Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. They help restore the natural balance of gut bacteria and have been shown to treat and prevent a variety of digestive issues. But can probiotics also get rid of intestinal parasites? Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract and feed off their host. There are many different types of intestinal parasites, including:
- Protozoa: Single-celled organisms like giardia, cryptosporidium, and blastocystis hominis.
- Helminths: Worms like tapeworms, pinworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
- Ectoparasites: Organisms that live on the skin, like scabies.
Parasites enter the body through contaminated food or water, contact with infected surfaces, or bites from insects or animals. Symptoms of an intestinal parasite infection can include:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itching around the anus or vagina
How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics contain strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help regulate digestion and immunity. The most common types of probiotics include:
- Lactobacillus: Found in yogurt, fermented foods, and probiotic supplements.
- Bifidobacterium: Also found in some dairy products and probiotic supplements.
- Saccharomyces: A beneficial yeast found in probiotics and fermented foods.
When taken regularly, probiotics colonize the gut and have a number of beneficial effects:
- They crowd out bad bacteria, preventing overgrowth.
- They strengthen the gut immune response.
- They enhance gut barrier function.
- They produce natural antibiotics that kill pathogens.
- They regulate gut motility and nerve function.
Through these mechanisms, probiotics help restore balance to the gastrointestinal tract and promote a healthy gut environment inhospitable to parasites and other pathogens.
Do Probiotics Kill Parasites Directly?
There is some evidence that certain probiotic strains can directly inhibit the growth and activity of certain parasites. For example:
- Lactobacillus casei was shown to reduce the adherence of the parasite giardia in one test tube study.
- One study found that a probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, neutralized cholera toxin and helped treat infection from the parasite.
- Certain Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains produce natural antibiotics that may kill parasites and other pathogens.
However, the research is still emerging in this area. More high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm if and how well specific probiotic strains directly kill or inhibit intestinal parasites in humans.
Do Probiotics Help Treat Intestinal Parasite Infections?
While effects may vary based on the individual and type of parasite, some research indicates probiotics can help treat intestinal parasite infections by:
- Alleviating symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain
- Shortening the duration of illness
- Boosting eradication rates when taken alongside antiparasitic drugs
For example, one analysis looked at over 30 studies on using probiotics to treat giardia infections. It concluded that probiotics, especially Lactobacillus, help treat giardia infections by reducing symptoms, disease duration, and the need for medication.
Other reviews indicate probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii help treat disease caused by other parasitic infections like blastocystis hominis, cryptosporidium, and helminths when combined with standard drug therapy.
Do Probiotics Prevent Intestinal Parasites?
Regularly consuming probiotics may also help prevent initial infection and reinfection by parasites. Ways probiotics may help prevent intestinal parasites include:
- Enhancing gut barrier function
- Increasing production of IgA and other antibodies
- Regulating gut immunity
- Directly inhibiting parasite growth and adherence
One review reported that giving children probiotics like Lactobacillus reduced their risk of getting parasitic diarrheal illnesses. Another study found that probiotics reduced the risk of Blastocystis hominis infection in healthy adults.
However, more research is still needed to establish the efficacy and optimal strains and dosages of probiotics for preventing parasitic infections.
Probiotic Strains with Anti-Parasitic Effects
While the research is still emerging, some probiotic strains that may have antiparasitic properties include:
| Probiotic Strain | Effects |
|---|---|
| Lactobacillus casei | Shown to inhibit growth and adherence of Giardia lamblia in one lab study. |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG | Improved symptoms of giardiasis in children in one study. |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | Enhanced clearance of giardia when combined with medication in clinical studies. |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum/infantis | Alleviated symptoms of Blastocystis hominis infection in one trial. |
Keep in mind that effects can vary depending on factors like probiotic dose, parasite type, and overall gut health.
Other Natural Anti-Parasitic Supplements
In addition to probiotics, some other natural supplements may help get rid of intestinal parasites. These include:
- Garlic: Contains the compound allicin which has antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties.
- Oregano oil: Has antiprotozoal effects and may inhibit growth of parasites like giardia and blastocystis.
- Berberine: An antimicrobial compound that may combat parasites and regulate gut immunity.
- Papaya seeds: Contain anthelmintic compounds that may kill certain parasites like roundworms.
- Pumpkin seeds: Help expel worms and other parasites from the gut.
- Diatomaceous earth: The sharp silica in this powder can help eliminate intestinal parasites.
However, always check with your doctor before using these or other natural antiparasitic therapies, especially alongside medications.
The Bottom Line
While more research is still needed, certain probiotic strains show promise for treating and preventing some intestinal parasites. Probiotics likely won’t kill parasites as well as prescription medications. However, they have excellent safety profiles and can be useful as a supplemental therapy alongside antiparasitic drugs, especially for alleviating symptoms.
Probiotics may help restore gut health and crowd out parasites. But for stubborn parasite infections, work with your doctor on the most effective treatment plan for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best probiotics for parasites?
Some of the most researched probiotic strains with anti-parasitic effects include Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, and certain Bifidobacterium strains. The probiotic yeast S. boulardii shows efficacy against parasitic diarrhea caused by giardia, cryptosporidium, and other parasites.
How long do you take probiotics to get rid of parasites?
There is no set timeframe. The length of probiotic treatment depends on factors like the type of parasite, severity of infection, and how your body responds. For parasite infections, probiotics are often taken for at least 4-8 weeks alongside antiparasitic medications and continued for 1-2 months after to help prevent reinfection.
Can I take a probiotic and antiparasitic medication together?
In many cases, yes. Some research has found combining probiotics with antiparasitic medications enhances effectiveness compared to medication alone. Always check with your doctor, but probiotic supplements are generally considered safe to use with prescription anti-parasitic drugs.
What parasites do probiotics kill?
Studies indicate certain probiotics may inhibit parasites like giardia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis, and helminths (worms). Much of the research has focused on giardia – one of the main causes of parasitic diarrhea. More studies are needed to determine efficacy against other parasite species.
Should you take probiotics if you have parasites?
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, it is typically fine and potentially beneficial to take a probiotic supplement if you have intestinal parasites. Probiotics can help restore gut health and crowd out parasites. Just be sure to take antiparasitic medication as prescribed to fully clear the infection.