All About Parasites

This was collaborated with functional Nurse Practitioner, Jessica Bunkelman. It's focused on parasites as a whole, and is not specific to the current cyclospora outbreak. The following is for educational purposes only, and is not medical advice. Always work with a qualified healthcare provider if you suspect a parasite infection.

For more info on cyclospora, specifically, click here.

Parasites: Should You Be Worried? 

If social media has taught us anything, it's that apparently everyone has parasites.

Scroll for five minutes and you'll probably see someone claiming that fatigue, anxiety, skin issues, sugar cravings, bloating, brain fog, behavior issues, picky eating, and even trouble sleeping are all proof that you "need a parasite cleanse."

But is that actually true? The answer is a little more nuanced than the internet often makes it seem.

Do We All Have Parasites?

The better question usually isn't: "Do I have parasites?"

It's: "Are parasites causing problems?"

Humans regularly come into contact with parasites throughout life. Some may pass through without ever establishing an infection. Others may exist without causing symptoms because a healthy immune system keeps them in check.

For many people, parasites never become a meaningful health issue.

However, in some cases they absolutely can.

Whether they become problematic depends on many factors, including:

• Your immune system

• Overall health and nutrition

• Gut health

• Recent travel

• Occupational exposures (such as farming or animal work)

• Food and water exposures

• The specific parasite involved

Just like exposure to bacteria or viruses doesn't always lead to illness, exposure to parasites doesn't automatically mean you'll become sick.

Are Some Parasites More Serious Than Others?

Absolutely. Not all parasites are created equal.

Some parasites never cause symptoms at all, others may cause mild digestive issues that resolve with treatment, while some can lead to serious illness requiring prompt medical care.

Examples of more serious parasitic diseases include:

• Malaria

• Blood flukes (schistosomiasis)

• Certain tapeworm infections

• Leishmaniasis

• African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

• Chagas disease

• Toxoplasmosis

Some infections are reportable to public health authorities because they can spread to others or have significant health implications. It's also important to remember that even with these organisms, not everyone experiences severe disease. The outcome depends on both the parasite itself and the person infected.

My dad and I both got parasites from drinking contaminated water in developing countries (his was a reportable one), and I can assure you, if they're causing a significant infection, you'll know something is wrong. 🫠

Who is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups should take extra precautions and seek medical evaluation sooner if they suspect a parasite infection, including:

• Pregnant women

• Breastfeeding mothers

• Infants and young children

• Older adults

• People with weakened immune systems

People who have recently traveled internationally, work closely with livestock or soil, camp frequently, drink untreated water, or have certain occupational exposures may also have a higher likelihood of encountering certain parasites.

What are the Symptoms of a Parasite?

Many parasite infections primarily affect the digestive tract. Some of the more commonly recognized symptoms include:

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Weight loss or unexplained weight changes

• Anal itching (particularly with pinworms)

Some practitioners also associate parasite infections with symptoms such as:

• Teeth grinding

• Brain fog

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

• Sugar cravings

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Joint pain

• Acne or eczema

• Yeast overgrowth

• Night terrors

• Bedwetting

• Mood or behavioral changes

However (and this is incredibly important) none of these symptoms automatically mean you have parasites.

Many of these same symptoms also result from:

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Food intolerances

• Gut dysbiosis

• Hormonal imbalances

• Thyroid disorders

• Sleep disorders

• Chronic stress

• Autoimmune conditions

• Other infections

  
  

How Do You Know if You Have a Parasite?

Finding the root cause is always more important than assuming parasites are to blame. Testing is often the best place to start if parasites are truly suspected.

Depending on the suspected parasite, testing may include:

• Stool testing (commonly used for many intestinal parasites)

• The tape test (used for pinworms)

• Blood tests that look for antibodies to certain parasites

• Endoscopy or colonoscopy in select situations

No single test identifies every parasite, so the appropriate testing depends on symptoms, exposure history, and the parasite your healthcare provider suspects.

If You Test Positive, Should You Try Herbs First?

It’s generally reasonable to start with herbal options first, unless there have been severe weight changes or behavior issues. In those cases, a combination of prescription and herbal treatment may be better suited. 

Conventional Parasite Treatments

Treatment depends entirely on which parasite is present. Common prescription medications include:

• Mebendazole

• Albendazole

• Metronidazole (for certain protozoal infections)

• Praziquantel (for certain flukes and tapeworms)

• Other medications specific to the parasite involved

Some skin parasites are treated with medications such as permethrin cream, although this medication is used for conditions like scabies rather than intestinal parasites.

What About Herbal Parasite Cleanses?

Herbs commonly used in traditional parasite protocols include:

• Wormwood (be prepared, this tastes NASTY): Traditionally considered one of the most well-known herbs for parasite cleansing. It contains compounds that have been studied for their ability to create an environment that's less hospitable to certain intestinal parasites.

• Black Walnut: Black walnut hull has a long history of traditional use for supporting intestinal health. It contains natural compounds like juglone and tannins that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies.

• Clove: Clove is often included because compounds like eugenol have shown antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity in laboratory research. 

Parasite Purge | Desert Oak Apothecary

One of the best options I have found is Desert Oak Apothecary’s Parasite Purge. It includes blackwalnut, clove, and wormwood. 

It pairs well with their Toxin Takeoutt which includes burdock, calendula, cleavers, dandelion, and nettle to support digestion, liver function, and overall wellness during a cleanse. 

ParaPatrol | JoySpring

Desert Oak's Parasite Purge will be back in stock end of August. If you need something before then, JoySpring's ParaPatrol also contains Black wWalnut, Wormwood, and Clove.

Herbal Dosing

Follow dosing per age/weight on bottle. Jess often has her patients start a week before a full moon (more on this in sec) and continue for 30 days.

What About "Detoxing" During Treatment?

Whether you are doing an herbal or prescription parasite cleanse, you also want to be addressing detox pathways to ensure that dead parasites are exiting the body.

This generally focuses on:

• Normal, and daily, bowel movements

• Daily movement 

• Adequate hydration with proper mineral balance

• Eating adequate fiber

• Ensuring nervous system regulation

• Getting enough nutrients

• Supporting overall liver and gut health

• Learn more about detoxing naturally…without breaking the bank!

There’s lots of “detox” products out there, but your liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and GI tract are already your body’s best natural detoxification systems. Supporting their normal function through healthy habits should be your number one focus. 

Can You Prevent Parasites Naturally?

There isn't one supplement everyone should take daily. Instead, focus on keeping your body's natural detox pathways open and functioning well, supporting a healthy immune system, and reducing your overall exposure.

Helpful habits include:

• Wash produce

• Drink clean, safe water.

• Cook meat thoroughly.

• Practice good hand hygiene.

• Wear shoes in areas where soil-transmitted parasites are common.

• Avoid swallowing untreated lake or river water.

• Maintain a nutrient-dense diet that supports immune function.

• Prioritize overall gut and immune health

Should Everyone Do a Parasite Cleanse?

Probably not. For someone without symptoms or risk factors, there isn't strong evidence that routine parasite cleanses are necessary. 

However, some people still choose to do seasonal herbal cleanses, particularly after travel or known exposures. It’s certainly not going to hurt, as the above herbs have tremendous benefits outside of parasite cleansing. 

But if it’s not in the budget, and there aren’t any concerning symptoms, I would focus your energy elsewhere.

Do Parasites Become More Active During a Full Moon?

This is one of the most common claims online.

Many people report worsening symptoms around the full moon, and some practitioners intentionally time herbal protocols to cover a full 30-day cycle.

While (at this time) scientific evidence supporting the idea that parasites become more active during the full moon is limited, I absolutely believe it!

I was a teacher, and when I tell you the behavior in children was noticeably different…not saying it’s always related to parasites…but there’s 100% something powerful about the full moon.

As mentioned above, Jess often has her patients start a week before a full moon and continue for 30 days.

The Bottom Line

Parasites are real, and they can absolutely cause illness.

But not every symptom points to parasites, and not every person needs an intense parasite cleanse.

The goal shouldn't be to live in fear - it should be to understand your individual risk, pay attention to symptoms, seek appropriate testing when needed, and choose treatment based on evidence and your personal health situation.

For many people, maintaining a healthy immune system, supporting gut health, practicing good food and travel hygiene, and addressing problems when they actually arise is a much more balanced approach than assuming parasites are behind every unexplained symptom.