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Parasites… Oh my! I had them and you probably do too!

 

Parasites 101

A parasite is an organism that requires a host to survive. They cause many different symptoms including chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, immune-suppression, anemia, low white blood cell count, skin issues, acne, and weight resistance to name a few. ​​There are 3 main categories of parasites: 1) ​Protozoa are single-celled organisms that are microscopic or invisible to the naked eye. An example of a protozoa is Giardia.

2) Helminth are larger, multi-cellular organisms that we can often see in stool. This includes parasitic worms such as tapeworm, pinworm, roundworm etc. 3) Arthropods infect humans via insects that can carry disease and live on the host rather than within it. This includes insects such as ticks, lice, fleas & mosquitos. 

 

Generally speaking, people think parasite only affect individuals living in 3rd world countries.  This is simply not true! In fact, there are multiple ways that you can contract parasites, here are just a few...

1) Contaminated drinking water: BOTH Tap and tainted water

2) Contaminated food: this includes raw food & raw or undercooked meat. Sushi is a prime example.

3) Pets: doggie kisses and sleeping with your pet can expose you to parasites.

4) Unwashed produce: Much of our produce comes from out of the country where water is not filtered and hands that pick produce are unclean. A perfect way to get parasites.

5) Contact with fecal matter: Restaurants, cross contamination, food borne illness, and more…   

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It's estimated that upwards of 60 to 70% of people may have a parasitic infection and are unaware. In many cases people have little to no symptoms. Those with symptoms report unresolved IBS (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation & altered bowel function), joint pain, brain fog, insomnia, acne, rectal itching, malnutrition, and teeth grinding. Parasites are also stealth and hide out in the body, they evade detection by living in vital organs such as the liver, heart, brain, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and sinus cavity.

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How to know if you have a parasite

​Testing is best; however, in the case of parasites they often go undetected in both stool and PCR tests. I have had several stools tests including PCR that did not detect parasites. HOWEVER, when I did a parasite challenge, plenty of parasites came out.   

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Symptoms of a Parasitic Infection 

​Symptoms of a parasitic infection can be difficult to pinpoint as described above. However, here are a few symptoms that accompany a parasitic problem...

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• chronic diarrhea

• rectal itching (especially at night)

• teeth grinding (especially at night)

• insatiable hunger 

• weight loss 

• fatigue & chronic fatigue

• skin issues (rashes, hives, bumps, or eczema)

• insomnia or trouble sleeping 

• IBS & IBS symptoms (bloating, abdominal pain, altered bowel function)

• dairy or lactose sensitivity 

• POTS syndrome 

• joint & muscle pain, aches, fatigue 

• iron-deficient anemia (this is because parasites feed on iron & will steal it from inside our cells)

• sugar cravings

• brain fog

• anxiety or nervousness

• mood swings or depression 

• allergies or food sensitivities and the list goes on…

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Parasites & the Full Moon Connection

​Parasitic infection symptoms ramping up around the full moon. During the full moon we produce less melatonin and more serotonin. Parasites have serotonin receptors on their cells and capitalize on the increase in serotonin around the full moon to mobilize themselves into action, move freely around the body and proliferate the infection.

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How a parasite cleanse works

​There are different approaches to parasite elimination. Typically, the cycle of killing/eliminating with the anti-parasitic herbs lasts for 3 weeks. Next, you'll take a 1-week break. Based on what comes out, you may repeat this process 2-3 times depending of the degree of infection. This week break is important to allow the body time to cleanse itself and for new parasite eggs to hatch so you can eradicate them in the second or third round. During the full moon you’ll increase dosage for 3 days prior to the full moon, the day of the full moon, and 3 days after.

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Where to start 

​If you are interested in doing a parasite cleanse, you’ll want to work with a skilled practitioner such as Cookin' Up Fitness for the following reasons: 

1. We will support the 3-D’s – Diet, Drainage, Detoxification prior to starting treatment to avoid die-off symptoms/Herxheimer reaction which can make you very sick. 

2. We'll prescribe the proper dosing that is appropriate for the eradication/removal process that is right for you.  

3. We'll support you every step of the way. We'll trouble shoot any problems that may arise during the process and provide total body support to rebalance nutrients, immune function, and other physiology impacted by the infection/dysfunction in the body.

 

​​​When you are ready to get started, contact us by clicking the link below. Here's to a happy and healthy – 2023!

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