When worms and parasites multiply excessively, the body “cries for help” with five uncomfortable changes — the first sign is especially common in many households

Failing to take deworming medication regularly over a long period can lead to many negative changes in the body that are easily mistaken for other illnesses. The sooner these signs are recognized, the better it is for your health.

Worms and parasites often live in the human intestinal tract because it provides an ideal environment for their survival. Many species, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, have evolved life cycles that allow them to attach to the intestines, draw nutrients or blood, and reproduce inside the host’s body.

While residing in the gut, parasites can cause a wide range of harm, from subtle to severe. They siphon off nutrients, leaving the infected person tired, thin, anemic, and prone to abdominal pain or digestive disorders. In short, worms and parasites are unwelcome “freeloaders” that quietly consume nutrients and disrupt normal bodily functions.

Experts explain that when parasites become too numerous, the body reacts in an attempt to counter their harmful effects. However, because these reactions closely resemble the symptoms of other conditions, many people tend to ignore them. That’s why increased vigilance — and early deworming — is essential when these signs appear.

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Five warning signs of worms and parasites in the body

1. Persistent or excessive hunger

Constant hunger or an unusually strong appetite is not always caused by inadequate food intake. In many cases, it is a warning signal that intestinal parasites — particularly roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms — are at work.

These “uninvited guests” live in the intestines and consume a significant portion of the nutrients meant for the body. As a result, even people who eat well may still feel hungry, fatigued, and experience unexplained weight loss.

When parasites multiply in large numbers, they monopolize the body’s food supply, reducing essential vitamins and minerals needed for metabolism. Feeling ravenous soon after eating, along with bloating, nighttime anal itching, or digestive disturbances, are classic signs.

2. Frequent acne, itching, or unexplained skin problems

According to experts, parasites release toxins and waste products while living in the intestines. These substances enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions in the skin, making people prone to acne, rashes, redness, or itching without any clear cause — even after dietary or lifestyle changes.

If not detected early, these toxins can continue to accumulate, weakening the skin’s protective barrier and worsening symptoms. Some individuals may also develop dryness, darkened skin, or recurrent inflammatory patches, especially children and those with weakened immune systems.

3. Abdominal pain accompanied by mild weight loss

Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms absorb large amounts of nutrients from food before the body can utilize them. This leads to weight loss despite normal eating, along with bloating, indigestion, or intermittent abdominal pain throughout the day.

These symptoms are often mistaken for common digestive issues, causing many people to delay proper testing. In severe cases, a heavy parasite burden irritates the intestinal lining, increasing inflammation and causing more intense pain. Some parasites also attach to the intestinal wall and cause microscopic bleeding, leading to anemia, fatigue, and reduced immunity.

4. Persistent fatigue

Parasites compete with the body for nutrients, draining energy reserves and resulting in chronic fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased work performance. Many people overlook this symptom and attribute it to stress or lack of sleep.

Beyond exhaustion, worm infections can weaken immunity, making individuals more susceptible to colds and minor infections. If fatigue persists without a clear cause, it’s important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.

5. Iron deficiency or mild anemia

When parasites latch onto the intestinal wall, they can draw blood and interfere with nutrient absorption, gradually reducing iron and hemoglobin levels. Symptoms may include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, and frequent fatigue.

This sign is often ignored, as many people assume anemia is simply due to poor diet or work-related exhaustion. In addition to anemia, parasite infections may also cause digestive problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation.

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How to effectively prevent worm and parasite infections

To prevent worms and parasites from entering and multiplying in the body, maintaining daily hygiene and safe eating habits is essential. Experts recommend the following preventive measures:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap before meals, after using the toilet, or after contact with soil. Keep fingernails trimmed, as parasite eggs can lodge beneath long nails.

• Eat thoroughly cooked meat and fish, drink boiled water, and wash vegetables carefully. Whenever possible, blanch or cook produce. Avoid raw seafood, undercooked meat, or foods prone to parasite contamination.

• Deworm adults and children every 6–12 months, especially children and those living in high-risk areas.

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, particularly on damp or contaminated soil.