7 Foods That Kill Intestinal Parasites in Humans

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Written By Julie Ingram
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Certain foods can kill intestinal parasites that might be lurking in your stomach as you’re reading this article.

But before we go through them, let’s first understand what intestinal parasites are.

Intestinal worms or helminths are organisms that can infect a human body and feed off of it. 

While some interstitial parasites cause no symptoms in the host’s body, some can create havoc and severe illness. 

Worm infection can grow as parasites lay their eggs and reproduce. 

Therefore, it is imperative to stop this altogether. 

Be at the wrong place, at the wrong time, or eat contaminated food, and the next thing you know – they’re in your stomach. 

But don’t panic just yet!

Many natural parasite-killing foods are readily accessible in your local supermarket.

Certain foods have shown promising results in curing intestinal parasites. But, research in this realm is limited.

However, medicines like Zentel (Albendazole) are also available to cure intestinal worms.

If you want to know more about Zentel, read our Detailed Guide On Worm Medicine for Humans.

This article will take a closer look at the top seven foods that claim to cure intestinal parasites.

Symptoms of intestinal worms

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Before we dive deep into curing intestinal worms naturally, let us first discuss the symptoms that imply you might have intestinal worms.

There are many varieties of intestinal worms that may infect humans.

Therefore, symptoms can vary from parasite to parasite and how a human body reacts to that particular parasite.

If you want to know more about worms and parasites, check out our article: How to Get Rid of Worms and Parasites?

Here are a few common symptoms that imply you might have intestinal worms:

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Upset stomach
  • Flu-like symptoms

These worms might block the intestinal region and cause constipation in some rare cases.

Another way to confirm that you have intestinal worms is by checking your stool for dead worms.

It is not unusual to pass alive worms in your stool. Therefore, there is no reason to panic. 

Although, if you face any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Children, seniors, and people with HIV are more prone to intestinal worms because of their weak immune systems.

Recommended Reading: What is Zentel (Albendazole) Used For?

Top 7 foods that kill intestinal parasites in humans

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Probiotics

We’ve always believed that bacteria are harmful to us, and we need to eliminate them.

But, we have both harmful and good bacteria in our bodies.

Probiotics are good bacteria that can help keep our gut healthy.

Probiotics are present in various foods. Some of them are:

  • Yogurt
  • Acidophilus milk/ Buttermilk
  • Miso Soup
  • Soft Cheeses
  • Sourdough Bread
  • Sour Pickles

According to a study, probiotics can control a parasite infestation and potentially eliminate intestinal worms. 

Although, more thorough research is required.

Also Read: Zentel Syrup- The Best Deworming Solution

Papaya seeds

A recent TikTok trend encourages people to consume papaya seeds to get rid of intestinal worms.

Many people are gobbling down these seeds and “deworming” their stomachs. 

But does it work?

A study conducted in 2007 concluded that papaya seeds eliminated intestinal parasites in 71 percent of participants.

Although, only 60 Nigerian kids infested with intestinal worms were involved in the study. 

There was another study conducted in 2014 where the participants were goats.

This study recognized papaya seeds as a cure for intestinal parasites in goats, with a cure rate of 78 percent.

These two studies are promising, but papaya cannot be mistaken for a sure shot cure for intestinal parasites.

Therefore, we need more extensive studies and evidence to prove that papaya seeds can cure intestinal worms.

Recommended Reading: Where Can I Buy Zentel Worm Medicine?

Garlic

Garlic has antihelmintic properties and belongs to the group of foods that kill intestinal parasites.

It can potentially kill intestinal worms and their eggs.

There are two ways to use garlic and get rid of intestinal parasites:

  • The first one is pretty straightforward. You can ingest tiny amounts of garlic with your food or separately, depending on your preference.
  • You can make a garlic paste by blending chunks of garlic with petroleum jelly. This garlic paste is then applied to your anus.

However, ingesting garlic can cause gastric irritation if it doesn’t suit your system. 

Do not apply this paste if you have hemorrhoids, inflammation in that area, or rashes.

A study on mice yielded encouraging results. The study concluded that garlic is an effective way to treat intestinal parasites in mice. 

Although, research on humans is still pending, and further investigation is necessary.

Berberine

Berberine is a chemical compound found in plants like Tree Turmeric, Goldenseal, European Barberry, Oregon Grape, and Goldthread.

The use of Berberine has its roots in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

People use berberine for diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, etc.

Recent studies show that berberine is an effective tool against intestinal worms and is a type of food that can kill intestinal parasites.

Also Read: What to Expect After Taking Zentel (Albendazole)?

Pumpkin seeds

Another home remedy to cure intestinal worms is consuming pumpkin seeds. 

Pumpkin seeds have an amino acid called Cucurbitacin.

This amino acid paralyzes the intestinal worms and makes them lose their grip on your intestine.

Therefore, if you combine pumpkin seeds with natural laxatives, you can potentially eradicate your tummy of intestinal worms.

Simply put – immobilize parasites with pumpkin seeds and flush them out with the help of a laxative.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

Therefore, many people recommend coconut oil as a natural remedy to cure intestinal parasites. 

Ingest a teaspoon of coconut oil before going to bed or right after you wake up in the morning.

Coconut oil also has several medicinal properties like improving skin health,  reducing seizures, enhancing energy levels, and encouraging fat burn.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a pigment in fruits and vegetables that are green, orange, and yellow.

After consuming foods rich in beta-carotene, our body converts it into Vitamin A.

Vitamin A is essential for our everyday functioning, and it will help your body resist intestinal worms.

Albeit, Vitamin A can be toxic for your body if consumed in large quantities. 

Therefore, keep your consumption moderate and don’t go overboard.

Recommended Reading: Albendazole vs. Mebendazole

Healthy habits you should develop to avoid parasitic guests

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There are many things that you can do to avoid parasitic worms altogether. 

Some of them include:

  • Avoid drinking tap water and stick to filtered or boiled water
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them
  • Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater
  • Please don’t make it a habit of eating junk food prepared by street vendors
  • Ensure your pets do not have intestinal parasites, as they can pass them on to you
  • Avoid uncooked meat at all costs, as consuming animal meat might be infected with parasites
  • Please refrain from biting your nails

Apart from these tips, you should follow proper hygiene and work towards a healthier lifestyle.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Worms in Humans Without Medication?

A final takeaway

These foods that kill intestinal parasites can be very inviting to try and fix your stomach issues.

However, very little information is available on these natural remedies’ dosage and side effects.

Research is scarce in this field, and the subjects of these trials are mostly animals.

If you think parasites have infested your body, call your healthcare provider and get a thorough checkup.

Your doctor might prescribe worm medicines like Zentel(Albendazole) that starve the parasites and eventually kill them.

Serious health issues may arise from parasitic infection.

Therefore, diagnosis and treatment can keep problems at bay.

Also read: Foods and Beverages to Avoid While Taking Albendazole

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get myself checked before eating foods that kill parasites?

Self-medicating can result in misdiagnosis and uninvited side effects. Hence, it would be best if you went for a health checkup.

Can I have no symptoms and still have parasites?

Yes, it is possible to have intestinal parasites and no symptoms. 
Therefore, deworming is necessary once a year for adults and once in six months for kids.

Are kids more prone to intestinal worms?

Yes, kids are more prone to intestinal parasites because of improper hygiene and sanitation. 
Also, kids who play with their pets are more likely to have parasites in their bellies.

Can you feel parasites moving in your stomach?

There have been instances, especially after eating raw or uncooked meat, where people have felt a tingling sensation in their stomach or throat caused by the movement of parasites.

What kind of a doctor should I see if I end up with intestinal parasites?

First and foremost, you should see a general physician who can analyze the situation.
If required, the physician will recommend you to a Gastroenterologist. 

Will a CT scan show parasites?

A CT scan can detect damage done to the organs by these parasites. 
At the same time, a blood test may detect some types of parasites in the blood.