Parasitic infestations in adults, often mistaken for stress or irritable bowel syndrome, are more common than you think and require an accurate diagnosis.
● Identification: Intestinal parasites (pinworms, giardia, tapeworms) feed on your nutrients, leading to deficiencies and chronic inflammation.
● Treatment: Successful pharmaceutical treatment depends on laboratory tests that identify the parasite, and treatment regimens must be followed in repeated doses and simultaneously by the entire family.
● Natural approach: Remedies such as garlic, pumpkin seeds and wormwood tea support parasite elimination, but require a longer duration (4-6 weeks) and a strict diet.
● Diet: The success of treatment depends on the total elimination of sugar and dairy, which feed the parasites and give them protection.
● Protocol: The process ends with follow-up testing 2-4 weeks after treatment, along with strict hygiene measures to confirm complete elimination and prevent reinfection.
What are intestinal parasites and how do they affect you as an adult?
Intestinal parasites are organisms that settle in your digestive tract and feed on the nutrients in the food you eat. They can survive in your body for weeks, months or even years, consuming vital resources and affecting your health without you even realizing it.
Parasitic infections are more common in adults than you might think. For example, you may have symptoms that you attribute to stress - increased fatigue, abdominal pain and persistent digestive discomfort. These signs, even when they've been present for months, may actually indicate an infection with intestinal parasites.
What to keep in mind:
- Nutrient consumption: Parasites take from your food, leaving your body without the necessary resources.
- Duration of infection: They can live in your body for a long time, from weeks to years.
- Subtle symptoms: Initial signs may be mistaken for other conditions (e.g. stress, fatigue, digestive discomfort).
Why are parasites hard to detect at first?
Their symptoms are non-specific and overlap with other common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic stress.
Parasites can cause constant tiredness or mild abdominal discomfort, symptoms you may be tempted to ignore or blame on a demanding lifestyle. For this reason, many adults don't find out about the infection until they've had specific tests.
What are the most common types of intestinal parasites in adults?
The most common types of intestinal parasites found in adults include worms and protozoa. Each type has specific modes of manifestation and health impacts.
Here's an overview of the most common parasites and how they manifest themselves:
|
Type of parasite |
Short description |
Common manifestations |
|
Oxyurii |
Tiny, very common worms |
Nocturnal anal itching during egg-laying. |
|
Limbricii |
Roundworms |
Severe abdominal pain and difficulty absorbing nutrients. |
|
Tapeworm |
Flat worm, can grow large |
Abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss. |
|
Giardia |
Microscopic parasite (protozoan) |
It affects the small intestine, causing chronic diarrhea and bloating. |
Long-term impact of parasites
Untreated, parasites cause chronic intestinal inflammation, weaken immunity and cause severe nutritional deficiencies.
Parasites not only consume essential nutrients from your food, they can also cause chronic inflammation of the intestinal walls. This leads to persistent digestive problems, a decrease in your body's overall immunity and severe nutrient deficiencies, which can worsen if you don't intervene.
Symptoms of intestinal parasites - how to recognize infestation?
Identifying the signs of a parasitic infestation can be difficult, as many manifestations are similar to other common digestive conditions such as irritable bowel. Patients often ignore the early signs as effects of stress or poor diet.
Main symptoms of intestinal parasites
The signs of an infestation can be divided into digestive, general and specific symptoms, which manifest as follows:
● Digestive symptoms: You may have abdominal pain that is either intermittent or constant, diarrhea alternating with constipation, or unexplained nausea and vomiting.
● Bloating and gas: You feel a persistent sensation of bloating accompanied by intestinal cramping that intensifies after eating.
● Chronic fatigue: An unexplained exhaustion that doesn't improve even after rest and affects your quality of life.
● Weight loss: You notice a progressive weight loss, even if you maintain the same eating habits.
How does pinworm infestation specifically manifest itself?
Pinworm infestation is manifested by intense itching in the anal area, which occurs mainly at night, when they lay their eggs.
This itching can be so severe that it disturbs your sleep and can cause local skin irritation from scratching. In women, rashes may appear around the rectum or vulva.
Factors to consider in chronic fatigue
Chronic unexplained fatigue is a worrying issue. Parasites consume essential nutrients, depriving the body of the resources it needs to function optimally, leading to:
- Decreased energy: Exhaustion is not relieved by sleep or rest.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Nutrient consumption by parasites can, in severe cases, lead to signs of malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Poor concentration: Lack of resources affects mental clarity and ability to focus.
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards a correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
Drugs for intestinal parasites in adults - what are your pharmaceutical options?
In the drug treatment of parasitic infestations, success depends on an accurate diagnosis and the choice of the appropriate drug for the specific type of parasite. There is no universally effective medicine against all parasites, so a thorough medical evaluation is necessary.
Table of the most effective antiparasitic drugs
|
Active substance |
Types of parasites targeted |
Mechanism of action |
Typical administration |
|
Albendazole |
Limbric, trichocephalic, ankylosostomatid |
It blocks glucose absorption, depleting the parasite. |
Single dose or short courses (2-3 days). |
|
Mebendazole |
Pinworms, other worms |
Similar to Albendazole, good safety profile. |
Initial dose, repeated after two weeks. |
|
Praziquantel |
Tapeworms |
Paralyzes the parasite's muscular system. |
A single dose, calculated by weight. |
Why can't you use antibiotics for parasites?
Antibiotics work only on bacteria and have no effect on parasitic worms or protozoa.
However, in some situations, your doctor may decide to prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, which can occur as a result of parasite damage to the intestinal wall.
Factors to consider when choosing treatment
Choosing the best medicine requires a personalized approach, aimed at:
- Type of parasite: Accurate identification by analysis is mandatory.
- Your state of health: Age, presence of other medical conditions and possible drug interactions matter.
- Dosage: This must be calculated correctly, especially in the case of Praziquantel.
Self-medication for parasitic infestations can be both inactive and dangerous, as the wrong treatment will only delay healing.
Best treatment for pinworms and intestinal worms
Effective treatment of pinworms and other intestinal worms requires a complex approach, combining drug therapy with strict hygiene measures and sometimes complementary natural remedies. The best results occur when you understand that complete elimination depends not only on medication but also on changing certain habits.
Treatment protocol for pinworms
Standard treatment for pinworms involves taking Mebendazole in two doses, two weeks apart, along with strict hygiene measures to prevent reinfection.
Mebendazole is most effective, given in two separate doses at two-week intervals. This schedule is mandatory as the drug does not affect the eggs, which can hatch after the first administration, leading to reinfection. Alternatively, you can use Albendazole, with similar results.
Essential hygiene measures:
- Wash daily: Wash the anal area with warm water and soap, especially in the morning.
- Nail hygiene: Trim your nails short and keep them clean.
- Changing the linen: Change underwear and sheets daily.
- High-temperature washing: Wash laundry at high temperatures to remove eggs.
Why should the whole family be treated at once?
Pinworms are transmitted extremely easily through direct or indirect contact, and treating one person almost guaranteed to lead to repeated re-infections from other family members. By treating collectively, you ensure that you eliminate the source of reinfection, breaking the cycle of transmission.
Pastilles for internal de-worming - a guide for use
The correct administration of deworming tablets makes the difference between success and failure.
Steps for taking antiparasitic medicines correctly
Correct administration involves prior testing, swallowing the capsules whole, strict adherence to the dosage and time between doses, and completing the entire treatment cycle.
Here are the essential steps to follow:
- Complete analysis: Perform complete laboratory analysis (microscopic examination of stool samples) for accurate identification of the parasite.
- Timing: Take the medication usually on an empty stomach (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).
- Method of administration: Swallow the tablets whole, with water, without chewing or crushing.
- Respect intervals: Adhere exactly to the intervals between doses, especially for repeat treatments (e.g. every two weeks for oxides).
- Completing the cycle: Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear quickly.
Why is pre-treatment testing mandatory?
Testing can pinpoint the precise type of parasite, without which you risk administering an ineffective drug that masks symptoms without eliminating the infestation.
Microscopic examination of stool samples, ideally collected on three consecutive days, will determine which parasite is involved and which treatment protocol is most appropriate.
Factors to consider when administering
● Optimal absorption: The absorption of the drug is optimal on an empty stomach, ensuring maximum concentration of the active substance in the intestine.
● Relapse prevention: Stopping treatment prematurely leads to some parasites surviving and developing recurrent infestation, often more difficult to treat.
● Maintaining concentration: Strict adherence to intervals between doses maintains a constant concentration of the drug in the body.
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Herbal treatment for pinworms and other natural antiparasitics
The natural approach to the treatment of pinworms and other parasites has become increasingly popular. Encouraging results have been seen when used correctly and in combination with proper hygiene. Success depends on perseverance and strict adherence to protocols.
Table with the most effective natural antiparasitic remedies
|
Natural remedy |
Active compounds |
Mechanism of action |
Recommended protocol |
|
Raw garlic |
Allicin |
It creates a hostile environment in the gut for parasites. |
2-3 puppies a day on an empty stomach. |
|
Pumpkin seeds |
Cucurbitine |
Paralyzes the parasites' muscular system. |
30-50 grams raw, followed by a laxative. |
|
W wormwood tea |
Artamarina |
Strong worming properties (be careful with dosage). |
One teaspoon to one cup, three times a day, max 2 weeks. |
|
The little nests |
Eugenol |
Compound with powerful antiparasitic properties. |
As tea or powdered in food. |
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How long does a herbal treatment take to see the effects?
Unlike fast-acting pharmaceutical drugs, herbal treatments usually require 4-6 weeks for optimal results. Patience and consistency are essential in this type of protocol.
How should wormwood be used?
Hawthorn is effective but should be used with caution because of its potential toxicity. The recommendation is an infusion of one teaspoon of the chopped plant to one cup, taken three times a day for up to two consecutive weeks.
Attention! Hawthorn(Artemisia absinthium) is a powerful worming repellent. Do not exceed the recommended dose and do not prolong the cure, as potential toxicity increases when high doses are used.
Food in deworming - what to eat and what to avoid
Diet plays an important role in the de-worming process, and patients who follow dietary recommendations achieve better and longer-lasting results. What you eat can either support the elimination of parasites or provide a favorable environment for them to thrive.
Focus on fiber (for cleansing), fruit enzymes (papaya, pineapple) and antimicrobial spices (turmeric, oregano).
Table of foods that help kill parasites
|
Food category |
Examples and benefits |
Mechanism of action |
|
Fibers and cleaning |
Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes |
Mechanical cleansing of the intestines and elimination of toxins. |
|
Antiparasitic enzyme |
Papaya (papain), pineapple (bromelain) |
Enzymes that can destroy parasite cell membranes. |
|
Detox |
Cranberries and raw apples with peel |
Provides pectin and antioxidants that support detoxification. |
|
Medicinal spices |
Turmeric, oregano, thyme, rosemary |
They contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. |
Foods to definitely avoid
Avoid anything that feeds parasites (sugar, sweets) and that generates protective mucus (dairy products), as well as hard-to-digest foods (processed meat).
- Sugar and refined sweets: These are the favorite food of many parasites, giving them the energy they need for reproduction and survival. Complete elimination of sugar speeds up healing.
- Dairy products: Can generate intestinal mucus, creating a protective environment for parasites and making it harder for treatments to work. Avoid milk, cheese and yogurt during treatment.
- Processed meat: Can ferment in your intestines if your digestion is compromised by parasites, giving them extra nutrients.
During deworming, it's a good idea to prefer a predominantly vegetarian diet, rich in plant protein from legumes and seeds.
Why is it important to cut out sugar?
Removing sugar and refined sweets cuts out the main source of energy for many parasites, limiting their ability to reproduce and survive. Without their main food source, parasites become more vulnerable to the action of drugs and natural remedies and are easier to eliminate.
When and how to deworming - treatment protocols and schemes
The best time to start a deworming regimen is spring and fall, when your body goes through natural detoxification and regeneration processes. These times coincide with seasonal changes that affect parasite life cycles, making the treatment more effective.
Standard deworming protocol
It ideally starts with accurate tests, continues with the administration of the specific drug and strict hygiene, and ends with follow-up tests to confirm clearance.
Here are the mandatory steps of a standard protocol:
- Medical evaluation: Do lab tests to accurately identify the type of parasite.
- Specific treatment: Administer the medication as prescribed.
- Support measures: Implement strict hygiene measures and dietary modifications.
- Monitoring: Follow your symptoms during treatment.
- Follow-up tests: Perform control tests 2-4 weeks after completion of treatment to confirm elimination.
- Prevention: Apply preventive measures to avoid reinfection.
When should you avoid deworming?
Avoid starting a deworming regimen during periods of intense stress or during acute illness when your immune system is already under stress.
What happens if control tests still show parasites?
Deworming is a process. If control tests still detect the presence of parasites, a second course of treatment or a change in the therapeutic regimen is necessary.
Factors to consider in the naturopathic protocol (6-8 weeks)
For patients who prefer naturopathic approaches, I develop longer-term protocols, usually 6-8 weeks. These require:
- Combination of remedies: Combined use of various natural remedies (garlic, pumpkin seeds, teas).
- Strict diet: Strict dietary changes, avoiding sugar and dairy altogether.
- Active monitoring: Closer monitoring and active involvement on your part.
These protocols can provide excellent results, but require more patience and consistency than quick pharmaceutical treatments.
How to apply this information
You understand how insidious a parasitic infestation is and you have both pharmaceutical and natural options available to you. To turn information into action and ensure that the deworming process is complete and effective, you need to be structured.
● Refrain from self-medication: Go to your family doctor or a gastroenterologist to ask for complete stool analysis(stool culture and coproparasitologic exam collected within 3 days) to identify the type of parasite.
● Start strict hygiene: From the moment of suspicion, start cutting your fingernails short, changing your underwear daily, and doing laundry at high temperatures.
● Eliminate the parasites' food source: Remove sugar and refined sweets from the diet immediately. This simple step will limit parasites' ability to multiply.
● Synchronize treatment: If you live with other family members, make sure everyone is on treatment at the same time (whether medication or herbal) to break the cycle of reinfection.
● Pumpkin seed protocol: In addition to the prescribed medication, use 30-50 grams of raw pumpkin seeds on an empty stomach, followed by a mild laxative two hours later for an effective mechanical cleanse.
Quick checklist
Use this list to check that you have covered all the essential steps of the protocol:
● Do you have a laboratory diagnosis confirming the type of parasite?
● Did you take the initial dose of the medicine/herbal remedy as directed?
● Have you checked when to do the second dose (if needed)?
● Have you completely eliminated sugar, sweets and dairy from your diet?
● Have you scheduled your follow-up 2-4 weeks after completing treatment?
Once you've finished treatment, your focus should shift to restoring gut flora and supporting immunity. In this regard, you should inform yourself about:
● The importance of probiotics and prebiotics to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria.
● Foods that support the immune system after an infection (rich in vitamin C and zinc).
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Frequently asked questions about deworming adults
Here are some of the most common questions about de-worming adults.
Can I get parasites from pets and how do I protect myself?
Yes, certain types of intestinal parasites can be transmitted from pets to humans (zoonoses). To protect yourself, you should make sure that your pets are regularly dewormed according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian. Also, apply rigorous hygiene after contact with them or their environment, and do not allow them access to sensitive areas such as the kitchen or bed.
Is a special diet necessary before starting deworming?
No special diet is required before starting treatment, but it is extremely helpful to cut out sugar, white flour and alcohol 3-5 days beforehand. These foods feed parasites. By eliminating them pre-treatment, you will weaken the parasites' energy reserves, making them more vulnerable to the action of the drugs or natural remedies you are about to administer.
Are there any unpleasant side effects after taking antiparasitic pills?
Yes, you may experience some reactions, which are usually mild and temporary. These include mild abdominal discomfort, nausea or, in rare cases, diarrhea. These symptoms often occur due to the release of toxins by dying parasites (Herxheimer reaction). If severe or persistent side effects occur, you should stop treatment and contact your doctor.
After how long should preventive deworming be repeated?
If there are no positive signs or tests, a preventive deworming is often recommended once or twice a year, usually in spring and/or fall, to coincide with the parasites' biological cycles. However, the repetition depends on your lifestyle (e.g. if you are in frequent contact with young children, animals, or travel a lot).
Why is it important to wash laundry and sheets at high temperatures?
Parasite eggs, especially pinworm eggs, are extremely resilient and can survive on bed linen, towels or clothes. Washing at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius is necessary to destroy these eggs and prevent rapid reinfection, which is a common problem with pinworms.
Photo source: DepositPhotos, images generated with AI
Bibliography:
● Healthline, "Parasite Cleanse: What Is It, How Does It Work, and More," 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/human-parasite-cleanse, accessed on 2023.
● Medical News Today, "Parasite cleanse: Is it safe? And does it work?", 2023, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/parasite-cleanse, accessed on 2023.
● Cleveland Clinic, "Parasite Cleanse: Is It Safe? And Does It Work?", 2024, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/parasite-cleanse, accessed 2024.
● Verywell Health, "Parasite Cleanse Safety and Whether It Works," 2024, https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-intestinal-parasites-88232, accessed on 2024.
- WebMDWhat to Know About Parasite Cleanse, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/parasite-cleanses, accessed 2023.
