Intestinal worms are one of the most common parasites found in humans and pets. While anti-parasitic medication can help get rid of a worm infection, there are also certain foods that can make symptoms worse or help worms thrive.
Do certain foods make worms worse?
Yes, there are certain foods that can exacerbate worm infections and make symptoms worse. Worms can feed off the undigested contents of the intestines, so any foods that are difficult to digest provide fuel for the worms. High fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are harder to digest and can make worm infestations worse. High sugar foods like candy, chocolate and soda may also worsen worm symptoms by encouraging worm growth and reproduction. Additionally, spicy, greasy and acidic foods can further irritate the digestive system when suffering from a worm infection.
What foods should you avoid if you have worms?
Here are some foods to avoid if you have a worm infection:
- Fruits – Especially dried fruits which are higher in fiber and sugar. Fruits like apples, berries, citrus fruits and melons.
- Vegetables – Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bell peppers.
- Whole grains – Whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, barley.
- Nuts and seeds
- High sugar foods – Candy, soda, pastries, chocolate.
- Spicy foods – Hot sauce, chili peppers, curry dishes.
- Greasy, fatty foods – Fast food, fried items, high fat meats.
- Caffeine – Coffee, energy drinks, chocolate.
- Alcohol
- Acidic foods – Citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar.
What foods help get rid of worms?
While there is no specific “worm diet”, there are some foods that can support your body’s ability to expel worms and ease symptoms:
- Pumpkin seeds – Contain an amino acid that paralyzes worms so they detach from the intestines.
- Papaya – Contains digestive enzymes like papain that aid digestion and make the intestinal environment less hospitable to worms.
- Pineapple – Bromelain enzyme has anti-parasitic effects that may help expel worms.
- Garlic – Natural anti-parasitic properties, especially when eaten raw.
- Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and helps stimulate digestion.
- Coconut and coconut oil – Lauric acid may help remove worms.
- Carrots, beets, squash – High fiber roasted vegetables help move worms out.
- Lemons – Acidity helps make gut less hospitable; lemon juice flushes out worms.
- Olive oil – Lubricates intestines to help expel worms.
- Ginger – Stimulates digestion and intestinal motility.
What foods should you eat if you have intestinal worms?
If dealing with an intestinal worm infection, try to eat more of these foods:
| Food | Reason |
|---|---|
| Cooked whole grains like oatmeal | Gentler fiber than raw fruits/veggies |
| Soft, well-cooked vegetables | Easier to digest |
| Lean meats | Easy to digest protein |
| Eggs | Nutritious protein source |
| Yogurt with live cultures | Supports gut health |
| Bone broth | Soothes digestive tract |
| Fermented foods like kimchi | Contains probiotics |
| Pureed vegetable soups | Provides nutrients but easy to digest |
| Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger | Settle digestive issues |
Avoid raw produce, excess sugar, greasy foods, caffeine and alcohol until worm infection clears.
What foods kill intestinal parasites and worms?
Some foods have natural anti-parasitic effects that may help clear intestinal worms. Foods to include in your diet to combat worms include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Papaya seeds
- Garlic
- Onions
- Carrots
- Pomegranates
- Beets
- Coconut and coconut oil
- Pineapple
- Turmeric
These foods contain compounds like enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants that may interrupt the worm’s lifecycle, damage it, or make the intestinal environment unsuitable for the parasite to thrive.
What herbs kill parasites?
Some anti-parasitic herbs to try include:
- Black walnut – Contains juglone that is toxic to many types of parasites
- Cloves – Anti-parasitic effects, especially effective against eggs and larvae
- Oregano – Contains oils like carvacrol that have broad anti-parasitic properties
- Thyme – Thymol can help reduce worm burden and expel parasites
- Ginger – Stimulates digestion and gut motility to help expel worms
- Goldenseal – Berberine alkaloids are anti-parasitic; also improves gut health
- Wormwood – Interrupts worms’ lifecycles and ability to feed
These herbs can be taken in capsules, tinctures, teas or used to make anti-parasitic seasonings. Always consult your doctor before using herbal treatments.
Conclusion
Intestinal worms can be exacerbated by high fiber, sugar, greasy, and acidic foods which provide fuel for worms and irritate the gut. Focus on eating more easily digested proteins, gentle cooked vegetables, and anti-parasitic foods like garlic, pumpkin seeds, papaya, and pineapple. Herbs like black walnut, cloves and oregano also have natural anti-parasitic compounds. Avoiding foods that worsen symptoms and eating gut-soothing foods can help starve worms and support your body’s ability to expel the infection.