Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that worm urine raises ammonia levels in the body which causes bad breath, headaches and pimples. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
An Instagram post shares a video in which the claimant states that the causative agent of various conditions, such as headaches, bad breath or halitosis and pimples is the presence of ammonia, which is released from worms as urine. The post gained several views and more than 13k likes till this post was published.
Fact Check
Does the presence of ammonia in your blood indicate worm urine?
No, the presence of ammonia in your blood does not indicate a worm’s urine or other secretions. Ammonia is a naturally occurring compound in the human body and is a waste product of various metabolic processes, particularly the breakdown of proteins. Elevated levels of ammonia in the blood can be a sign of health issues, such as liver or kidney problems, where the body is unable to properly metabolize and eliminate ammonia.
Worms, such as intestinal parasites, can potentially infest the human body, but their presence and activities are typically associated with specific symptoms and health issues related to the parasitic or helminth infection. While some parasitic worms may release waste products, including ammonia-like compounds, into the host’s body, the detection of ammonia in the blood alone is not a reliable indicator of a worm infestation.
Do worm secretions and urine cause halitosis, headaches and pimples?
No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that worm secretions and urine can cause halitosis (bad breath), headaches, and pimples. However, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to these conditions.
- Halitosis: Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, tooth cavities, dry mouth, certain foods and drinks, and smoking. It can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as sinus infections, acid reflux, and diabetes.
- Headaches: They can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, and caffeine withdrawal. They can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as migraines, high blood pressure, and sinus infections.
- Pimples: They are a common skin condition caused by the clogging of pores with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It is most common in teenagers and young adults, but it can occur at any age.
According to Dr Ketan Rajput, BDS, MDS (Periodontology and Implantology) states, “Halitosis or bad breath is an unpleasant, persistent foul odour in the exhaled breath or in the oral cavity. Halitosis is a wide terminology and can have many systemic and local factors contributing to it. Persistent hyperacidity or gastric secretions do result in halitosis due to the gases expelled. Treating the main cause i.e., hyper-acidity accompanied by professional teeth cleaning can help reduce/ eliminate halitosis/ foul odour. This fact has been proved by many international and national publications.
In a medically compromised condition where the patient is bedridden and not maintaining regular oral hygiene and also has some kind of infection is likely to get halitosis due to the fact that he/she is not maintaining regular oral hygiene. Hence to my knowledge and experience, I would like to quote that halitosis is a vague term and can be linked directly or indirectly to some or the other medical condition the patient is suffering from. Maintaining good oral hygiene and also having a healthy lifestyle surely helps reduce/ eliminate bad breath.”
However, the narrator in the video mentions pimples on the arms, which can even be due to a condition called as keratosis pilaris, a harmless condition that can occur when hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin.
Dr. Soumya Sachdeva, Consultant Dermatologist comments, “There is a mite called Demodex, which can infest and start living in the hair follicles of your skin as an ectoparasite and have a role in worsening acne. Similar papules, pustules and nodules, as seen in acne vulgaris, can be seen with Demodex mite infestation. Other than that, of course, not keeping your face clean and being exposed to worms, mites, and insects, will of course lead to the worsening of acne. However, there is no specific evidence of any particular worm secretion/ urine causing pimples.”
Parasitic infections can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of worm involved and the location of the infection. Common symptoms of parasitic infections can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes skin rashes or itching. However, the presence of halitosis, headache and pimples do not typically characterize the presence of worms in the body.
If you are concerned about halitosis, headaches, or pimples, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. There are also a number of treatments available for these conditions.
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