By Claire Bacon, ACN, CNC
It’s a question I have been getting a lot lately: “Do I need a parasite cleanse?” I’m not sure what’s happening in the universe, but suddenly, people from all different backgrounds are asking what I think about parasites. The short answer is probably YES. And I’ll tell you all the functional signs and reasons why I think this is a good idea…
When most people think of parasites, they imagine something out of a travel documentary — exotic locations, contaminated water, and rare tropical infections. But parasites aren’t just a third-world problem. The truth is, millions of people in developed countries are unknowingly living with low-grade parasitic infections that may be sabotaging their health. The question is: could you be one of them?
What Is a Parasite, Really?
A parasite is any organism that lives in or on another living being — its host — and draws nutrients at the host’s expense. While some parasites are microscopic (like protozoa), others are large enough to see with the naked eye (such as worms). Common types of human parasites include:
- Protozoa like Giardia lamblia or Blastocystis hominis
- Helminths (worms) such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and flukes
- Ectoparasites like lice or mites
Not all parasites cause immediate or dramatic symptoms, which makes diagnosis and detection tricky — especially in Western medicine, where testing is often limited or overly focused on acute infections.
How Do You Get a Parasite?
Parasites are surprisingly easy to pick up, even in the United States. Some of the most common sources include:
- Undercooked meat (pork barbeque) or fish (hello sushi!)
- Contaminated water (yes, even in the U.S.)
- Travel to foreign countries
- Contact with animals, especially pets or livestock
- Poor hand hygiene
- Unwashed produce
- Swimming in lakes (I’m talking to you, triathletes!)
Because exposure is more common than most people think, a parasite cleanse isn’t just for world travelers. It may be worth considering if you’ve had chronic symptoms with no clear explanation.
Common Symptoms
Parasites can interfere with your digestion, immunity, nervous system, and even your mood. Here are some red flags that we often associate with parasitic load:
- Acne on the face, chest, or back
- Little bumps on the backs of the arms
- Pimples on the buttocks
- Itchiness around the anus, especially in the middle of the night
- Clenching or grinding teeth in the night
- Energy changes or mood changes around the full moon
If any of these sound familiar, especially if you’ve tried everything else, it may be time to consider a deeper look.
More Unusual Symptoms
You wouldn’t believe all the diagnosable conditions that are linked to parasite infection in the medical literature. Just scan this list…
- Abdominal pain (Giardia)
- Abscesses in the liver that may rupture into the pleural space, peritoneum, or pericardium (Amoebas)
- Allergies
- Anemia (hookworms like A. duodenaleand and N. americanus)
- Blindness
- Bloating (Giardia)
- Blood loss (hookworms like A. duodenaleand and N. americanus)
- Bloody diarrhea (E. histolytica)
- Constipation (more typical than diarrhea)
- Coughing or wheezing
- Crawling skin feeling
- Diarrhea (Giardia)
- High appetite
- Dysentery
- Enlargement of liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly)
- Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis and retinitis)
- Fever (E. histolytica)
- Gas
- Insomnia – especially around the full moon!
- Gastrointestinal obstruction (E. histolytica)
- History of travel to foreign countries
- Hives (urticaria)
- IBS
- Intestinal ulcerations (E. histolytica)
- Low blood amino acid assays – parasites can steal protein
- Malabsorption
- Malaria
- Mast Cell Activation Disorder
- Memory trouble
- Mental or behavioral health disorders – bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, Moody
- Nausea (Giardia)
- Nutritional deficiencies – B12, folate, iron, anemia or low thyroid. Also selenium and zinc.
- Peritonitis (E. histolytica)
- Pica (hookworms like A. duodenaleand and N. americanus)
- Sleep disturbances (E. vermicularis or pinworm)
- Subcutaneous nodules
- Vomiting (Giardia)
- Wasting (hookworms like A. duodenaleand and N. americanus)
- Weight loss (Giardia, E. histolytica)
Our Approach to Parasite Cleansing
You know, we carry a lot of supplements in our office, and so we have a lot of choices when it comes to putting together a protocol. Each of the product lines we use has their own “specialty” product for parasites and gut dysbiosis. We like to mix and match different things according to the client’s individual needs. In general, we like to include:
- Some form of enzymes to break down biofilms
- One or more anti-microbial herbs to kill the parasites
- A binder to help sweep the parasites out of the colon (like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or fulvic/humic acid)
- Antioxidant support to help with the inflammation from dieoff
- Some kind of liver and gallbladder support to keep the bile flowing (beets, cholagogue herbs).
- Immune support such as: zinc, vitamin A, or medicinal mushrooms
- Gut healing agents: L-glutamine, aloe, marshmallow root
How can I diagnose parasites?
Conventional medicine typically only tests for parasites if there’s recent travel history, overt diarrhea, or lab-confirmed infection. Even then, stool tests may miss the presence of parasites. In contrast, functional nutritionists like us take a root-cause-oriented approach. We ask deeper questions and look for subclinical or chronic symptoms that may not be obvious in traditional labs, but still impact health over time.
Remember, you may not have parasites deep in the colon. They may be in the bladder, the liver, or the abdominal cavity. Maybe in the bloodstream, but maybe somewhere else? Parasites are very difficult to find and diagnose, so it’s often not worth the money and trouble to try.
That’s why, if you’ve never done a parasite cleanse before, the answer is YES. You probably need to do one. Maybe more!
Key Herbs for Parasite Cleansing
- Black Walnut – Rich in juglone, black walnut helps eliminate worms and protozoa while supporting digestion.
- Wormwood – Contains artemisinin, effective against helminths and protozoa. Stimulates bile and digestion.
- Clove – High in eugenol, clove targets parasite eggs and supports immune function.
- Thyme – Thymol-rich thyme helps break down biofilms and balance gut flora.
- Hyssop – Supports respiratory and digestive detox, and promotes circulation and lymph flow.
- Garlic – Allicin-rich garlic disrupts bacteria, fungi, and parasites while enhancing detox.
- Fennel – Reduces gas, bloating, and intestinal cramping; soothes gut during cleansing.
- Cayenne – Stimulates digestion and metabolism; discourages parasitic colonization.
- Ginger – Soothes gut lining, reduces nausea, and supports detox pathways.
- Gentian – Stimulates stomach acid and bile, improving gut terrain.
- Pau d’Arco – Antifungal and antiparasitic; helpful in cases of candida and parasitic co-infection.
Our Favorite Ways to Do a Parasite Cleanse
1. Gentle Enzyme-Based Start
Best for: First-timers or sensitive individuals. This combination starts the cleansing process and reduces parasitic load without triggering intense symptoms.
- Biotics Bromelain Plus CLA: Breaks down parasite eggs and biofilms, and reduces inflammation
- Standard Process Zymex II: Degrades intestinal parasites without harsh die-off.
2. Herbal Cleanse with Biofilm Disruption
Best for: Mild/moderate symptoms or post-enzyme phase. These formulas work together to address entrenched infections, with a bit of a stronger push. Sometimes we like to do this one 10 days on, 10 days off. The herbs in Wormwood Complex are most effective against adult worms and helminths.
- Mediherb Wormwood Complex: Targets adult parasites with a blend of herbs
- Food Research Biofilm Detox or Mediherb Gut Flora Complex: Breaks down biofilms and supports microbial balance
- Mediherb Garlic Forte (or just eat a lot of garlic): broad antimicrobial and provides sulfur for antioxidant protection.
3. Comprehensive Yeast + Parasite Strategy
Best for: Mixed microbial overgrowth, resilient individuals. Effective against multiple layers of dysbiosis, this kit is a complete protocol in one.
- Biotics SBO Kit: Includes ADP (oregano oil), FC Cidal, and Dysbiocide to address yeast, parasites, and bacteria.
4. Deep Full-Moon Cleanse: Cellcore Para Kit
Best for: Experienced individuals who are ready to take the plunge with our strongest support. This protocol is timed around the full moon, when parasites are most active. It’s intensive and should only be done with preparation and support.
- Para 1: Mimosa pudica seed is crazy effective against worms.
- Para 2: Broad-spectrum herbal antiparasitic
- Para 3: Liquid blend with black walnut, clove, holy basil
- Biotoxin Binder: Binds die-off toxins with fulvic and humic acid.
Remember, a variety of parasites could possibly be underlying any chronic illness. They are often present along with overgrowths of bacteria, fungus and mold. If you don’t believe me, check the References below… Very eye opening!
Final Thoughts
Parasites are one of the most overlooked root causes in chronic health issues. Whether you’re starting with a gentle enzyme protocol or ready for a deep full-moon cleanse, we’re here to help you build a customized, safe, and effective plan.
Reach out to our team to explore whether a parasite cleanse could be the missing piece in your health puzzle!
References
https://www.cdc.gov/…/2015/p1104-parasite-tumors.html CDC researchers link parasites to tumors
https://ecrcommunity.plos.org/…/hallmarks-of-cancer…/ Parasites that cause cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033543/ Actinomycosis of the Common Bile Duct Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine-Needle Aspiration
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8255490/ Albendazole and Mebendazole as Anti-Parasitic and Anti-Cancer Agents: an Update
https://phys.org/…/2014-07-scientists-code-cancer… Bile Duct Cancer and Parasites
https://www.healthing.ca/…/pancreatic-cancer-anti… Use of anti parasitic to cure cancer
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogenic_parasite… Listing of Parasites that cause cancer
https://www.cancer.org/…/infections-that…/parasites.html Parasites that lead to cancer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33252773/ Schistoma connection to bladder cancer
https://www.cdc.gov/…/2015/p1104-parasite-tumors.html Parasite and colon cancer
https://www.medwirenews.com/…/parasite-lumps…/155022 Parasite lumps mimick breast cancer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6530710/…. Pancreatitis which leads to pancratic cancer
https://www.cdc.gov/…/2015/p1104-parasite-tumors.html “We were amazed when we found this new type of disease – tapeworms growing inside a person essentially getting cancer that spreads to the person, causing tumors,” said Atis Muehlenbachs, M.D., Ph.D., staff pathologist in CDC’s Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch (IDPB) and lead author of the study.
