Foods That Are Good For Worms (Intestinal Parasites) Naturally

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), parasite infections affect millions of people worldwide, with intestinal worms being a common type. Certain dietary choices can help support your body's natural defenses and create an environment that is less hospitable to worms. This article explores which food is good for worms by discussing natural antiparasitic options and foods that promote overall digestive health.

Quick Summary

A balanced diet with specific foods can help support the body's fight against intestinal parasites. Incorporating garlic, pumpkin seeds, and other antiparasitic foods may help naturally address worm infections. Dietary changes that boost gut health and immunity are often suggested alongside standard medical treatments for a holistic approach.

Key Points

Garlic and Onions: Utilize the potent sulfur compounds in raw garlic and onions to create an unfavorable environment for parasites.
Pumpkin Seeds: Consume raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds containing cucurbitacin, a compound that paralyzes and helps expel worms.
Papaya Seeds: Blend papaya seeds with honey or add to smoothies, as they contain enzymes that help eliminate intestinal parasites.
High-Fiber Foods: Incorporate fibrous foods like carrots, beets, and whole grains to promote regular bowel movements and flush out toxins and parasites.
Probiotics: Eat fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir to rebalance gut flora, which enhances immunity and discourages parasite growth.
Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods: Minimize intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, as parasites thrive on these foods.
Boost Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help the body detoxify and eliminate parasites more effectively.

Understanding the Role of Diet in Managing Intestinal Worms

While a doctor's diagnosis and prescription medication are essential for treating parasitic infections, many people explore dietary strategies to support their gut health and create a less-friendly environment for intestinal parasites. The goal of such a diet is two-fold: to incorporate foods with natural antiparasitic properties and to build a strong digestive system that can efficiently remove waste and harmful organisms. The following sections delve into specific foods and strategies that have been traditionally and anecdotally associated with helping the body combat worms.

Key Antiparasitic Foods

Numerous foods are recognized for their potential to help manage intestinal worms due to specific compounds they contain. Integrating these into a balanced diet can be a supportive measure alongside medical advice.

Garlic: Known for its potent antimicrobial properties, garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound that can create a hostile environment for parasites. Consuming raw, crushed garlic is often recommended for maximum effect.

Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds contain cucurbitacin, an amino acid that can paralyze worms, making it easier for the body to expel them during a bowel movement. They can be eaten raw as a snack or ground into a powder and added to smoothies or meals.

Papaya Seeds: Research has shown that papaya seeds contain antiparasitic enzymes like papain. A mixture of ground papaya seeds and honey is a popular home remedy to help reduce intestinal worms.

Coconut Oil: Rich in medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that may help expel parasites. A tablespoon of virgin coconut oil consumed daily can be a simple way to incorporate it into your diet.

Pineapple: The enzyme bromelain, found abundantly in pineapple, can help break down proteins and has been shown to assist in killing parasites. Incorporating fresh pineapple into your diet may support digestion and immunity.

Cloves: Containing eugenol, a powerful antimicrobial compound, cloves are believed to kill parasite eggs and cleanse the blood. Making a simple clove tea can be an effective way to consume them.

A Comparison of Natural Antiparasitic Foods

This table outlines the key actions and best preparation methods for some of the most effective antiparasitic foods.


Food	Primary Active Compound	Key Antiparasitic Action	Suggested Preparation
Garlic	Allicin (sulfur compound)	Creates a hostile environment for parasites.	Consume raw, crushed cloves.
Pumpkin Seeds	Cucurbitacin	Paralyzes worms to facilitate their removal.	Eat raw, unsalted, or blended in a smoothie.
Papaya Seeds	Papain (enzyme)	Helps eliminate parasites and their enzymes.	Ground and mixed with honey, or in a smoothie.
Coconut Oil	Lauric Acid (fatty acid)	Antimicrobial properties help expel parasites.	Take 1 tablespoon daily, or add to smoothies.
Pineapple	Bromelain (enzyme)	Boosts digestion and helps kill worms.	Eat fresh for maximum enzyme activity.
Cloves	Eugenol	Kills parasite eggs, preventing reinfestation.	Brew as a tea or add to cooking.

Supporting Your Gut With Fiber and Probiotics

Beyond targeted antiparasitic foods, a diet that supports overall digestive health is crucial for managing and preventing worm infections. A healthy gut microbiome, rich in beneficial bacteria, makes it more difficult for harmful parasites to take hold.

High-Fiber Foods: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains increase bowel regularity, which helps to flush out waste and any lingering parasites more effectively. Carrots and beets, in particular, are noted for their fiber and ability to support intestinal health.
Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics, which help restore and maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. This balance is essential for enhancing the immune response against parasites.
Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids found in sources like salmon and flaxseeds can help reduce gut inflammation, which is often a symptom of digestive disorders and parasite infections.

Foods to Avoid During an Infection

While focusing on what to include in your diet, it's equally important to consider what to avoid. Parasites thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Reducing or eliminating these can help starve the parasites and make your body a less appealing host.

Sugary and Processed Foods: Parasites feed on sugar, so minimizing your intake of sweets, baked goods, and processed snacks is recommended.
Refined Grains: Foods made with white flour and refined carbohydrates offer little nutritional value and can fuel parasite growth. Opt for whole grains instead.
Undercooked Meat and Fish: To prevent re-infection, always thoroughly cook meat and fish to a safe internal temperature.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food is good for worms in the sense that it helps create an inhospitable environment for intestinal parasites, supports a healthy digestive tract, and boosts overall immunity. While natural remedies involving foods like garlic, pumpkin seeds, and papaya can be supportive, they should not replace professional medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for any parasitic infection. Combining medical treatment with a parasite-conscious diet—one rich in fiber, probiotics, and targeted antiparasitic foods while avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates—can provide the best path to recovery and long-term health. Prioritizing food safety, including proper hygiene and cooking practices, is also paramount in preventing future infections.

For more detailed information on preventing foodborne illnesses, consult resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article primarily focuses on intestinal parasites, which include various types of worms such as pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms that can live in the human digestive tract.

Many foods contain compounds with natural antiparasitic properties, such as allicin in garlic and cucurbitacin in pumpkin seeds, that can either paralyze, kill, or create a hostile environment for parasites. High-fiber foods also help expel them by promoting regular bowel movements.

No. While these foods can support gut health and may aid in recovery, they are not a replacement for medical treatment. A parasitic infection, especially a severe one, requires a proper diagnosis and medication from a healthcare provider.

Some natural remedies, especially herbs like wormwood, can be toxic in high doses or have side effects. It's important to consume these foods and herbs responsibly and consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new regimen, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health issues.

Some remedies, like a mixture of papaya seeds and honey, have traditionally been used for children. However, children are more sensitive, so it is crucial to consult with a pediatrician before giving them any natural deworming remedies.

Preventing re-infection involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly, and ensuring food safety, which includes properly cooking meats and washing all fruits and vegetables.

The timeframe for seeing results with natural remedies can vary greatly and is not scientifically guaranteed. For prescription medication, the effects are typically felt much faster, with worms dying within 24-72 hours. It is always best to follow your doctor's advice.