How to Get Rid of Worms Naturally: A Clinical Nutritionist's Complete Guide
The quick version
Intestinal worms (parasites) are more common in adults than most people realise. The most effective natural protocol: food grade diatomaceous earth daily for 4 weeks (mechanical clearing), paired with a Synbiotic (to restore gut flora), and strict hygiene to prevent reinfection. Supporting foods: garlic, coconut oil, fibre-rich vegetables, and pumpkin seeds.
Are Intestinal Worms More Common Than You Think?
Yes — significantly more common. Intestinal parasites affect people of all ages, including adults with excellent hygiene. Common routes of exposure include travel, undercooked food, contaminated water, contact with infected soil, and close contact with infected household members or pets.
Worms don't openly discuss themselves. But they are widespread, and many people carry a mild intestinal parasite load without ever making the connection to their symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Intestinal Worms
| Symptom | Notes |
|---|---|
| Itchy bottom (particularly at night) | Classic sign of pinworms/threadworms, which lay eggs around the anus at night |
| Disturbed sleep | Often caused by nighttime itching activity |
| Unexplained fatigue | Parasites compete for nutrients, depleting the host |
| Abdominal pain or cramping | Particularly around the navel or lower right abdomen |
| Bloating and gas | Disrupted gut flora and mechanical irritation |
| Teeth grinding (bruxism) | Anecdotally associated with parasite load — mechanism not fully established |
| Nausea or loss of appetite | Common with heavier parasite loads |
| Unexplained weight loss | Parasites absorbing nutrients before the host can |
Types of Intestinal Worms
Threadworms / Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) — the most common in Australia, particularly in children and household contacts. Spread by hand-to-mouth contact with eggs. Read the specific threadworm guide →
Tapeworms — acquired through undercooked meat or fish. Less common but can grow very large.
Hookworms and roundworms — typically acquired through contaminated soil, more common in travellers.
The Natural Protocol: How to Get Rid of Worms
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth — The Core Treatment
Food grade diatomaceous earth (Love Your Gut Powder or Capsules) is the centrepiece of a natural parasite protocol. Under a microscope, DE particles have sharp, porous edges. When ingested, these edges physically damage the exoskeletons and cell membranes of intestinal parasites — causing dehydration and death — without harming the soft tissue of the human gut wall.
Protocol: 1 teaspoon (or 8 capsules) in water, daily, on an empty stomach for a minimum of 4 weeks. The 4-week duration is important: it covers the 3-week window in which existing eggs can hatch, ensuring the full life cycle is addressed. Always drink at least 250ml of water with DE and stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
Pair With a Synbiotic to Restore Gut Flora
A parasite load — and the process of clearing it — disrupts the gut microbiome. A diverse, resilient microbiome is one of the body's best natural defences against reinfection and future parasite colonisation.
Take Love Your Gut Synbiotic daily throughout and after the protocol — either with breakfast, or at a separate time from the DE. The Synbiotic repopulates beneficial bacteria and supports the gut lining as the cleanse progresses.
Supportive Foods
Garlic: Contains allicin, which has demonstrated antiparasitic activity. Can kill existing eggs and inhibit egg-laying in female pinworms. Eat raw or lightly cooked daily.
Pumpkin seeds: Contain cucurbitacin, which paralyses worms and helps flush them from the gut. Eat a small handful daily.
Coconut oil: Antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic. 1 teaspoon daily supports the protocol.
Fibre-rich vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, beetroot and other high-fibre vegetables support bowel motility and help flush the gut — particularly effective combined with DE.
Strict Hygiene — The Most Important Step for Prevention
Reinfection is the most common reason natural protocols fail. Pinworm eggs are microscopic, survive on surfaces for up to 3 weeks, and are easily ingested hand-to-mouth.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after every toilet visit
- Keep fingernails short and clean
- Shower daily, particularly in the morning to remove eggs laid overnight
- Change and wash underwear and bedding daily during the protocol
- Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings frequently
- Do not share towels, washcloths, or food during the protocol
- Treat all household members simultaneously — reinfection within a household is almost certain otherwise
How to Take Diatomaceous Earth (Even for Fussy Takers)
Love Your Gut powder is completely tasteless and odourless. It can be taken mixed in:
- A glass of water (stir until dissolved)
- Orange juice or apple juice
- Blended into a smoothie
- Stirred into yoghurt
- Added to soups or casseroles after cooking
- As Love Your Gut Capsules — easier for those who prefer to avoid any texture
The complete parasite protocol
Love Your Gut DE (mechanical clearing) + Synbiotic (microbiome restoration). The Worms Begone Bundle includes both at the best available price.
Shop Worms Begone Bundle → Shop DE Powder Only →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does diatomaceous earth take to get rid of worms?
The protocol requires a minimum of 4 weeks. This is not arbitrary — threadworm eggs hatch within 1–3 weeks of being laid, so a 4-week protocol addresses the full life cycle and prevents newly hatched worms from maturing and reproducing.
How do I get rid of worms naturally in adults?
The most effective natural protocol is: food grade diatomaceous earth (1 tsp daily) + Love Your Gut Synbiotic (to restore gut flora) + strict hygiene for 4 weeks. Supporting foods include garlic, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil and fibre-rich vegetables. All household members should treat simultaneously.
How do I get rid of parasites naturally?
The same protocol applies to most intestinal parasites: daily food grade DE for 4+ weeks, paired with a Synbiotic and supportive foods. For suspected tapeworm or hookworm, always consult a healthcare practitioner — these may require pharmaceutical treatment.
Can children take diatomaceous earth for worms?
Yes. Adjust the dose based on body weight — approximately ¼ teaspoon for younger children (under 25kg), ½ teaspoon for older children, and the full 1 teaspoon for adults. Always consult your GP for guidance on children under 2 years.
How do I get rid of pinworms naturally?
Pinworms (threadworms) respond well to the full DE protocol above. The key additions for pinworms: shower every morning to remove eggs laid overnight, wash bedding daily during the treatment, and treat all household members at the same time.
Do I need to see a doctor for intestinal worms?
For mild threadworm infections, a natural protocol is a reasonable first approach. However, see a healthcare practitioner if symptoms are severe, if you suspect tapeworm or a more serious parasitic infection, if you are immunocompromised, or if symptoms persist after 4–6 weeks of the protocol.
Start the protocol today
Treat the full household simultaneously for the best outcome. Love Your Gut DE is tasteless, food-grade, and FSANZ-approved.
Worms Begone Bundle → Shop Synbiotic →
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