Parasites: Types, Symptoms and the BEST Natural Cleanse

If you have a pulse... you have parasites

Content/Source Credit: Cellcore Biosciences, Dr Todd Watts.

The average person doesn’t know a whole lot about parasites, nor can they identify the different symptoms or types of parasitic infections. It seems in the US, most people think it’s a rare occurrence. In my experience it is not. EVERYONE has parasites.

Most U.S. physicians are unaware how widespread parasitic infections are. They might even tell patients that their idea of being infected with parasites is “all in their head.” (1, 2)

In actuality, patients aren’t suffering from a “parasitic delusion disorder.” Quite possibly, parasites are contributing to their health problems. 

Parasites are much more common in developed countries than most people realize. For example, it’s estimated that more than 12% of Americans carry Toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic parasite people might get from their cat. (2)

The increasingly toxic environment — including from pollution — could worsen the parasite problem. Toxins can weaken the body’s defenses and alter parasite activity. (3)

Parasites can trigger a wide range of health issues. In some cases, they may be the actual cause behind chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome and some autoimmune diseases. (4, 5)

Since parasites are not commonly talked about in the mainstream health community, it’s important to understand exactly what they are, different types, and common symptoms. It’s also crucial to learn how they’re diagnosed and how to get rid of them naturally.

Parasites: Immune System Invader

Parasites are pathogens that live on or inside other organisms. Their livelihood is generally at the expense of their host and can cause harm because they depend on their host for nourishment. (6)

These critters can range in size. Some are microscopic, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia. Other parasites can easily be seen by the naked eye. An adult tapeworm, for example, can reach a length of more than 49 feet (15 meters). (7)

Some microscopic parasites live inside cells, such as fat cells or red blood cells. Larger critters — like parasitic worms — are more likely to live in the spaces between cells. Parasites can invade the brain, gut, liver, lungs, lymph, muscles, and other organs and tissues. (8, 9, 10)

Also, parasites can disrupt and obstruct parts of organ function. For example, some worms can block the valves between intestines or clog bile ducts. (11, 12, 13)

They also use various tactics to evade and manipulate the immune system. For example, single-celled parasites can change the proteins on their surface, so the immune cells don’t recognize them. (13, 14, 15)

And some parasites alter their form — such as changing into a protective cyst — to evade the immune system. (16, 17, 18)

Common Parasite Symptoms

The symptoms of parasitic infections vary with specific critters. But many symptoms are vague and can happen for several reasons. So, they may be incorrectly attributed to other diseases. 

For example, many parasites infect the gut, leading to a range of digestive symptoms. But this may be misdiagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. In reality, parasites could be at the root of gut distress. (19)

Some of the signs and symptoms linked with parasitic infections include: (5, 10, 20, 21, 22, 23)

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Air hunger
• Allergies
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune disease
• Bed-wetting (kids)
• Bladder inflammation
• Bloating
• Chronic fatigue
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Eye inflammation
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Food sensitivities
• Gallbladder and bile duct disease
• Gassiness
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Itching around anus
• Leaky gut
• Low blood sugar
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Seizures
• Skin rashes and sores
• Teeth grinding
• Vomiting
• Weak immunity
• Weight loss

Parasites tend to be more active at night, which can cause a spike in some symptoms when people sleep. Still, symptoms may strike at any time of day, and some are ongoing. (24) 

Also, realize that symptoms of parasite infections aren’t necessarily immediate. Some new infections may cause digestive upset within a day. But others may not produce noticeable symptoms for longer periods, like a few weeks. Some parasitic infections drag on for years. (25)

In addition, keep in mind that parasites are like a Trojan horse. They may harbor other pathogens, such as mold spores, Lyme bacteria, and viruses, which can contribute to symptoms as well. This can make getting to the root of the problem tricky. (26, 27, 28, 29)

Different Parasite Types 

Parasites that infect people fall into one of three broad categories: ectoparasites, helminths, and protozoa.

You can see some parasites with the naked eye. But many others are microscopic, like the protozoan Giardia, or Giardia Lamblia shown greatly magnified above.

Also, it’s good to be familiar with the scientific names of common parasites. That’s useful if you do any testing or want to look up the symptoms of specific critters.

Ectoparasites

Ectoparasites are very common. They are bugs that attach to the skin to feed on blood or skin tissue. A few kinds even burrow under skin and may trigger itching. (6, 30)

Some familiar examples of ectoparasites are: (30, 31)

• Bed bugs
• Fleas
• Flies
• Lice
• Mites (including chiggers and scabies)
• Mosquitoes
• Ticks

Some ectoparasites (such as bed bugs) only visit temporarily to get their blood meal. Others (like lice) don’t leave until people make efforts to get rid of them. Some ectoparasites not only feed on unsuspecting people, but many are also vectors that carry other pathogens that are transmitted to their host. (6, 30)

For example, ectoparasites can carry pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria (which cause Lyme disease), Plasmodium parasites (which cause malaria), and the West Nile virus. Some can also transmit Lyme coinfections, including Babesia and Bartonella. (30)

Helminths

Helminth is the general term for a parasitic worm. Unlike protozoan parasites, helminths can be seen with the naked eye. (6)

For example, some Ascaris lumbricoides worms are up to 12 inches (35 centimeters) in length. But pinworms are just the size of a staple and white, so they can be easily missed. (6)

Similar to protozoans, different helminths gravitate toward specific areas of the body. That’s why they affect the functioning of specific organs and systems. (9)

The two main groups of helminths that infect people are roundworms and flatworms. 

Roundworms 

These parasitic worms are also known as nematodes. They could infect various areas of the body, including the intestines, liver, lungs, skin, and tissues such as muscles. (6, 32)

Some subtypes within the roundworm category are hookworms and pinworms. Hookworms get their name from the hook-like bend of their head. Pinworms are so-named due to the females’ pin-like tail. (33, 34, 35)

Examples of common nematodes and some of their effects include: (9, 33) 

• Ancylostoma duodenale: Hookworm that infects the gut and causes anemia
• Ascaris lumbricoides: Common intestinal roundworm that causes abdominal discomfort
• Enterobius vermicularis: Pinworm that infects the colon and makes the anus itch
• Necator americanus: Hookworm that infects the gut and causes anemia
• Strongyloides stercoralis: Infects the gut, and each new batch of larvae can reinfect
• Trichinella spiralis: Can cause stomach upset and infect muscles, causing pain
• Trichuris trichiura: Also called a whipworm and causes painful, bloody diarrhea

Flatworms

Within the flatworm category, two common subtypes are flukes and tapeworms with flattened bodies. But their shapes are pretty different from each other. (6)

Flukes have a leaf-like shape that invades the blood, intestines, liver, and lungs. Flukes that infect the liver can damage the bile ducts. (36, 37)

Tapeworms have ribbonlike bodies that are segmented. They most commonly infect the small intestine and can cause nausea and weight loss. They may also migrate to the gallbladder and block the common bile duct. (7) 

Examples of flukes and tapeworms are: (9, 33, 38)

• Clonorchis sinensis: Liver fluke that people may get from eating raw fish
• Schistosoma mansoni: Blood fluke that hides in the intestines and steals nutrients
• Taenia solium: Long tapeworm that people may get from eating undercooked pork
• Taeniarhynchus saginatus: Long tapeworm that people may get from undercooked beef

Protozoan parasites

You’d need a microscope to see these single-celled parasites. They are able to multiply in humans and create serious health issues for the host. (6) 

Examples of protozoan parasites that infect people and some symptoms are: (9, 33, 39)

• Babesia microti: Is a Lyme coinfection that can cause flu-like symptoms and anemia
• Blastocystis hominis: Is one cause of leaky gut, which can lead to food sensitivities
• Cyclospora cayetanensis: Can result in explosive bowel movements and diarrhea
• Cryptosporidium parvum: Causes watery diarrhea and other digestive upset
• Dientamoeba fragilis: Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and appetite loss
• Entamoeba histolytica: Triggers stomach pain and loose stools, which may be bloody
• Giardia lamblia: Causes diarrhea, greasy stools that float, and upset stomach
• Leishmania tropica: Leads to skin sores, which may start as bumps
• Plasmodium falciparum: Causes malaria, characterized by flu-like symptoms
• Toxoplasma gondii: Sparks mild flu-like symptoms and enlarged lymph nodes
• Trichomonas vaginalis: Triggers burning and itching of the reproductive organs
• Trypanosoma cruzi: May lead to enlarged spleen and liver, plus abnormal heart rhythms

Specific parasites tend to infect certain types of cells. For example, Plasmodium infects the red blood cells, and Blastocystis infects the intestinal cells. But Toxoplasma infects a wide range of different cells. Your client’s symptoms could vary based on what cells the parasites infect. (40, 41, 42)

Ways to Contract Parasitic Infections

Parasites can be lurking anywhere, including in food, other people, pets, soil, touchable surfaces, and water.

Clients may contract parasites from contaminated or infected:

• Blood transfusions: Before donating blood, people may be asked if they’ve had certain blood-borne parasites like Babesia. But some people don’t even know they’re infected. And labs only test for certain parasites in blood donations. (43)
• Food: Undercooked meat and seafood can be sources of parasites. Raw food, including fruits and veggies, can also be tainted with parasites. If clients are uncertain how their produce was handled, they can clean it with grapefruit seed extract diluted in water. It’s effective against many microscopic parasites and other pathogens. (44, 45, 46)
• Other people: If someone is infected and doesn’t wash their hands well after using the restroom, they could pass parasites to others. Also, an infected mother can transmit certain parasites to her unborn child. And, some parasites are transmitted sexually, including T. vaginalis. (47, 48, 49)
• Pets: Animals can also give you parasites, especially if veterinary care is overlooked. For example, clients could get a T. gondii infection from handling contaminated kitty litter. Remind clients to wash their hands well after touching pets because parasite eggs can stick in their fur. (43, 50, 51)
• Soil: Clients can pick up parasites from the soil, such as by walking barefoot outside. Ascaris, hookworm, and whipworm commonly contaminate the soil and may linger for years. Wear shoes when walking in questionable areas, including where animals poop. (52)
• Surfaces: Toys, bedding, door handles, and other objects can be tainted with parasites, particularly tiny pinworm eggs. These eggs can also become airborne. They can linger on objects and in the air for a few weeks and people can breathe them in. (53)
• Toilets: Pinworms can stick to toilet seats and can contaminate other objects in the restroom. If your patients must sit on a public toilet seat, have them create a barrier first. Some restrooms supply paper liners for seats, but they can also use toilet paper. (54)
• Water: This includes water your clients drink — even some municipal water. They may also encounter parasites like Giardia in water handled by an infected restaurant worker with unclean hands. And they could contract parasites like Cryptosporidium if they swim in contaminated lakes, streams, and swimming pools. (55, 56)

Keep in mind, some people carry parasites and don’t know they’re infected. But they may still transmit them. If your client has a weakened immune system — such as from other chronic infections like Lyme disease — they’re at higher risk of contracting parasites. (57) 

Heavy metal toxicity could also make patients prone to parasite infections. Heavy metals can weaken their immune system. On top of that, parasites tend to accumulate heavy metals, which can be released when these parasites are killed. So, make sure clients are ready to combat this as part of parasite die-off symptoms. (58, 59) 

Parasite Diagnosis and Testing

It might be easy for parasites to latch on to hosts, but they do their best to avoid detection.

There are a few different tests that may help check whether your clients have parasites. But they are far from 100% accurate. That includes standard blood and stool tests, as well as looking inside the gut with special equipment. (60) I personally feel confident using biofeedback to assess parasites and the right detox for it. My husband and I have a true rife machine at home and do regular parasite cleanses to keep our health in top shape. You can contact the office if you would like to learn more about doing one.

Blood and stool tests

You can submit stool samples to a lab to check if your clients have intestinal parasites or their eggs (ova). These are called ova and parasite (O&P) tests. A lab technician can use special stains to help detect parasites when viewing samples under a microscope. (61)

It’s best to provide at least three different stool samples from separate days to reduce the risk of missing parasites. Still, it’s easy for labs to overlook parasites. And the parasites simply may not be in the tiny bits of stool that the lab analyzes from the larger samples submitted. (62)

Another way to check for parasites is blood tests. But there isn’t such a thing as a blood test that checks for every type of parasite. Instead, the tests are used to check for a few specific types of parasites that the healthcare professional suspects a patient might have. (62)

The blood tests are designed to identify parasites by checking for:

• Antibodies: When someone is infected with a parasite, their immune system makes specific antibodies to fight them. Blood tests can be used to check for antibodies to a small number of parasites. There aren’t tests for every kind though. (62)
• Visible parasites: Lab staff may look directly at a specially stained blood smear under a microscope. They’re looking for parasites that reside in the blood. For example, Plasmodium (the malaria parasite) and Babesia may be found in a blood smear test. (63, 64)

Imaging and other tests

Imaging tests such as CAT scans, MRI scans, and x-rays may pick up signs of parasites in body tissues. The healthcare professional may be looking for something else but could notice parasites in the process.

For example, a swollen liver and spleen could suggest a patient is infected with Plasmodium. And these scans could show large Ascaris worms in their gut. (62, 65)

Another type of test that may reveal parasites is an endoscopy. It may be used to look for parasites, though it would be an invasive and expensive way to do so. (66) 

A newer form of testing can look for parasite’s DNA, such as in the blood or stool. This can be compared with databases of known parasites. Not all parasites can be tested in this way, as the DNA of some parasites hasn’t been analyzed. (67)

How accurate is parasite testing?

Typical parasite testing can be inadequate. Several factors contribute to the likelihood of parasite tests being inaccurate. 

Some reasons why parasite tests might turn up empty despite having an infection are:

• Improper storage: If your client’s specimen isn’t handled correctly, they’re unlikely to get an accurate result. To detect certain parasites in their active stage, the stool sample must be examined within 30–60 minutes after passing it or be put into a preservative. Otherwise, the parasite will disintegrate before it’s found. (61)
• Insufficient availability: The right tests or equipment may not be available to your client. And due to inadequate parasite training for doctors, they may not even know the best tests for them. On top of that, their insurance may not cover the tests. (61)
• Insufficient training: Is the technician who’s looking at your client’s stool or blood sample highly trained and experienced? The number of truly qualified people to perform these tests is dwindling while the need is going up. (68)
• Parasites aren’t being expelled: Stool samples don’t necessarily reflect what’s inside your client. Some parasites simply may not be making an exit when they test. For example, they could be hiding in their gut or tissues. (69)
• Rapid DNA destruction: Though genetic tests are available to detect parasites in your client’s samples, parasites can destroy their DNA when they die. For example, Leishmania rapidly degrades its DNA in almost any death situation. If a sample isn’t appropriately preserved and transported in a timely fashion, the test results could be invalid. (70, 71)
• Shortage of time: Medical labs are often very busy with many tests to complete. If a technician is underqualified and rushed, the risk for errors increases. (72)

How To Treat Parasites Naturally

The good news is that there are things you can do to purge parasites, regardless if you give an “official” diagnosis. Plus, these strategies could support health in other ways.

Support drainage

Before you start a parasite cleanse, make sure toxins are moving out of their body. You don’t want debris from the critters remaining in their gut, kidneys, and liver. Therefore, expelling toxins requires good drainage. This is why I recommend Reneu colon cleanse, to ensure the bowels are moving properly and KLS Enviro to help support detox.

Some parasites create constipation and are prevented from being expelled in your stools. This creates a buildup of toxins that can increase your symptoms. (73)

The liver has to process parasites’ toxins so they can get rid of them via their bile. But some parasitic worms block bile ducts, which interferes with toxin elimination. (11, 12, 74) You may need extra support besides KLS Enviro. One of the best ways to help this detox pathway drain is coffee enemas. (Check that out under Current Client Section < Home detox therapies.

Take parasite-fighting herbs

The Para supplements in CellCore were specially formulated with antiparasitic herbs to combat parasites:

• Para 1 — Mimosa pudica seed is the only ingredient for Para 1, CellCore’s flagship immune and gut support product. Mimosa pudica seed becomes gelatinous and sticky in the digestive tract to grab onto intestinal buildup, parasites, and toxins to escort them out via stools. (80, 81)
• Para 2 — This multi-herb anti-parasitic blend with Carbon Technology is designed to nurture the body’s immune and digestive systems, as well as assist in killing off parasites. (82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90)
• Para 3 — CellCore’s most potent parasite-killing product, Para 3 is a liquid supplement designed to absorb deep into the tissues. The seven herb blend also supports immune cell activity, inflammatory balance, and microbiome health by providing phytochemicals to support the liver and digestive system. (91, 92)

You can take these products during a full moon to maximize detox during the full moon. During this time, parasite activity increases, so it’s a good opportunity for clients to get rid of unwanted parasites. (93, 94, 95, 96)

After undergoing a parasite cleanse, you may also want to target specific pathogens that parasites can pass along, like Lyme bacteria and its coinfections. Clients can periodically change their herbal supplement routine and try a liquid parasite-killing formula, available in CellCore’s IS immune products:

• IS-BAB — The “BAB” in IS-BAB stands for Babesia, an intracellular parasite. This concoction of 15 botanicals — including black walnut, devil’s claw root, milk thistle, pau d’arco bark, and white willow bark — helps naturally target this parasite and promotes healthy immune system function. They also encourage normal joint comfort and help protect the integrity of red blood cells. (97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111)
• IS-BART — The “BART” in IS-BART stands for Bartonella, a bacteria and type of Lyme coinfection. IS-BART targets the Bartonella bacteria with a blend of 7 antioxidant-containing and adaptogenic herbs. It also provides antioxidants to help maintain cellular, liver, and tissue health, as well as support immune system function against vector-based concerns (97, 98, 101, 102, 106)
• IS-BOOST — This tincture contains 14 herbs for a supercharged immune boost. It balances inflammatory responses, promotes normal immune cell activity, supports cellular NrF2 pathways, and supports bile flow and liver health.
• IS-BORR — The “BORR” in IS-BORR stands for Borrelia, the Lyme disease bacteria. This tincture of 21 natural herbs directly targets the Lyme-causing bacteria. It also encourages healthy inflammatory balance to promote normal immune cell activity and provides antioxidants to help protect the body from routine oxidative stress. (97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119)

Clean up and repair with Carbon Technology: BioToxin and ViRadChem

Carbon Technology is CellCore’s proprietary multipurpose supplement blend necessary for parasite cleanses. (82)

Made of humic acid and fulvic acid extracts, these special carbons contain high-energy molecules that latch onto parasite toxins and heavy metals so clients can eliminate them in their stools. (120, 121, 122)

Thanks to their unique formulation, the carbons can provide amino acids, minerals, and other building materials for cells. These nutrients help repair the damage from the parasites. (123, 124)

Another product with Carbon Technology that helps with parasites along with BioToxin is the ViRadChem Binder. This supplement is designed to get to the source of symptoms by targeting viruses, retroviruses, radiation, and chemical toxins to ensure delivery of nutrients into the cell. (82, 125, 126, 127, 128)

If you are suffering from Lyme disease, this supplement provides the support the body needs to heal.

Live a healthy lifestyle

You should focus on eating healthy foods like grass-fed meat, nuts, seeds, plus whole fruits and vegetables. Eating these types of foods will help dispel the parasites and give your body what it needs to heal. (129)

You should be avoiding sugar as much as possible because parasites love sugar because they thrive off of glucose-rich blood to function. Remember that refined carbs are in unsuspecting places like condiments, flavored instant oatmeal, and nutrition bars. (130, 131, 132, 133)

Make sure you are staying hydrated with good, clean water to help avoid constipation. If you don’t take in enough fluids, toxins are more likely to get backed up in their colon. (134) 

Another part of a healthy lifestyle is regular physical activity. Move your body — even in simple ways like walking — to help drain their lymphatic system. That’s another place toxins can get backed up, which can lead to symptoms like ankle swelling and puffy eyes during detox. (135)

To help with lymphatic drainage, I like use homeopathic drainers such as these.

Lastly, be ready for potential emotional symptoms as you kill off parasites. For example, you could feel anxious, down, or irritable. But the natural healing protocols and a positive mindset will help. (141)

This blog post about common die off symptoms can help you learn more information.

Protecting Patients from Parasitic Infections

Thrive With Wellness biofeedback programs are designed to target and treat root causes of illness by supporting the body’s natural ability to remove unwanted factors through effective drainage and mitochondrial support.

This also includes removing parasites that disrupt the flow of a healthy body.

Remember, parasitic infections are far more prevalent, even in developed countries. But standard tests are unreliable and often don’t reveal that you have them. 

These parasites range from microscopic, single-celled creatures to large worms, visible to the naked eye. No matter their size, they can deter your health.

Parasites could be the root cause of many of your chronic health issues. Autoimmune issues, food sensitivities, and gut problems may all be traced back to parasites. 

Parasite-fighting herbs, such as the Para supplements, could help get rid of the parasites naturally. Supporting drainage and detoxification is also essential in this effort. Consider including a Carbon Technology binder, such as BioToxin and ViRadChem, to both remove pathogens as well as deliver nutrients and repair the body.

Parasites exist all around us. But with an effective protocol, you can alleviate chronic health issues by strategically fighting back to optimize their wellness journey.

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