Fight parasites & improve digestion with these foods

Parasites are more common than most people realize, and while they don’t always cause significant health problems, they can certainly wreak havoc on your body when they do. Diet alone won’t necessarily eliminate pathogenic parasites, but it is a crucial component of a holistic treatment strategy that can help fight off these harmful invaders.

Why is diet so important? Simply put, parasites feed off of what you eat. While certain foods can make it easier for them to proliferate, others have antiparasitic properties that can actively kill parasites and support your body’s natural defenses.

In addition to antiparasitic foods that directly target parasites, an overall immune-boosting diet that supports a healthy gut microbiome is essential for building up your body’s defenses. This combination of diet, lifestyle, and immune support is a gentler, more sustainable approach for ridding the body of parasites.

At Revive Health, we often work with patients who are dealing with parasitic infections or imbalances in their gut microbiome. We always start with dietary adjustments and holistic treatments to support the body’s natural ability to heal. If you’ve had a rough experience with medications or aggressive supplements in the past, diet may be a great place to begin.

Let’s dive into the best foods to fight parasites and strengthen your gut health naturally.

1. Garlic: A Powerful Parasite Fighter

Garlic has been used for centuries worldwide to fight parasites, making it one of the top natural remedies for parasitic infections. The key to garlic’s antiparasitic power lies in allicin, a sulfur compound that is both antimicrobial and antiparasitic. Garlic also contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by parasitic infections.

In addition to its antiparasitic properties, garlic is also effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Quick Tip: To maximize the antiparasitic benefits, consume raw garlic. Cooking garlic can reduce its potency, so adding it to salads, soups, or even just spreading it on toast can be a great way to incorporate it into your diet.

2. Barberry: The Alkaloid-Rich Antimicrobial

Barberry is another powerful food to include in your antiparasitic regimen. This plant contains berberine, an alkaloid compound known for its ability to fight a wide range of pathogens, including helminths (worms) and protozoans. Berberine’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity extends to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making barberry a fantastic addition to your parasite-fighting arsenal.

Barberry is often sold in Persian or Middle Eastern stores—look for dried or fresh berries that can be added to salads, cauliflower rice, or teas. Barberry extracts are also available in supplement form, which is another great option.

3. Papaya: A Tropical Remedy for Intestinal Parasites

Papaya and its seeds contain enzymes such as papain and carpain, which have shown effectiveness against intestinal parasites. These enzymes help break down the proteins in parasitic organisms, supporting the body in clearing them out. Papaya seeds also help to reduce inflammation and promote digestive health.

Since most of the antiparasitic benefits come from the papaya seeds, be sure to eat them when consuming the fruit. The seeds have a peppery taste and can be added to smoothies, salads, or meat marinades for an extra kick.

4. Pomegranate: An Ancient Antimicrobial Powerhouse

Pomegranate has a long history of being used to fight tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. Pomegranate’s extracts are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that have been shown to kill parasites, viruses, and bacteria.

In particular, pomegranate peel extracts have been found to be more effective than metronidazole (Flagyl) for treating giardia, a parasitic infection resistant to many antibiotics.

Pomegranate is also a great source of antioxidants, making it a key ingredient in my antioxidant blend. Adding fresh pomegranate seeds to smoothies or juicing the peel can help you maximize the benefits.

5. Pumpkin Seeds: A Nutritious Antiparasitic Superfood

Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, but they also have potent antiparasitic properties. The cucurbitacin compound in pumpkin seeds is known to help expel nematodes(roundworms), tapeworms, and other parasites.

These seeds are packed with energy-boosting nutrients and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoy them raw or roasted as a snack, or sprinkle them on salads and soups.

6. Onions: A Sulfur-Rich Antiparasitic Food

Like garlic, onions contain sulfuric compounds that are effective in eliminating parasites. Studies have shown that onions help prevent and clear protozoa and helminth infections from the body.

While onions are a great addition to your parasite-fighting diet, remember that they are high FODMAP foods, which may cause issues for individuals with SIBO, IBS, or other gastrointestinal conditions.

For maximum benefit, consume onions raw—either as part of a salad or in other dishes.

7. Coconut: The Ultimate All-Rounder

Coconut, particularly coconut oil, is another powerhouse food when it comes to fighting parasites. It has strong antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil and other coconut extracts support a variety of health benefits, including brain health, metabolism, blood sugar control, and immune system function.

Try adding coconut oil to your smoothies, cooking, or even using it as a spread on toast. You can also snack on dried coconut for a tasty and healthy parasite-fighting treat.

8. Probiotic-Rich Foods: Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome

While probiotic-rich foods don’t directly kill parasites, they help balance your gut microbiome, creating an environment that’s inhospitable to pathogens, including parasites. A healthy gut is essential for preventing future infections and supporting overall digestive health.

Fermented foods and drinks such as kefir, kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, and natto are great sources of probiotics. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help rebuild your gut microbiome and prevent the proliferation of harmful organisms.

9. Healing Herbs: Nature’s Antiparasitic Medicines

Several herbs also have strong antiparasitic properties. They are packed with compounds that work together to support whole-body health. Some of the best herbs for fighting parasites include:

• Oregano

• Ginger

• Wormwood

• Black walnut

• Thyme

• Turmeric

• Cumin

• Clove

These herbs can be used in cooking, made into teas, or taken as supplements. You can also combine them for a powerful herbal antiparasitic regimen.

Supporting Your Body’s Defense Against Parasites

A healthy diet is a cornerstone of any holistic treatment strategy for parasites. By incorporating these antiparasitic foods into your diet, you can support your body’s natural defenses against parasitic infections. Along with a balanced diet, be sure to support your immune system, gut microbiome, and overall digestive health.

At Revive Health, we work with patients to help restore their gut health and balance the body’s immune system using functional medicine. Whether you’re struggling with parasites, chronic digestive issues, or other health concerns, we offer both in-office appointments and telemedicine visits to individuals locally, nationally, and internationally.

Schedule a consultation with our team at Revive Health to get personalized guidance on how to naturally fight parasites and improve your digestive health from the inside out.