They’re all over social media lately– posts and videos convincing you that parasites are the cause of everything from your acne to constipation to depression. I know it’s not the most appetizing topic and my first gut reaction was to dismiss it completely. But the questions from clients kept coming:
- “Should I be doing a parasite cleanse?”
- “I heard all salmon has worms—should I stop eating it?”
- “Could parasites be the root of my gut issues?”
Let’s set the record straight, using facts (instead of trying to scare you into buying $500 worth of supplements).
What are parasites?
Let’s get clear on what a parasite is. A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside a host (like you), feeding off that host to survive. They can be external (like lice or ticks) or internal, which are the ones we’re mainly focusing on today (especially those that live in the gut).
There are two main types:
- Protozoa: Single-celled organisms that can multiply in your body.
- Helminths: Multi-cell organisms (like worms) that can reproduce in your body but don’t multiply themselves.
Yup, we’re talking about things like pinworms, tapeworms, and other less-than-cute critters.
Where and how do you get parasites?
Through contaminated food or water. This includes:
- Undercooked meat or fish
- Unwashed produce
- Dirty fingernails
- Handling pets or animals that go outdoors
- Poor hand hygiene (especially when others prepare your food)
Basically, if fecal matter is involved there’s a risk. Most people are exposed to parasites at some point, and many of us live in harmony with them, just like we do with trillions of bacteria in our microbiome.
Are Parasites Causing Your Acne, Bloating, or Mood Swings?
It’s tempting to connect mysterious symptoms to parasites, especially when influencers claim they’re the root of everything from skin issues to depression. But let’s get one thing straight:
Most people with gut or skin symptoms do not have a parasite problem.
There are so many other things we would explore first:
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
- Stress reduction
- Sleep hygiene
- A possible elimination diet
Parasites are rarely the first (or even the tenth) thing on our list of potential causes.
The Truth About Parasite Testing
Testing exists, but it’s not very reliable. Parasites often die or degrade before stool samples can be tested properly. Unless there are visible signs (like an actual worm- sorry), many tests will come back negative even if something’s going on. Sooo they’re kind of like the original gaslighters.
A Word on TikTok Parasite Cleanses
Let’s talk about the “cleanse” trend. Most of these include a wellness influencer selling dozens of pricey supplements—clove, wormwood, anise, garlic, ginger, turmeric. While these herbs aren’t necessarily harmful and may even offer some immune or gut support, there’s no strong evidence that they kill parasites.
And if you truly have a parasite? You’ll need an anti-parasitic medication from an actual physician. Not a $300 supplement stack from Becky with an affiliate code.
Real Talk: Our Personal Experiences
Megan’s had two parasite encounters: one after swimming in natural water in Hawaii and another after adopting a puppy. The symptoms were obvious. Rapid weight loss, strange-looking stool, and digestive discomfort. Despite negative tests, the signs were clear, and eventually, the symptoms resolved without medication.
These experiences are rare and most people never have them. But if you’re having gut symptoms and nothing else is adding up, reach out to a registered dietitian.
What About Salmon?
You may have seen the disturbing viral video of the white wiggly worm in the Costco pack of salmon. Yes, salmon canhave worms. Especially wild-caught salmon, since they live in natural waters with natural parasites. But the good news is: freezing kills parasites.
Most fish (including sushi-grade and grocery-store salmon) has been flash-frozen before sale. So even if a worm was present, it’s dead, harmless, and gross, but not dangerous.
Fun fact: farmed fish are less likely to have parasites because their environment is more controlled but I would still choose wild caught salmon for the nutritional benefits.
So… Should You Worry?
Here’s our professional opinion: No, you probably don’t need a parasite cleanse. Here’s what you do need to do:
- Wash your produce
- Cook and handle your meat and fish properly
- Wash your hands
- Let your kids play outside (yes, even in dirt)
Living in a bubble isn’t healthy—but neither is chasing every internet trend.
TLDR: Parasites exist, but they’re not the ever-present hidden enemy some wellness gurus make them out to be.
About the author: Megan Ware, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist in Orlando, Florida. She owns a private practice, Nutrition Awareness, where she teaches other entrepreneurs and high performers how to maximize their productivity with nutrition. She is the author of the book The Optimized Life: A Nutrition Guide for Entrepreneurs and co-host of the Nutrition Awareness Podcast.
If you want to improve your health, lose weight, or increase your energy, schedule your initial consultation here.
