While we tend to accept that our pets can contract parasites, the notion that humans can also get parasites tends to be a foreign one. The truth is that most of us will have unfriendly parasites in our bodies at one point in our lives.  Also, the truth is that anyone can get parasites—even those that don’t travel far from home. You might believe that you can only get parasites if you travel to an exotic country, but you can get them in your everyday life. Luckily, there are some easy, natural ways to get rid of parasites.

Types of parasites include roundworms, protozoa (one-cell parasites), flukes and tapeworms. Before you start to imagine huge worms crawling around your body, keep in mind it is estimated that 70 percent of all human parasites are microscopic—which means that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. Despite the type of parasite, the good news is that there are lots of things that we can do to get rid of them and we don’t have to feel “creeped-out” by their existence.

So how do you know if you have parasites and if they are affecting your overall health?  While the symptoms vary widely, some more common signs include nervousness, stomach bloating, fatigue, fuzzy thinking, itchy anus, sinus trouble and feeling hungry, tired and malnourished—even after eating a large meal. And while you should always consult your health care provider if you believe you might have parasites and need advice on a course of treatment, below are some more common tools people have used to rid their bodies of unfriendly critters.

Garlic—Perhaps the easiest thing to do to help get rid of parasites is to add more garlic to your diet. Garlic contains Allicin and Ajoene—two components that work to kill parasites.

Wormwood –One of the most well-known herbs for parasites, Wormwood contains the components thujone and isothujone, which help to dispel parasites from the body. Looking for a parasite cleansing kit that features Wormwood? Check out Hanna Kroeger’s Wormwood Kit, which features Wormwood and other products that work in synergy to help rid the body of parasites.

Colon Cleanse—Diets heavy in processed and fast foods can clog up the body. And just like garbage attracts unwanted bugs when left outdoors for longer periods of times, so can waste that sits in a backed-up colon (You get the picture). Thus, a gentle colon cleanse can help dispel waste and parasites from the system.  Some of the most well known products for colon cleansing include Sonne’s Organic Food— a highly regarded line of products which has been around since 1946. Whatever path you choose to rid your body of parasites, remember to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement or cleansing program.