Parasite infections are an insidious and underestimated health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. In fact, estimates report that at least half the world’s population has some type of worm infection. (1) 

Indeed, millions of Americans are harboring parasites in their systems right now. Parasites come in many forms, from microscopic water-borne amoebas to tiny pinworms to feet-long tapeworms. And, if left unchecked, they can all wreak havoc on the body in a variety of ways. (2, 3)

And while many of the world’s most deadly parasites exist in tropical and subtropical climates and under-developed countries, western countries are not immune.

Parasitic infections don’t always come from traveling abroad or eating unclean or undercooked foods. They can come from: (4)

  • Blood transfusions
  • Direct contact with pets
  • Fleas, ticks, and other insects
  • Skin via the ground
  • Water people drink, bathe, or swim in 

However, there are simple measures your patients can take to protect themselves and prevent parasites no matter where they live or how much they travel.

Keys to prevention include helping your patients understand:

  • The different and common types of parasites and where they come from
  • What causes parasitic infections
  • Why some people are more vulnerable than others
  • The common and lesser-known symptoms
  • Which foods to avoid
  • Which specific foods, herbs, and supplements can help combat parasites 
  • How to travel safely to avoid exposure

The 3 Main Types of Parasites and Where They Come From

Here’s the three main category types of parasites and where they come from: (5) 

  1. Ectoparasites — a term commonly used to describe “blood-sucking arthropods,” such as mosquitos. But this term also refers to other insects or organisms that can bite, burrow, or sting into human skin and transmit parasites, including fleas, ticks, lice, and mites.

This is why parasitic infections are common in those suffering from Lyme disease. (6)

  1. Protozoa — single-cell microscopic organisms that can either live within a host or survive as free-living organisms. Once they find a human host, these parasites can multiply, which can lead to more severe infections.

Protozoa are shared human-to-human through fecal matter, but can also be transmitted through blood or insect bites. Malaria, for example, is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium. According to the World Health Organization, over half the world’s population is at risk for malaria, including non-immune travelers to affected nations.  (7) 

  1. Helminths — larger, multi-celled organisms that, unlike protozoa, may be visible to the naked eye in their adult form. They can be parasitic or free-living, but their adult form cannot multiply in humans.

Some examples of helminths include: (8)

  • Flatworms
  • Roundworms
  • Tapeworms
  • Thorny-headed worms

8 Common Parasites

Many people may wonder if they should take a test to see if they have parasites. However, testing for parasites is incredibly difficult, and there are few (if any) accurate tests that are comprehensive enough to cover every type of infection someone may have. (9)

Most lab tests are only looking for certain “common” helminths and protozoa. In addition, many tests will only be accurate if a stool sample is viewed immediately. Parasites release enzymes that start to dissolve their bodies once they die. The parasites will be long gone by the time a lab tech gets to a sample. (10)

Many people might think they don’t have them because they don’t see them. It’s not likely that anyone would ever see most of these bugs in their own stool even though they are probably there. 70% of parasites are completely microscopic, so if your patients are killing them off during a cleanse, they won’t see them on the way out. (11)

Many parasites are highly intelligent and able to alter their particular life cycle and reproduction pattern to allow them the best chance at survival inside the body. They can evolve or adapt to hide so the immune system doesn’t see them as invaders. (12)

With this in mind, here are the eight common parasites that can invade a human’s well-being and what damage they can cause in the body.

Flatworms — Can be found in the bladder, GI tract, kidney, liver, and lungs. There are many types of flatworms, and they can range from microscopic to 50 feet long. (13)

Flukes — Look like small tongues and have a sucker they use to attach to their hosts. Liver flukes are the most common types of flukes found in the human body, but there are also blood, intestinal, lung, urinary, and other kinds of flukes. (14)

Hookworms — Have sharp teeth they use to penetrate the skin and consume blood. Hookworms can cause anemia, brain fog, fatigue, stomach pain, and swelling. They generally settle in the intestines but can affect the lungs, too. (15)

Pinworms — Symptoms of pinworms include a GI tract upset, itchy anus, and mood disorders. These parasites crawl out of the anus at night to lay eggs. They’re only about a half an inch long. (16)

Ropeworms — Are a recent classification of parasites. They’re usually seen during a parasite cleanse or after coffee enemas. They can be 1-2 feet long and bumpy in texture. (17)

Roundworms — Also called nematodes. They can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs a day. Symptoms include rashes, respiratory issues, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping. Roundworm larvae can go through the intestines to the bloodstream and spread to other organs. They’re about the thickness of earthworms. (18)

Tapeworms — Can live inside human intestines for almost a decade, causing hunger, poor absorption of nutrients, and weight loss. They can also cause no symptoms at all. It’s possible for tapeworms to grow 20-30 feet long. (19)

Whipworms — Though commonly found in dogs, whipworms can affect humans as well. Whipworms can be contracted by contaminated dirt or foods that have not been thoroughly washed or cooked. Symptoms include blood in stools, stomach pain, nausea, and weight loss. They’re usually about 1-2 inches and shaped like a small whipone — one thicker end and one thinner end. (20)

Causes Parasite of Infections

In underdeveloped, subtropical, and tropical countries, parasitic infections most commonly come from consuming unclean water — either by drinking it, bathing in it, or consuming raw foods which have been washed in it.

In developed places, however, parasitic infections come from more unexpected sources, including:

  • Blood transfusions — Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), donated blood is not screened for all types of parasites. Thus, parasitic infections can be transmitted via transfusions. (21) 
  • Certain types of fish — Freshwater and saltwater fish such as cod, pike, salmon, swordfish, and trout can contain parasites, such as roundworm or tapeworm larvae. Therefore, fish should always be consumed fully cooked. (22)
  • Fecal matter contact — Daycare or healthcare workers, for example, can pick up fecal-borne parasites if they are not taking the proper precautions. (23)
  • Insects — Fleas, lice, mites, and ticks can transmit parasites to humans through biting, burrowing, or bloodsucking. (24)
  • Pets — Animals can give parasites to humans via direct contact or by spreading fleas, ticks, and lice, which can bite and then transmit the parasites. (4)
  • Pork — Notorious for containing a variety of parasites, including the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp., and the helminths Trichinella spp. and Taenia spp. Thus, pork should either be avoided or only consumed fully cooked. (25) 
  • Raw or undercooked foods — Since some parasites are blood-born or live in feces, they can be transmitted by food service workers using unsanitary food handling practices, such as working with a cut finger or not washing their hands after using the bathroom. (26)
  • Sexual contact — Trichomoniasis, for instance, is a prevalent STD caused by the protozoan parasite: Trichomonas vaginalis. According to the CDC, approximately 3.7 million Americans are infected with “Trich,” and many do not even realize it. (27) 
  • Soil — Protozoa and (more commonly) helminths like pinworms can be transmitted via contact with the soil. (28)
  • Unclean water — Water swallowed from swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, etc. (4)

Vulnerability to Parasites 

This is such an important point to address for patients. Because, just like with bacteria and viruses, not everyone who is exposed to a parasite or even consumes a parasite will develop an infection.

It comes down to two things:

  1. The immune strength of the host
  2. The host’s daily diet

In a healthy person, the immune system can handle almost anything the world throws at it: bacteria, emotional trauma, injury, viruses, and even parasites.

However, a staggering number of people in developed and underdeveloped countries are living with compromised immune systems. This may take the form of autoimmune disease, digestive health issues, malnutrition, and other chronic conditions. (29)

And when the immune system is compromised, the body is left more vulnerable to pathogens. This is why focusing on nurturing a healthy immune system in patients is key to preventing all types of infections, including parasites. And the foods they eat play a critical role in either building up or tearing down their immunity.

The Common and Lesser-Known Symptoms of Parasite Infection

Parasite infections often go undiagnosed for three main reasons:

  1. Limited diagnostic techniques — Many microscopic parasites can be tricky to detect and diagnose through conventional methods. (30)
  2. Misdiagnosis or misunderstanding of symptoms — This is very common, as parasites can cause such a wide range of seemingly unrelated symptoms. For example, insomnia, skin rashes, and even teeth grinding are three little-known symptoms of what could be a parasite infection. (31, 32)
  3. No noticeable or overtly bothersome symptoms — Many people can have parasite infection like Trichomoniasis, and never experience any significant symptoms for months or even years. Those with Lyme disease are also often unaware of accompanying parasitic infections. (33)

The following are some common, yet often overlooked, symptoms associated with parasite infections:

  • Adrenal fatigue (34)
  • Anemia (35)
  • Chronic Lyme disease (36)
  • Compromised immunity/frequent illness (37)
  • Digestive disorders, including leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (38)
  • Eyespots, “floaters,” or other vision problems (39)
  • Genital discharge (40)
  • Insatiable hunger (38)
  • Insomnia, consistent fatigue, and poor sleeping habits (41)
  • Joint and muscle pain (42)
  • Low blood sugar (43)
  • Memory problems (44)
  • Mental issues, such as anxiety, brain fog, and depression (45)
  • New onset of allergies (46)
  • Skin problems, such as eczema, itching, psoriasis, and rashes (47)
  • Stomach aches/abdominal pain (48)
  • Swollen lymph nodes or flu-like symptoms (49)
  • Teeth grinding (32)

The symptom list is extensive, which is why it’s helpful to encourage patients to work with you as a practitioner if you suspect a parasite problem.

Protect from Common Parasites: Avoid These Foods

While people likely realize they can catch parasites from eating contaminated foods or undercooked foods, direct contact with fecal matter, or drinking tainted water — especially when traveling abroad — parasites can even lurk in everyday foods.

The following is a list of foods that commonly contain parasites: (50) 

  • Beef, game, and organ meats — Cook thoroughly and source from trusted organic or sustainable farms.
  • Fresh produce — It’s important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. However, remember: 
    • To wash them thoroughly when preparing at home — especially if using fresh fruit and vegetable juices or consuming raw. 
    • Avoid eating raw produce at restaurants, salad bars, etc. as much as possible.
  • Freshwater fish such as trout, pike, and salmon — avoid or cook thoroughly.
  • Salads — Even if that salad kit says it’s “triple washed,” it’s recommended to still thoroughly clean raw veggies.
  • Salad bars — Even if the lettuces and raw veggies were correctly prepared, salad bars can be a petri dish of bacteria and parasites. This is due to all the outside-handling from different people.
  • Saltwater fish like cod, herring, and swordfish — avoid or cook thoroughly.
  • Pork — Avoid or cook thoroughly.

Your patients should also avoid specific foods that can weaken the immune system and provide fuel for those unwanted bugs.

Foods that may fuel parasite infection and growth include:

  • Alcohol
  • Dairy (for some people)
  • Grains
  • Processed foods
  • Sugars

Foods, Herbs, and Supplements to Help Prevent Parasites

The following foods have a proven track record of helping prevent and, in some cases, expel certain parasites:

  • Apple cider vinegar — Inexpensive and widely available, apple cider vinegar is highly effective in maintaining gut health, which discourages the embedding and growth of parasites. It’s also high in B-vitamins, which strengthens the immune system. ACV can also be used for washing vegetables, which helps protect raw vegetables from parasites. (51, 52)
  • Berries — Berries have also been used as a traditional remedy to fight parasites. Their effectiveness is likely due to their immune-boosting antioxidant polyphenols and their natural laxative effect on the gut. Since berries are a source of sugar, be sure to enjoy in moderation and wash them thoroughly before consuming. (53)
  • Garlic — Garlic has a long history as an immune booster and anti-parasitic remedy. It works by controlling fungal infections like candida (which can feed and breed parasites) and acts directly against protozoan parasites, such as Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. (54) 
  • Olive oil — High-quality olive oil (preferably extra-virgin) helps control fungal infections, which can feed parasites. Side note: not so long ago, olive oil was commonly used as a topical home treatment for killing head lice. (55, 56)
  • Papaya seeds — Like pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds have been used in folk medicine to treat parasites for centuries and were prized in tropical climates. Recent research backs up these claims, proving papaya seeds’ anti-helminthic and anti-amoebic activities. One study found that dried papaya seeds mixed with honey had a 71.4% to 100% success rate in intestinal expulsion of intestinal parasites in Nigerian children. (57) 
  • Pomegranates — Pomegranates have a rich history of promoting health and expelling pathogens. Pomegranate extracts of the rind have been found useful in fighting malaria, and many experts recommend consumption of pomegranates as part of a parasite cleanse. (58) 
  • Pumpkin seeds — These seeds have long been used in traditional cultures to treat intestinal infections, including parasites. A recent study proved the efficacy of pumpkin seeds in treating tapeworm in humans, with an 89% success rate when combined with the areca nut extract. Plus, they are loaded with immune-boosting nutrients like essential fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc. (59) 

For optimal prevention of parasites, have your patients aim to include some of these foods as part of their regular diet.

Steps to Prevent Parasites and Maintain Vibrant Health

Parasites are nearly everywhere, and infection is a common problem in the East and the West. 

But your patients are far from powerless when it comes to prevention. Remind them to:

  • Avoid common foods that contain parasites
  • Keep their immune system healthy by avoiding foods that act as fuel for parasites
  • Consider taking gut-supportive, anti-parasitic supplements proactively
  • Consume immune-boosting, naturally-anti-parasitic foods daily
  • Stay savvy on where parasites are commonly found, and avoid those situations whenever possible
  • Take extra precautions when traveling abroad

By avoiding common parasite hotspots and nurturing their immunity, your patients will have the tools they need to protect themselves from parasites and optimize their health.