If you’ve been scrollin’ through social media lately, you may’ve seen folks talkin’ about somethin’ called a “parasite cleanse” or “body detox.
”They’re pitchin’ it like it’s the cure for everything from bloating to brain fog. But health experts are sayin’ loud and clear: hold your horses. Whether it’s sippin’ on vinegar tea, takin’ wormwood supplements, or even buyin’ prescription meds like ivermectin off shady websites, these so-called cleanses aren’t backed by real science, and in some cases, they can be downright dangerous.
A whole lot of folks are blamin’ every tummy ache or tired spell on some mysterious parasite.
And sure, it makes for a catchy TikTok video. But according to registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, this trend is more hype than help.
“There’s just no proof these DIY parasite cleanses work,” she said. “And if someone really does have a parasite, they need a proper diagnosis and actual medicine, not herbs and hocus-pocus.”
Truth is, intestinal parasites aren’t all that common in the U.S. Most of us ain’t pickin’ ‘em up unless we’ve been drinkin’ dirty water, eatin’ undercooked meat, or travelin’ somewhere with poor sanitation. And you can’t just guess you’ve got one. That’s what stool tests and doctors are for.
These cleanses go by all kinds of names; “liver flush,” “colon detox,” “full-body reset.” They’ll have you takin’ herbs like clove and wormwood, chuggin’ turmeric smoothies, or cuttin’ out gluten, sugar, and fried foods altogether. Some even include colonic irrigation. Yep, that’s exactly what it sounds like.
Harvard doctor Robert Shmerling says the idea of “cleanin’ out your system” sounds nice in theory, but the human body ain’t a kitchen floor.
“Our bodies already have a liver, kidneys, and intestines that detox just fine on their own,” he said.
“There’s no medical proof that cleanses do anything but make you spend money and possibly feel worse.”
Some ads claim you’ll sleep better, think clearer, and lose weight overnight. And sure, drinkin’ nothing but lemon juice for ten days might make the scale budge, but you’re losin’ water, not toxins.
Now here’s where things get real concerning. Some people are orderin’ drugs like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine off the internet to try to “deworm” themselves. That’s dangerous territory.“Ivermectin is for treating specific parasites, sure,” said Dr. Shmerling,
“but takin’ it without a doctor’s supervision is askin’ for trouble. And don’t even think about takin’ the kind made for horses or cows.”
Side effects from misusing these drugs can include:
●Liver or kidney damage
●Irregular heart rhythms
●Vision changes and confusion
●Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
●And in some cases, hospitalization or worse
Hydroxychloroquine ain’t any better. It’s meant for malaria and autoimmune diseases, and can cause serious heart issues if taken wrong.
And just so y’all know, the FDA has not approved these medications for everyday “detoxing” or parasite cleansin’. No matter what some stranger on Facebook says.
If you’re feelin’ bloated, tired, or just not right, the best thing to do is see your primary care provider. If there’s a parasite involved, your doctor can test for it and treat it the right way—with prescription antiparasitic medicine. Sometimes, just one dose can knock it out.
Other legit ways to support your gut and immune health include:
● Eatin’ more fiber – Helps regulate digestion
● Avoidin’ processed and sugary foods. Give your immune system a break
● Probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods
● Hydration and sleep . Your body needs rest and water to heal And yep, takin’ care of your health long-term beats any quick-fix cleanse.
No cleanse or miracle smoothie is gonna replace real medicine or good ol’ common sense. And takin’ vet meds or mail-order pills from who-knows-where? That ain’t just a bad idea, it’s a health risk.
“If you don’t have a parasite, a cleanse won’t help,” said Czerwony. more than ginger shots to fix it.”
“And if you do, you’ll need. So skip the online detox hype, y’all. Talk to your health care provider. Eat your veggies. And for heaven’s sake, don’t order livestock meds off the internet.
