Do you need to deworm twice a year, or could a parasite cleanse cause more harm than good?
Nebraska Medicine gastroenterologist Peter Mannon, MD, MPH, urges caution before following this untested TikTok trend. He says most people do not have active parasites in their gut, and he questions the usefulness of these parasite cleanses.
If you've traveled recently to an area with endemic parasites and have unexplained weight loss, then it could be a parasite. But even then, it's not a sure thing. Travel Clinic provider Szuhua Lambdin, APRN says people with diarrhea after travel typically test negative for pathologic parasites.
Common symptoms of parasitic infection include:
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Fatigue
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Bloating
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Diarrhea after traveling
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Stomach pain
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Nausea or vomiting
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Unexplained weight loss
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Passing worms in your stool
But these symptoms can also indicate many other diseases that are more common than parasites. If you experience symptoms, schedule an appointment with the University Health Center by calling 402.472.5000. They can use a stool test or blood test to identify parasites in your gut.
The risks of a parasite cleanse
Not only is there no upside to these cleanses (since no parasites are there to remove), but there are also many potential downsides. The risks depend on the type of cleanse, says Dr. Mannon.
Note that parasite cleanses are not tested to see if they work or if they're safe. They haven't gone through any type of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review or approval process.
The good: strict diet
If you're avoiding gluten, dairy or pork to "starve your parasites," that's not such a bad thing. While it may not clear up any parasites (because there were none to begin with), it shouldn't cause any digestive issues as long as you don’t exclude essential vitamins and important nutrients, says University Health Center registered dietitian Ralph Ovonlen, MPH, MS, RDN, LMNT/LD.
Eating healthier is great for your body. If you are interested in boosting your gut health or alleviating digestive issues through your diet, schedule an appointment with Ovonlen by calling 402.472.5000. Your first nutrition counseling visit is covered by student fees.
The bad: herbs and other supplements
Other people may try adding supplements like wormwood to their diet. If you're adding dangerous amounts of certain herbal supplements, that could be a problem. Certain herbal dietary supplements can even cause drug-induced liver disease. Check with your doctor before taking supplements, especially if you have a chronic illness that needs to be managed with medication.
The ugly: untested products
Untested products – whether pills or enema therapy – are the worst of all. They don't go through FDA review, and they may contain toxic compounds like lead, mercury or arsenic. Some of these products act like a laxative, to trick you into thinking it's doing something helpful. If you have excessive diarrhea, you can be at risk for kidney injury. It's best to avoid these products.