BY: ALVA POLETTI
Fad diets, juice detoxes, gut health pills, glucose-regulating drinks, red-light therapy masks, psychedelic-assisted therapy, EMS training regimens, at-home cold plunge tubs… and now parasite cleanses.
As a self-proclaimed health nut, I consume health podcasts and articles like oxygen. The science of optimising health and longevity fascinates me, and I’m often eager to dive headfirst into new trends. Yet, even with this curiosity, I can’t ignore the undeniable influence of capitalism on the health industry—a space notorious for blending genuine science with profit-driven fiction. Every few months, a new health trend emerges on social media, accompanied by a wave of products marketed as “solutions” to cleverly rebranded, age-old problems.
Recently, as I scrolled through TikTok, I noticed a surge of self-proclaimed experts insisting that most people unknowingly suffer from severe parasitic infections. These experts argued that to truly feel one’s best, specific “cleanses” were essential to rid the body of parasites. But as compelling as their claims seemed, I couldn’t shake the suspicion that parasite cleanses might simply be another goldmine trend in the health market.
SYMPTOMS THAT SEEM TO FIT EVERYONE
According to these so-called experts, symptoms such as fatigue, teeth grinding, digestive issues, and even itchy skin should raise concerns about parasitic infections. They point to conditions such as giardia, liver flukes, coccidia, or various types of worms (whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms—you name it). The proposed solutions range from the bizarre, like eating papaya seeds or soaking one’s feet in vinegar, to sleekly packaged parasite cleanse kits promoted through influencer partnerships.
Worth noting is that by attaching these cleanses to such broad and generic symptoms, the marketing appeal becomes universal as almost anyone could relate and be tempted to purchase a kit.
CURIOSITY VS CAUTION
As someone deeply interested in health optimisation, I won’t deny that these cleansing programs intrigued me. The idea of improving overall wellbeing by addressing something as fundamental as potential parasites seemed fascinating. However, my scepticism acted as a necessary counterbalance. Were these claims grounded in scientific evidence, or were they just another way to monetise the ever-growing health craze?
To find answers, I turned to my Instagram followers, hoping someone with a medical background could provide insight. What followed was unexpected: a flood (or rather a tiny brook tbh, hehe, but still – I wasn't alone) of responses from people who were equally curious and confused. Many (again I like to exaggerate) wanted to know if there was any truth behind the claims, which inspired me to share the findings in this blog post.
M.D INSIGHT
To my relief, a friend of mine (@healthbylinneas), who is also a medical doctor, provided some much-needed clarity. Here is her take on the subject (see translation below):
TRANSLATION:
“It’s absolutely a way to capitalise on the health craze! That said, I do know people who eventually turned to alternative medicine, underwent a parasite cleanse, and felt better afterward. Many of the symptoms of parasitic infections are similar to those of prolonged stress. I think a lot of people who go through these treatments feel helped because they feel seen, they’ve been given an explanation or a diagnosis for issues they’ve struggled with for a long time, and that in itself makes them feel better. Placebo should not be underestimated!
That said, people do occasionally suffer from parasitic infections—malaria is one example, and pinworms another. Parasites typically cause symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract, but it really depends on the type of parasite and where in the body it’s located. If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, it is possible to test for parasites. For someone with a healthy immune system who hasn’t been abroad, the risk is very small. However, if you have long-lasting gastrointestinal symptoms after, for example, travelling abroad, the best course of action is to see your doctor for testing to confirm or rule out a parasitic infection in the gut, rather than spending unreasonable amounts of money!
That said, once again—if the treatment is safe, perhaps the placebo effect shouldn’t be underestimated!”
– Linnéa Stenhill, Medical Doctor
Parasite cleanses may not be the cure-all some internet gurus claim them to be, but their appeal taps into a broader desire for explanations to unresolved health concerns. For those with genuine parasitic infections, medical testing and appropriate treatments are essential. For others, the benefits of these cleanses may be largely placebo-driven.
While the health industry continues to capitalise on trends, it’s important to approach such claims with a critical eye and seek credible advice when in doubt. As for me, I’ll remain curious but cautious, continuing to strive for a balance between the allure of health trends and evidence-based decisions.
Over n' out, peeps!
// Cover image: Threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis) – Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons //