Health
Should You Try a Parasite Cleanse?
Health Points
- Heidi Klum’s comments have made parasite cleanses a trending topic, but experts say infections are uncommon in the United States.
- These cleanses aren’t proven to prevent or treat most parasite infections, and may carry risks.
- If you suspect a parasite infection, see your doctor for safe testing and treatment.
Parasite cleanses have gained popularity after supermodel Heidi Klum shared that she and her husband are doing one, inspired by social media claims.
Experts clarify that parasite infections are rare in America, and routine cleanses aren’t needed for most people.
“Parasites are detrimental to the host in some way,” said Dr. Amy Edwards, an infectious disease specialist.
Parasites can take several forms—including intestinal worms, protozoa, and ectoparasites such as ticks and lice.
Globally, intestinal worms affect about a quarter of the world, but these infections are much less frequent in the United States, mostly affecting children through pinworms.
Social media influencers have promoted cleanses with ingredients like papaya seeds and wormwood, claiming broad benefits—though actual research in humans is limited.
“How something acts in a lab and how it actually acts inside our body can be two different things,” explained Edwards.
Experts warn that these cleanses can come with unnecessary risks, including dietary imbalances and potential harm to gut health.
“We have to remember that we have a balance in our system already,” emphasized Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, MS, RDN, a nutrition expert.
If you’re concerned about possible symptoms—such as abdominal pain, itching, or diarrhea—talk with your doctor instead of self-treating.
“We test, we don’t guess,” Anderson-Haynes advised.
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