We asked a gastrointestinal physician and two naturopaths.
Liz DeSousa for Byrdie
In This Article
Feeling unwell but can’t trace the source?
Meet the Experts
What Is a Parasite?
Liz DeSousa for Byrdie
This often indirectly harms the host.
Worden notes that contraction is “more likely with international travel.”
She adds that the “elderly and young children are more likely to get infected.”
She notes that all kinds of contact with contaminated water can pose a parasitic risk.
“If you goswimming in contaminated water, some parasites can enter through the skin,” says Sam.
Byrdie Tips
Intestinal parasites can be more serious if you are pregnant.
A doctor can tell you which drugs are safe to take during pregnancy.
Worden says the Scotch tape test might be effective in identifying pinworms.
To perform, “touch tape to the anus several times, then look at the tape for eggs.
According to Worden, there are no FDA-approved full parasite home kits on the market.
“There are several professional companies and labs that physicians use,” she explains.
In her practice, she analyzes stool samples withMicroGen, “which uses a PCR analysis.
This allows a more in-depth look at bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.”
Are Parasite Cleanses Effective?
There are different types of parasite cleanses on the market, positioned as natural ways to detox the system.
Usually their formulas contain herbs and supplements.
Denniston adds, “Typically these cleanses use anti-parasitic herbs that have compounds that kill off parasites.
A lot of these herbs, like wormwood, have been used for thousands of years to kill parasites.
“She does not advocate using a parasite cleanse without the supervision of your doctor.
“If you have a parasite, you kill it.
If its still there, kill it again,” she says.
“Go back to science.
You have to start with functional medicine,” says Sam.
The Final Takeaway
The sole way to properly treat a parasite is proper diagnosis and medical treatment.
Our experts all agree:You must visit your doctor or a gastrointestinal specialist and have your stool tested.
“Diagnosing the correct agency will determine the course of anti-parasitic [drugs],” explains Sam.
Some anti-parasitic courses work in as little as seven to 10 days.
“Others are more resistant and might require more treatment,” Sam says.
Testing, she explains, is the only way to know for sure if you’re clear.
“Call me,” she says.
“I will spend hours analyzing your stool.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Parasites.
Updated September 18, 2020.
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2019;5(1):e01161.
2018;373(1751):20170207. doi:10.1098/rstb.2017.0207
