Austria: Experts critical of 'Parasite Cleansing' trend, urge medical diagnosis

A trend popularized on social media, known as "Parasite Cleansing," claims to rid the body of worms and parasites, promising improved energy levels, skin, and overall well-being. Model and TV host Heidi Klum recently shared her experience with the cleanse, influenced by online content, noting she took capsules containing cloves and papaya seeds, despite having no specific indications of a parasitic infection.

“

In Europe, very few people actually suffer from parasites.

Klum mentioned that online discussions suggest doing such a cleanse annually, stating, "Apparently, we all carry worms and parasites in us, especially if you eat raw foods like sushi now and then." The cleanse is advertised as a way to thoroughly clean the intestines, leading to more energy, better skin, and a balanced body sensation.

“

In Austria, worm infestations in adulthood are extremely rare and almost impossible without a relevant travel history.

However, medical experts express significant skepticism. Julia Walochnik, a professor of Molecular Parasitology at MedUni Vienna, stated that intestinal worm infestations in adults are "extremely rare" in Europe and almost impossible without a relevant travel history. She warned that self-proclaimed "healers" often exploit people's gastrointestinal complaints to diagnose phantom worm infestations and sell them remedies, creating a lucrative market.

“

Many people have gastrointestinal complaints, and enterprising self-proclaimed 'healers' exploit this situation, 'diagnose' a worm infestation, and sell the suffering people some kind of preparation. This has become a real market.

Both Walochnik and Marton Széll, from "Die Tropenordination," stressed the absolute necessity of a medical diagnosis before any treatment. "Fundamentally, before treating, a medical diagnosis must be made," Walochnik clarified, estimating that self-treatment based on suspicion occurs in "99 percent of cases." Széll added that if a suspicion exists, testing blood or stool in a lab recognized by health insurance is crucial to identify the specific type of worm, if any. They caution against treating without proper medical confirmation, highlighting that while theoretically hundreds of worm types can infect humans, actual cases in the region are uncommon.

“

Fundamentally, before treating, a medical diagnosis must be made.