8 foods That Help Keep Your Gut Healthy and Worm-Free

 Your gut influences everything from immunity to mental well-being and is not only a digestion machine but is also the powerhouse of your body. However, poor diet, unclean water and contaminated food might expose you to dangerous parasites, such as intestinal worms. These unwelcome guests can disrupt digestion in addition to weakening one’s immunity. They also cause discomforts like bloating, nausea and fatigue. Fortunately, many nourishing food options can help keep your gut free from these parasites.

Here are eight powerful foods that support gut health while keeping worms at bay:

1. Garlic - Garlic is a powerful antiparasitic along with being a flavourful addition to your meals. It has a lot of sulphur compounds, such as allicin and ajoene, which makes the gut an environment that is hostile to worms as well as harmful bacteria. Eating raw garlic regularly, either with food or as it is, may really help keep your digestive system clean and clear of infections.
2. Papaya Seeds - Even though many people relish the papaya's exceptionally sweet, juicy flesh, its seeds possess many benefits as well. Papaya seeds contain the enzyme carpaine which is known to eliminate intestinal worms. For easier consumption, grind the seeds into a fine powder and then mix it with honey or make it into a smoothie.
3. Pumpkin Seeds – Even pumpkin seeds are very good for the gut as they are packed with cucurbitacin, a worm-paralyzing substance that makes it easy for the body to flush the parasites out. Pumpkin seeds are also high in fibre, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. Snack on a handful of raw pumpkin seeds daily or mix them into your favourite smoothies and salads for a natural gut cleanse.
4. Pineapple – Pineapple is more than just a tropical fruit, it is packed with bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins and sweeps out intestinal parasites. Bromelain prevents the worms from growing and surviving in the gut. Drinking fresh pineapple juice or adding slices to meals is a delicious way to enhance your gut health.
5. Turmeric – Turmeric has been medicinally used for thousands of years, especially for the gut. It is packed with curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that cleanses the intestines and kills parasites. Mixing turmeric into warm milk, curries, or even tea can be an excellent way to strengthen your digestive system and prevent infections.
6. Fermented Foods – Yogurt, pickles and sauerkraut, among other fermented foods contain a lot of probiotics which is a good bacterium that maintains balance in the gut and prevents parasite infestation. A balanced gut microbiome does not give easy passage for pathogens, including worms, to attack the body. Daily intake of fermented foods can facilitate digestive health and increase one’s immunity.
7. Coconut – Coconut oil contains antiparasitic properties. Lauric acid, found in coconut, gets converted into monolaurin in the body, which helps fight worms and harmful bacteria. Drinking coconut water, eating raw coconut or using coconut oil can be a really good method of cleansing the system naturally.
8. Cloves – Cloves contain eugenol, a potent compound that destroys parasites and their eggs. This makes cloves one of the best natural remedies for intestinal worms. You can chew whole cloves, drink clove tea, or add ground cloves to your meals for an extra boost of gut protection.

A healthy balanced gut results in improved overall health and relief from malicious parasites which is important for digestion and immunity and high energy levels. Although medicine helps get rid of infestation, some of these food sources help ward off parasites before they even attack the body. From garlic's parasite-fighting power to probiotic-rich fermented foods, nature has plenty of ways to keep the gut healthy and the worms at bay. Make some small dietary changes and practice good hygiene to support your digestive system, feel more energetic and stay healthy.

Dr. Ajay B R, Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru