Revealed: Is a parasite cleanse right for you?
Learn about what might be lurking in your body and how it impacts your health.
During my functional medicine training, learning about parasite cleanses was not a focus of the curriculum. I was actually really skeptical when I first heard about it. I always use the “test, don’t guess” model when working with my clients. The stool test I use to do this reports on parasites in addition to many other possible imbalances in the microbiome. When I first started seeing clients, I felt strongly that I would not recommend a supplement without seeing the evidence on labs that it was needed.
Many different types of parasites can reside in the human ecosystem. When we have a parasite, it survives by living within us, to our detriment. There are many types of parasites, and they cause a wide range of symptoms, such as digestive discomfort and skin issues.
As I began to dive deeper into learning about parasite cleanses, I realized that maybe there was more to it than I first thought.
If you’re wondering whether or not to do a parasite cleanse, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. There are many different types of parasites; some are pretty harmful, while others may not cause any symptoms.
What kinds of things increase the likelihood of a parasitic infection? There are many.
Having pets
Coming into contact with contaminated soil
Inaduately washing contaminated produce
Consuming undercooked meats
Being bitten by an insect carrying a parasite
Water that is contaminated or untreated
Through blood
As I started to run more and more lab tests, I realized that it’s not uncommon for people to have parasites that they are unaware of. I’ve had many clients. who tested and found that they had a parasite and were very surprised by that test result.
Why might this occur, and why would we care if it’s causing not causing severe symptoms?
One of the primary reasons is that this causes an imbalance in the gut microbiome. We want our digestive system to be teeming with healthy organisms. These microbes have functions that they perform that keep us healthy. We rely on healthy bugs in our bodies to do things like promote healthy metabolism, detoxification, immunity, neurotransmitter function, and cardiovascular health, regulate blood sugar, decrease inflammation, and provide fuel for a healthy intestinal lining, among many other fascinating things.
When we have a parasitic infection or any kind of imbalance in our microbial architecture, we often experience this as a symptom or a decline in our health. To have optimal health, we must have an optimally functioning gut, free of an overgrowth of organisms that take up space that “good bugs” should be living in.
The important thing to keep in mind is that some parasitic infections are pretty severe and require a more focused plan to avoid more serious illnesses. For people dealing with symptoms they are concerned about, I still believe it’s important to “test, don’t guess.”
For people who want to optimize their bodies, it’s totally reasonable to take high-quality, gentle supplements once or twice a year to help establish and maintain microbial health in the digestive system. I recommend the Para Support Protocol as it does much more than deal with parasites alone. Challenges to proper gut function can be hard to understand and fix. Nausea, occasional diarrhea, abdominal pain, and changes in weight can all be indicators that your gut flora is not functioning optimally, and balancing the correct beneficial microorganisms while eliminating challenges requires a crucial balance of targeted ingredients. The Para Support Protocol utilizes parasite herbal rebalancing formulas to restore the gut microbiome.
Powerful natural botanicals support microbial balance.
Utilizes potent traditional herbal ingredients
Disrupts harmful microbial biofilms
Removes unwanted intestinal toxins
Key ingredients bind to toxins for amplified detoxification
There are foods we can eat that support our bodies during a cleanse. These include
Garlic and onions – These immune-boosting vegetables have anti-parasitic effects due to their sulfur compounds and antioxidants that can destroy pathogenic organisms.
Oregano and ginger can have antibacterial and antiparasitic effects because they help increase the production of stomach acid, which can kill parasites and prevent infections.
Pineapple, papaya, and their juices contain compounds that can help decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can result in colon inflammation.
Coconut oil – Coconut oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Probiotic-rich foods – Consuming high-probiotic foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt can keep parasites in check and improve the health of the gut.
Apple cider vinegar — Helps restore healthy pH balance and can generally improve digestion.
Other fresh vegetables — These are rich sources of protective compounds that help nourish the gut and provide fiber, encouraging regular bowel movements.
Some foods are best avoided during a cleanse.
Added sugar – Feeds harmful organisms in the gut and contributes to inflammation.
Processed foods – Do not support immune health and may be hard to break down.
Alcohol – Does not allow for proper immune system functioning, congests the liver and decreases detox potential..
Wheat – Many grains, especially those containing gluten, can break down into sugar quickly and cause intestinal inflammation.
Pork – Can potentially be contaminated with parasites.
Some lifestyle tips are things like moderate exercise and sauna.
Having a healthy gut is the foundation of overall health. It’s amazing to see that high-quality supplementation and diet and lifestyle interventions can be profoundly life-changing.
This informational article is not intended to be medical advice.
