3 Practices that Boost the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal

Part 2 of 3

Parasites

Yes, you have parasites. Parasites are common even in our overly sanitized, first-world country. It was not uncommon 30 years ago for a physician to check a child for parasites during routine well-check visits.

We deworm our pets, deworm our farm animals, why would we not consider deworming ourselves?

Under normal circumstances, the body has the ability to eliminate parasites without the process of a cleanse. However, our environments are overwhelmed with toxins in the air, food, water, skincare and toiletries, and in our clothes, which puts a large burden on our detoxifying organs.

In addition to that, most people lack the proper nutrition balance to assist in the elimination of parasites.

Together, this makes it a good idea to support the body’s natural elimination processes and do a parasite cleanse twice a year.

Types of Parasites

Protozoa

Protozoa are microscopic, single-celled organisms that often infect the digestive tract.

Examples include:

• Giardia

• Blastocystis

• Cryptosporidium

• Entamoeba histolytica

  
  

These parasites are commonly transmitted through contaminated water, food, poor sanitation, or travel. Symptoms of protozoa infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and weight loss. 

Helminths (Parasitic Worms)

Helminths are multicellular worms that may live in the intestines or migrate through body tissues.

Common examples include:

• Pinworms

• Roundworms

• Hookworms

• Whipworms

• Tapeworms

  
  

Transmission can occur through contaminated food, undercooked meat, soil, or contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, itching, rashes, and skin lesions.

Tissue Parasites

Certain parasites spend part of their life cycle in muscles, organs, or blood.

Examples include:

• Toxoplasma gondii

• Trichinella

• Schistosoma

  
  

The CDC cites Trichinella as most common in Europe and the United States. Transmission can occur by eating undercooked or contaminated meat, water, or animals.

Toxoplasma gondii can lead to Toxoplasmosis, which can cause blurred vision, confusion, and seizures. Other symptoms of exposure include skin reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Toxoplasma gondii or T. gondii can also dysregulate dopamine production and induce low-grade neural inflammation causing mental disorders such as depression, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This occurs when T. gondii goes unnoticed and untreated for years, which is why regular parasitic cleanses and the foods/herbs discussed below are so important for healthy immune function.

Other Notable Symptoms

Symptoms vary greatly depending on the parasite, and many of these symptoms have numerous other possible causes.

Many parasites thrive by hijacking the body’s nutrients. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a diagnosis of true medical issues such as anemia, IBS, and even mental health disorders. 

Digestive

• Bloating

• Gas

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

• Nausea

• Abdominal cramping

• Indigestion

• Food sensitivities

  
  

Nutritional

• Iron deficiency

• Vitamin B12 deficiency

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Increased appetite or reduced appetite

  
  

Immune

• Frequent illness

• Chronic inflammation

• Elevated eosinophils (on blood work for some parasitic infections)

• Allergic-type reactions

  
  

Skin

• Itching

• Hives

• Eczema flares

• Rashes

  
  

Nervous System

• Brain fog

• Poor concentration

• Irritability

• Sleep disturbances

  
  

Sleep

The symptoms below can be more prominent during a full moon as parasites are more active.

• Anal itching at night

• Restless sleep

• Teeth grinding (although this symptom is not considered diagnostic)

  
  

How to Evict these Unwanted Guests

Build Up Your Terrain

The body can and should, in most cases, remove the parasites naturally. However, parasites may be more likely to persist when the body's natural defenses are weakened.

Most Common Weak Areas of the Body:

• Low stomach acid

• Digestive enzyme production disturbance

• Slow Bile flow

• Weakened gut microbiome

• Irregular bowel movements

• Poor Liver health

• Sluggish Lymphatic circulation

• Inadequate hydration

• Nutrient deficiency

• Sleep disruptions

• Inadequate Stress management

  
  

Start with Whole Foods

Several foods support a healthy gut microbiome, as well as have antimicrobial properties. Supporting the body’s natural ability to heal will always be the first step in any health journey. One cannot heal in a toxic environment; the body must have nutrients to support healthy immune function.

These include:

• Garlic - Garlic contains allicin, a species of sulfur with antiparasitic properties, as well as other antioxidants that help to fight against oxidative stress and cellular damage. Garlic is best eaten in its raw form when supporting removal of parasites.

• Pumpkin seeds - Cucurbitacin, a compound found in pumpkin seeds, may help to rid the body of nematodes (roundworms), tapeworms, and other types of parasites. 

• Papaya seeds (small amounts only; avoid during pregnancy) -Papaya (specifically papaya seeds) may help to clear out intestinal parasites thanks to the enzymes papain and carpaine.

• Pomegranate - Pomegranate and its extracts have been shown to have antiparasitic, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Research has shown that pretty much every part of the fruit, including the peel, the root, and the juices, has antimicrobial effects. 

• Coconut - Coconut is another superstar food with antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory antifungal, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties.

• Ginger – Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, oregano, cloves, and cinnamon have many compounds that work synergistically for whole body health. These can be used in cooking or made into teas.

• Turmeric

• Oregano

• Cloves

• Cinnamon

• Fermented vegetables – Fermented vegetables, along with high-fiber vegetables and green leafy vegetables work differently. Pre, pro, and postbiotics help repair the gut lining and strengthen the gut microbiome creating an inhospitable environment for parasites.

• High-fiber vegetables

• Green leafy vegetables

  
  

A diet emphasizing whole foods, adequate protein, colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber can support digestive and immune health. Adding in the above foods can disrupt the life cycle of a parasite.

Herbs Traditionally Used

Many herbalists include combinations of herbs rather than relying on a single plant. There are many wonderful parasite cleanses that can be used. Always talk to a Functional Health Practitioner, Naturopath, or Holistic Health Specialist before starting a parasite cleanse.

Common herbs used in parasite cleanses:

• Black walnut hull

• Wormwood

• Clove

• Garlic

• Oregon grape root

• Goldenseal (short-term use only)

• Neem

• Olive leaf

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Pau d'Arco

• Berberine-containing herbs such as barberry or goldenseal

  
  

Important considerations:

• Wormwood should not be used during pregnancy and can be toxic in high doses or with prolonged use.

• Black walnut may trigger reactions in individuals with nut allergies.

• Berberine-containing herbs interact with many medications.

• Goldenseal is not intended for long-term use.

• Some herbs are unsuitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for young children.

  
  

Supporting Detoxification During a Cleanse

When starting a parasite cleanse, it is common to cleanse in phases, gradually increasing the intensity of the program.

As parasites die and are eliminated from the body, they release toxins they've been holding which can cause “die-off” symptoms. Die-off symptoms often make original symptoms worse and can look like the protocol isn’t working but trust the process.

Die-off symptoms include:

• Skin rashes

• Itching, especially rectally at night

• Teeth grinding

• Unexplained aches and pains in either joints or muscles

• Food sensitivities

• Chemical sensitivities

• Brain fog

• Fatigue, lethargy

• Anxiety

• Mood disorders

• Stomach pain, tenderness, or cramping

• Weight loss

  
  

To Support the body during the process it’s important to include:

• Drinking adequate water

• Eating 25–35 grams of fiber daily (adjust as tolerated)

• Regular physical activity

• Sweating through exercise or sauna if medically appropriate

• Deep breathing

• Dry skin brushing

• Gentle rebounding or walking

• Prioritizing sleep

  
  

Parasite cleanses often happen in phases or cycles. Cyclical cleansing allows the eggs that have been laid time to develop to then be cleared out in the next cycle.  

It is important to prepare your body prior to starting a parasite cleanse. All drainage, detox, and purging pathways need to be open and functioning properly prior to beginning a parasite cleanse. These are Colon, Liver and Bile Ducts, Lymphatic System, Organs and Tissues, and Cells.

If any of the detox pathways are clogged, the body will simply cycle toxins repeatedly making symptoms worse. It is imperative that you prepare the body 30 days in advance of a parasite cleanse.

Below is a 30-day preparation protocol that opens detox pathways for a successful parasite cleanse.

A 30-Day Preparation Protocol

Goal

The purpose of this preparation phase is not to kill parasites. Instead, it focuses on supporting digestion, elimination, and overall health before introducing herbs that may affect the gut microbiome. This may also improve tolerance of dietary changes.

Week 1: Restore Daily Elimination - (COLON)

Primary goals:

• One to three comfortable bowel movements daily

• Increase hydration

• Increase fiber gradually

• Begin gentle daily walking

• Eat whole-food meals

  
  

Helpful foods:

• Ground flaxseed

• Chia seeds

• Kiwi

• Prunes if needed to regulate bowel movements

• Cooked vegetables

• Leafy greens

  
  

Week 2: Support Digestion and Bile Flow – (LIVER and BILE)

Goals:

• Improve digestion

• Encourage healthy bile release

• Reduce highly processed foods

  
  

Emphasize:

• Bitter greens – Can also add in Apple Cider Vinegar or a “Bitters” tincture.

• Dandelion greens – Can be consumed as a supplement or tea.

• Arugula

• Lemon with meals if tolerated

• Healthy fats in moderate amounts

• Adequate protein

• Eat meals sitting down, taking time to chew food slowly

• Sip water while eating. Too much fluid dilutes stomach acid and prevents the breakdown of foods.

  
  

Reduce:

• Excess sugar

• Alcohol

• Ultra-processed foods

  
  

Week 3: Support Lymphatic and Tissue Health – (LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, ORGANS, AND TISSUE)

Focus on movement and circulation.

Daily habits:

• Walking

• Gentle strength training

• Stretching

• Sauna – sweat for up to 30 minutes a day (If tolerated).

• Hydration

• Dry brushing (optional)

• Contrast showers if tolerated

  
  

Increase:

• Colorful fruits

• Cruciferous vegetables

• Herbs

• Mineral-rich foods

  
  

Week 4: Cellular Nutrition and Immune Support

Emphasize:

• High-quality protein

• Omega-3 fats – Salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts.

• Zinc-rich foods – Chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate (over 70%), garlic.

• Selenium-rich foods – Three Brazil nuts a day to reach the recommended amount of selenium.

• Vitamin C-rich foods – Citrus fruits, broccoli, sweet peppers.

• Adequate vitamin D if deficient – 20 minutes of sunshine a day.

• Consistent sleep schedule – create a relaxing bedtime routine (1-2 hours before bed).

• Stress reduction practices – prayer, scripture meditation, deep breathing, device-free time (especially before bed).

  
  

At the end of this phase, digestion should ideally be regular, hydration optimized, and nutrient intake improved.

Suggested Parasite Cleanses

I am NOT affiliated with the products that I am suggesting below.

I have witnessed good results from the two cleanses I am sharing. These products are safe for children and gentle for those who may be more sensitive.

When beginning a parasite cleanse, it is favorable to start the cleanse 2-3 days before the full moon. Parasites are most active during the full moon, so this will give you the best opportunity to escort them out of your body.

Roger’s Hood Parafy Cleanse –

This is a 30-day cleanse with nut-free options for those with allergies. They offer a very detailed guide that I have linked below for those who are new to parasite cleansing.

https://rogershood.com/parasite-cleanse/

Purium Super CleansR + Biome Medic –

This product runs on a 10-day on, 20-day off, 10-day on cycle. You must pair the Super CleansR with the Biome Medic. Any parasite cleanse needs a binder to bind toxins and shuttle them out gently. Biome Medic is the binder for the Super CleansR.

This product contains nuts and does NOT have a nut-free option. If you have a nut allergy I would recommend Roger’s Hood Parafy Cleanse above.

https://ishoppurium.com/AllProducts/2261

https://ishoppurium.com/AllProducts/2270

Final Thoughts

We ideally want to give the body the support it needs to heal itself. As we discussed in Part 1, Food Quality is of first importance. Today we discussed how foreign invaders can high jack our nutrients disrupting our digestion, mental function, and energy levels. Next, I will share the last piece of the puzzle – Nervous System Regulation.

When aligned together and practiced consistently, nutrition, digestion, eliminating unwanted organisms, sleep, stress management, physical activity, and hydration, build immune function to create an environment that supports long-term wellness.