Natural Ways to Treat Intestinal Worm Infections

Introduction to intestinal worm infections

Intestinal worm infections are more common in children but can show up at any age, especially in people who have been traveling to undeveloped parts of the world with poor sanitation and contaminated food or water sources. Unfortunately, even in more advanced countries, natural weather events such as flooding and power breakdowns can disrupt the normal sanitation process, and this can lead to people being exposed to water-born parasites. Children are more exposed because they may be picking up food from the floor or putting dirty fingers and toys in their mouths, and this is bringing the infections directly into their bodies.

These intestinal worm infections are caused by various parasitic worms that enter the human digestive system and thrive by feeding on nutrients from their host. The most common intestinal worms include:

• Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis): These tiny, thread-like parasites primarily infect children and cause intense anal itching.
• Threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis): Similar to pinworms but belonging to a different parasite family, these worms can cause chronic infections.
• Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides): These worms can grow up to 14 inches long and often cause mild to severe digestive discomfort.
• Hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus): These parasites attach to the intestinal lining, leading to anemia due to blood loss.
• Tapeworms (Taenia spp.): Acquired from undercooked meat, these flatworms can grow several feet long and cause nutritional deficiencies.

Doctors will typically use prescription antiparasitic medications such as Albenza/Andazol/Eskazole (albendazole) or Vermox (mebendazole), which are widely regarded as the most effective way to eliminate these parasites. While it is advisable to consult a trained healthcare provider before choosing any alternate course of treatment, there are some other routes that have been documented in reliable journals and people who prefer natural treatment options either due to possible medication side effects, accessibility problems, or a desire for a more holistic health approach may find the following information useful.

Natural treatment options for intestinal worm infections

People who are seeking ways to treat intestinal worms naturally have several dietary and lifestyle modification choices to make, which can help. While these methods may not always completely eradicate the parasites, they can support the body’s natural defense mechanisms and create an inhospitable environment for the worms.

Dietary changes to starve the parasites

• Increase fiber intake such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help promote bowel regularity, which can expel worms more effectively.
• Avoid sugary and processed foods  since parasites thrive on sugar. Reducing refined carbohydrates and processed foods can make it harder for them to survive.
• Eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, all rich in probiotics, which promote gut health and enhance immune response against parasitic infections.
• Garlic and onions have antimicrobial properties that may help expel parasites. Raw garlic, in particular, is known for its antiparasitic effects.

Natural foods with antiparasitic properties

• Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound known to paralyze intestinal worms and help the body expel them.
• Papaya seeds have been shown to have strong anthelmintic (worm-killing) properties. Consuming a mixture of papaya seeds with honey has been found effective against some parasites.
• Black walnut is often used in traditional medicine, and black walnut hull extract has natural antiparasitic properties.
• Clove and wormwood have been used on older times to treat worm infections. Clove is particularly effective at killing worm eggs, thereby preventing reinfestation.

Hydration and digestive support

• Staying hydrated aids digestion and helps the body flush out parasites more effectively. Infected people should try to drink at least 6-8 cups of water, herbal tea, or black coffee (unsweetened).
• Apple cider vinegar can help balance stomach acidity and create a hostile environment for parasites.
• Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and can help improve gut health, making it harder for worms to survive.

Good hygiene practices to prevent reinfection and transmission

• Frequent hand washing is particularly important after using the restroom, before eating, and after handling pets.
• Short and clean fingernails prevent the worm eggs from hiding under the nails, which facilitates reinfection.
• Bedding and undergarments must be washed regularly. If someone in the household has a worm infection, washing bedding and clothes in hot water can help eliminate eggs.
• Proper food hygiene, such as cooking meat thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables, and avoiding raw or undercooked fish, can reduce the risk of transmitting worms to other members of the household.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intestinal Worms

What are the symptoms of intestinal worm infection?

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, weight loss, anal itching, nausea, and sometimes visible worms in stool. Some infections remain asymptomatic for long periods, making them harder to detect. The most common symptom in children is “itchy bum” or, more correctly, anal itching.

What are silent signs you could have a parasite?

Fatigue, iron-deficiency anemia, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and skin irritations can be subtle signs of a parasitic infection. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis.

What is the main cause of worm infections?

The primary causes include consuming contaminated food or water, walking barefoot in infected soil, poor sanitation, and close contact with infected individuals.

What are the four main intestinal worms that cause infections in humans?

The four most common types are pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

What are the signs of worms?

Symptoms include digestive issues, itchy anus, changes in appetite, nausea, bloating, and fatigue.

What are five diseases caused by parasitic worms?

The most serious side effects of parasitic infections are:

• Ascariasis, in which worms block a portion of the intestine. This can cause severe abdominal cramping and vomiting. The blockage can even make a hole in the intestinal wall or appendix, causing internal bleeding (hemorrhage) or appendicitis.
• Trichinosis (from eating undercooked meat), which can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, fever, headaches, chills, muscle soreness and weakness, swelling around the eyes, rash, and itchy skin, cough, dyspnea, and hearth rhythm (ECG) changes. In cases where the condition is untreated, it can produce complications that affect the brain, heart, or lungs, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or myocarditis.
• Strongyloidiasis can mimic other conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or duodenal obstruction. It can become chronic and last for years, and it can be life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems.

What kills worms in humans?

Medical treatments like albendazole and mebendazole are most effective against parasite infections, but natural remedies like garlic, papaya seeds, and pumpkin seeds can support treatment.

What happens if worms go untreated?

Untreated infections can lead to malnutrition, anemia, organ damage, and in severe cases, obstruction of the intestines.

How do you check if you have worms yourself?

We advise consulting a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis. If this is not possible, look for symptoms like anal itching, or visible worms in stool. There is also the “tape test” for pinworms, which collects eggs by placing tape near the anus first thing in the morning. Doctors can then examine the tape to detect eggs.

What drink kills worms in humans?

Apple cider vinegar, coconut water, and herbal teas containing wormwood or clove may help combat parasite infections.

How do I deworm myself?

Deworming can be done using prescription medications or natural remedies like papaya seeds, pumpkin seeds, or black walnut extract.

How long do worms last in humans?

Without treatment, some worms can survive for months or even years, continuously laying eggs and reinfecting the host.

How to get rid of worms without medicine?

Dietary changes, natural antiparasitic foods, proper hygiene, and gut-supporting probiotics can help eliminate worms over time.

What is the best medicine for worms in humans?

Albendazole and mebendazole are the most commonly prescribed medications against parasite infections.

Can you test for parasites at home?

Yes, stool sample test kits are available, but lab testing provides more accurate results.