Parasite cleansing: worth the hype or just another fad?

The thought of parasites living in your intestines might seem off putting, but it is surprisingly common. You may not even be aware that you have one, as some can cause no symptoms at all. Other parasites, however, can lead to debilitating symptoms including abdominal pain, loose stools, nausea, gas and bloating, so require intervention. A parasite cleanse is one way of tackling them and uses both supplements and dietary changes to help kill the bad bacteria that parasites live off. But what exactly is involved and more importantly, do they work?

Parasites are organisms that rely on its host (you) to survive. They infect and live on or within the blood, tissues, or intestines of the host, and can affect the hosts health and well-being. In Some cases, though, parasites have been shown to be beneficial to health. Blastocystis spp subtype 4 (ST4)  for example can increase the population of beneficial bacteria, whilst producing immune cells that are beneficial to the gut.

There are 3 main classes of parasites, but for the purpose of this discussion, we will be focussing on the intestinal parasites which include Protozoa and Helminths. Helminths are the most common intestinal parasite and include round worms, flatworms and tapeworms. Protozoa are one - celled organisms with a complex internal structure. Both types can interfere with digestion, absorption, and nutritional status of the host. Transmission mainly occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water, often due to poor sanitation. It is also possible to contract intestinal parasites from soil, pets and surfaces, so regular handwashing before meals may reduce the risk.

Click here to read the full article where I explain what exactly is involved in a parasite cleanse as well as exploring the benefits and potential drawbacks on embarking on such a restricted protocol.