4 Ways Parasites Are Making You Sick

Photo: Dr. Matsen - Eating Alive

Parasites are a big issue in our modern world. Throughout history, they have co-existed with us without major problems and they've been a regular part of our microbiome. But with so many factors affecting the function of our gut and immune system, like processed foods, stress and toxins, our defence mechanisms can easily weaken, making parasite infections more common. These critters can create serious damage to our gut and wide-spread inflammation if not dealt with.

Common Parasite Symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Chronic gut problems - bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain

• Urgency to go #2 first thing in the AM

• Low blood sugar

• Anxiety

• Anemia

• Dark bags under eyes

• Eye floaters

• Gall bladder & liver problems

• Insomnia

• Skin rashes & cysts

• Poor immunity

• Excessive hunger

• Weight loss (or gain)

• Picking or nail biting

• Itchy ears, nose or anus

• Food sensitivities

Parasites Create Major Gut Dysfunction

One of the most common underlying factors for gut problems, especially IBS, are parasites!Bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain are a few usual gut-related symptoms. Now, parasites don’t frequently come alone, there are often other issues such as SIBO, but removing parasites is a very important step in healing your microbiome. 

Parasites create massive inflammation in the gut, which can lead to leaky gut, and therefore food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, allergies, headaches, joint pain and fatigue. Eliminating potentially gut-irritating foods like sugars and gluten, supplementing with probiotics and taking apple cider vinegar before meals are great first steps to strengthening your gut. Beyond that, work with a practitioner who can help you clear parasites safely with herbal anti-parasitics.

Parasites Rob Your Energy

If you’re struggling with fatigue, parasites are a route you’ll likely need to explore to restore your energy. These critters rob us of key nutrients, including iron and B12, which are necessary for energy production. In fact they thrive off our red blood cells, leaving us iron-deficient! Instead of simply supplementing with iron pills, get to the root cause of your fatigue - which may very well be parasites.

Parasites Increase Your Toxic Burden

Endotoxins are toxins produced within your body, which can happen due to pathogens and clogged detox pathways. Parasites actually produce their own toxins, especially when they feel threatened by our immune system or medications. All these toxins can make us feel really lousy!!  They make us tired, affect blood sugar, contribute to pain and overall inflammation. It’s crucial to ensure that your detox pathways are open before cleansing with anti-parasitics, to avoid feeling sick.

Parasites Can Suppress Immune Function

Aside from digestive symptoms, parasites can suppress our immune system, leaving us more susceptible to infection. Rebalancing our microbiome, supporting stomach acid and enzyme levels are essential parts of strengthening immunity. If your immune system is constantly battling parasites, this can lead to lowered immune function overtime. In addition to clearing infections, taking immune supportive supplements like probiotics, vitamin D3, vitamin C and zinc can help.

How Do We Deal With Parasites?

Taking a holistic approach to support the gut terrain is key to overcome parasite problems, we can’t just “kill the bug” and expect to fully restore our gut function. I’ll be discussing practical ways to do this through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in my next article!

Asher Kleiber

Registered Holistic Nutritionist™

P.S. I’m going to be launching something pretty exciting to help you keep you and your family’s immune system strong and healthy this fall. Make sure you’re on my newsletter so you don’t miss out!

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