parasite cleanses have vague symptoms, such as fatigue or constipation. They may also suffer from skin issues, anxiety, or bloating. But these symptoms are nonspecific – they can also be linked to stress, thyroid disorders, food intolerances, or IBS.
Dr. Wen warns: “Abdominal pain can have many causes. Some of them are infectious and many others not. Self-treating can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Anal itching is another more specific symptom, particularly after a bowel motion and at night.
Still, many people turn to cleanses after feeling dismissed or misdiagnosed within the healthcare system – especially when test results come back as ‘normal’ but symptoms persist.
Many people praise parasite cleansers
Many people swear by parasite cleansing despite the lack of scientific support. They attribute their improved digestion, clearer, less bloated skin and increased energy to them.
The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each other New York Post reviewer documented a 21-day trial of Touchstone Essentials’ Para-Shield, a herbal cleanse made with black walnut, clove, wormwood, and ginger, “I was full after all my meals, less bloated, and more relaxed… My sugar cravings were nearly gone. I had more energy.” New York Post
Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda use herbal ingredients such as garlic, papaya seeds and pumpkin seeds to treat patients. Several lab studies and animal tests support their antiparasitic properties, but large-scale trials on humans are still lacking.
Proponents argue these cleanses aren’t just about worm removal – they’re about promoting gut health and microbiome balance. Eddie Stone of Touchstone Essentials said, “With healthy guts, the body is better able to defend itself against external enemies.”
People who criticise parasite cleansing
Many health professionals are still sceptical.
Beth Czerwony is a dietitian registered at the Cleveland Clinic. She says, “There are no credible studies that show they work.”
Sylvia Klinger adds that the likelihood of a parasite infestation is low unless you are immunocompromised, have traveled internationally, or have consumed contaminated food and water.Cleveland Clinic
Albendazole, praziquantel or other prescription drugs are medically approved even when infection is present. Herbal products and DIY products are not regulated as medicines, and can vary greatly in terms of potency and safety.
The following are some of the potential risks associated with parasite cleansing:
- Diarrhoea & dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Liver damage or stress
- Drug interactions
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to real health problems.
Celeb endorsements of parasite cleansing
Jamie-Lynn Sigler is best known as The SopranosThe reveals that she is doing an 8-day “milk cleansing” consisting dairy and pills in order to “flush away parasites.”
“They’re coming out all because all they get is dairy,” she said in the Not Today Pal podcast.
Heidi Klum confessed to doing an “insect and parasite cleanse”, after seeing so many Instagram posts. “I don’t know what is going to come up,” she said. Wall Street JournalShe added that she had never completed one before, and felt “really lagging.”
Should you use a parasite cleanser?
The first thing you should do if you are experiencing persistent stomach issues is to see your doctor. Don’t scroll through social media. Doctors can perform stool or blood tests in order to diagnose parasites, and rule out any other conditions.
You can support your digestive system if you are healthy.
- Eat a fibre-rich diet
- Add fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir
- Keep hydrated, and sleep is a priority.
If you still want to try a cleanse but are unsure, you should consult with a medical professional. This is particularly important if your health concerns include being pregnant, taking medications, or you have any health issues.
The latest trend in wellness is parasite cleanses, fueled by viral videos, concern about gut health and distrust of conventional medicine. There’s no evidence to support the claims that these cleanses work, but many people claim they feel better. They may also carry some risks.
Parasites are a real health problem. We can learn from historical examples such as South Korea’s success at eradicating them through medically-guided programmes.
When you feel unwell, you should trust your gut but you should seek professional advice first.
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