Parasite cleanses: why are so many people obsessed with intestinal worms?

"Name: Parasite cleanses. Age: The earliest written records of what were probably parasitic infections in humans are from Egyptian medicine, between around 3000 and 400BC. Hardly news then. True. More recent, though, is what some people think about them (intestinal parasites in particular) and what they're doing about it. And by intestinal parasites are we talking worms? See also ascaris, flukes, Giardia lamblia I think I'd rather not see them, if it's all the same with you."

"Whoa, are you telling me people are posting human excrement, on the internet? Yes, @coachkatie.rogers, for example, treated followers to what looks like a saucepan lid (!) full of twisted black coils that she believed to be rope worms. Better out than in, I guess though I'm still not convinced it needs to be out so publicly. It came out on day one of a parasite and gut cleanse."

"Which is what, exactly? A popular wellness trend that can include ingesting ground up papaya seeds, burdock root, oregano oil, black walnut Sounds wholesome. And gets rid of the parasites? That's what many people online say, maybe accompanied by a lovely picture of a toilet bowl full of what looks like vermicelli. They might also suggest that a 10-day detox kit makes the perfect gift."

Parasite cleanses are promoted as wellness regimens that claim to expel intestinal parasites through herbs, seeds, oils, and detox kits. Social media posts often show graphic images and videos purporting to display expelled “worms,” which can include mucus or undigested food rather than true parasites. Some proponents recommend ritual timing, such as starting before a full moon, and sell multi-day kits at premium prices. Medical professionals question the safety and efficacy of these cleanses and warn against misinformation. Parasitic infections do exist globally and affect a substantial portion of the population. Consumers may face unnecessary alarm, expense, or harm from aggressive self-treatment without proper testing or medical guidance.

Read at www.theguardian.com