If you think you have intestinal worms, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Many worm infections are easily treated with prescription or over-the-counter antiparasitic medications, depending on the type of worm.
Here are seven foods commonly mentioned and what the evidence shows:
1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain compounds that have shown antiparasitic activity in some laboratory and animal studies. However, there is insufficient evidence that eating pumpkin seeds alone treats intestinal worms in people.
2. Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial properties and has been studied in the lab for potential effects against some parasites. However, it has not been proven to cure intestinal worm infections in humans.
3. Papaya Seeds
Some small studies have suggested papaya seeds may help reduce certain intestinal parasites, but the evidence is limited and not strong enough to recommend them as a treatment.
4. Coconut
Coconut is a nutritious food, but there is no good clinical evidence that it eliminates intestinal worms.
5. Carrots
Carrots are high in fibre and support overall digestive health, but they do not kill intestinal worms.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, there is no reliable evidence that turmeric alone treats worm infections.
7. Ginger
Ginger may help with nausea and digestion, but it has not been shown to eradicate intestinal worms in humans.
What Actually Works?
Treatment depends on the type of parasite. Common antiparasitic medicines include drugs such as Mebendazole or Albendazole, but the right medicine and dose depend on the specific infection and your healthcare provider’s advice.
Symptoms That May Suggest Intestinal Worms
Symptoms vary by the type of worm but can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itching around the anus (especially at night, with threadworms)
- Seeing worms or worm segments in the stool
- Fatigue or anaemia in some cases
Many of these symptoms have other possible causes as well.
When to Seek Medical Advice
See a healthcare professional if you:
- Think you’ve seen worms in your stool.
- Have persistent abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
- Have unexplained weight loss.
- Have symptoms that don’t improve.
- Have recently travelled to areas where certain parasitic infections are common
