COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 284
● Increased Fiber Intake: Promotes regular elimination and
may help physically remove organisms.
● Anti-Inflammatory Focus: Emphasizes whole foods while
minimizing potential inflammatory triggers.
● Adequate Hydration: Supports detoxification pathways and
regular elimination.
Specific Anti-Parasitic Foods
Certain foods contain compounds with potential anti-parasitic
properties:
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Contains allicin and other organosulfur compounds with
documented antimicrobial properties.
● A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated
that allicin exhibits activity against Entamoeba histolytica
and Giardia lamblia in vitro [28].
● Clinical research in the Journal of Tropical Medicine found
that garlic extract reduced Giardia infection duration
compared to placebo [29].
Protocol: 2-3 fresh cloves daily, crushed and allowed to sit for 10
minutes before consumption to maximize allicin content.
Alternatively, 500-1000 mg of aged garlic extract or 9,000-18,000
mcg of allicin.
Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)
Rich in cucurbitacin, which has been traditionally used against
intestinal worms.
● Research published in the International Journal of Molecular
Sciences identified multiple compounds in pumpkin seeds
with anthelmintic activity [30].
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