8 Warning Signs of Parasites

Parasites are notoriously tricky to identify. With common symptoms like stomach troubles, skin issues, bloating and fatigue, you might blame them on the effects of stress, poor sleep or food sensitivities. The potential reality? You have a parasite – or several! – living inside you.

Let’s take a look at the top 8 parasitic infection warning signs our patients experience. Then, listen to our patients’ stories about their own parasite experiences and how they found relief.

1. Weight Loss or Weight Gain

The most common mental image that people have when they think of parasites is the tapeworm. This large, segmented worm lives in the intestines and feeds on the nutrients of its host. Because the tapeworm eats the food you consume before your body can absorb it, you may experience weight loss and reduced appetite.

On the flip side, parasites may also cause weight gain. Parasites usually reside in the small or large intestine which often leads to bloating and constipation, two symptoms that impact your weight. Parasites can also influence your food cravings because they thrive on sugar and carbohydrates!

2. Digestive Problems

If you eat a healthy, balanced diet but chronic digestive issues won’t go away, a parasite may be to blame. Constipation, diarrhea, persistent gas, and bloating are the most common stomach and gut troubles our patients suffer.

Nausea and vomiting are also tell-tale signs of a parasitic infection. If allowed to mature and breed in your intestines, parasites can trigger bouts of stomach sensitivity which may lead to nausea and vomiting.

3. Skin Issues

Intestinal parasites can cause both internal and external symptoms. Unexplained skin issues like rashes, hives, or eczema can be attributed to parasites that induce your body to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies made by your immune system can trigger allergic reactions that manifest on the skin.

4. Joint or Muscle Pain

Some parasites like roundworms make their way from the intestine to other parts of the body. If they end up in your muscles, they can cause inflammation that presents as joint pain or muscle weakness. Roundworms are most commonly contracted if you eat raw or undercooked meats like pork or wild animals.

5. Depression or Anxiety

6. Fatigue

When your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to function, fatigue can set in and become persistent if left unchecked. Because parasites eat what you eat, they take away all the vitamins and minerals (like iron and B12) your body craves before you have a chance to absorb them. Worms or protozoa that live in your small intestine are often the culprit for extreme fatigue.

7. Sleep Trouble

Parasitic infections can also interrupt your sleep cycle. Because parasites are more active at nighttime, you may notice that it’s hard to fall or stay asleep. Their presence in your intestines impacts you in two ways. First, they disrupt the nervous system which is responsible for sleep regulation. Second, parasite activity can sometimes trigger a spike in cortisol which wakes you up.

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, it could also be from parasites. They release toxins and waste into the body which can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and teeth grinding.

8. Irritation in the Anus or Vagina

Pinworms (sometimes called threadworms) are the most common human worm infection in the US. They live in the intestine and lay their eggs in and around the anus. These bugs are most active at night, so you may notice itching sensations become more intense at bedtime. While there are several over-the-counter remedies, we prefer a natural approach with herbs and botanicals like raw garlic, clove, oregano, rosemary, cayenne, ginger, and grapefruit seed as the first line of defense.

What are the potential treatment options for parasitic infection?

The potential treatment options for parasitic infection include a range of strategies. In some cases, parasites may naturally clear up over time, particularly in individuals with robust immune systems. However, if complications arise, doctors may recommend antiparasitic medication to target the parasites effectively. Additionally, some individuals may opt for natural methods such as parasitic cleanses, incorporating specific foods believed to assist in clearing parasites from the body.

To confirm a parasitic infection, health professionals may use several diagnostic methods. These methods include:

Fecal testing: The process involves collecting stool samples before taking any antibiotics or anti-diarrhea medications. Sometimes, multiple samples are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
'Scotch tape' test: This test helps identify pinworms by touching a piece of tape to the anus and then examining it under a microscope to look for eggs.
X-rays with barium: Although less common, doctors may recommend this test for diagnosing more severe problems potentially caused by parasites.

How can probiotics aid in reducing parasitic infections and potentially treating them?

Research suggests that probiotics could aid in the reduction of parasitic infections and, in certain cases, treat them. Including probiotics in your diet may help in restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can support the immune system in fighting off parasites.

What are some examples of anti-inflammatory spices and herbs that can be included in a parasite cleansing diet?

Some examples of anti-inflammatory spices and herbs that can be included in a parasite cleansing diet are turmeric, garlic, and ginger, which are known for their potential benefits in supporting the body's natural cleansing processes.

How can dietary changes, such as avoiding processed and greasy foods and opting for natural and whole foods, help in getting rid of parasites?

Dietary changes can help in getting rid of parasites by requiring you to consume healthier food, which may include avoiding processed and greasy foods, gluten, pork, or dairy, and opting for more natural and whole foods.

What are the common signs and symptoms of parasitic infection in humans?

In parasitic infections, this can manifest in feelings of depression or anxiety. If a parasite causes inflammation in the gut, it's likely that the brain's chemistry can change and lead to depression or anxious thoughts. When your body doesn't get the nutrients it needs to function, fatigue can set in and become persistent if left unchecked. Parasites eat what you eat, take away all the vitamins and minerals your body craves before you have a chance to absorb them. Intestinal parasites can cause both internal and external symptoms. Unexplained skin issues like rashes, hives, or eczema can be attributed to parasites that induce your body to produce immunoglobulin E. These antibodies made by your immune system can trigger allergic reactions that manifest on the skin. Parasites may also cause weight gain, as they usually reside in the small or large intestine which often leads to bloating and constipation, two symptoms that impact your weight. Parasites can also influence your food cravings because they thrive on sugar and carbohydrates

How do you know if you have a parasite?

In many of our patients, we see firsthand that the gut and brain have a strong connection. In parasitic infections, this can manifest in feelings of depression or anxiety. If a parasite causes inflammation in the gut, it's likely that the brain's chemistry can change and lead to depression or anxious thoughts. Additionally, it's crucial to be vigilant for other symptoms that may indicate a parasitic infection. Look out for gastrointestinal discomfort following activities such as swimming or returning from tropical destinations, the presence of visible parasites in stools, changes in appetite and weight, symptoms of anemia, and other physical effects like itching and insomnia. Parasites can impact your overall health by consuming nutrients, affecting red blood cells, and causing various discomforts. Therefore, staying aware of both physical and mental symptoms can help in identifying a potential parasitic issue.

So, you think you have parasites. What’s next?

If you think you may have a parasite, the best course of action is to talk to your doctor. While many parasitic infections don’t cause immediate drastic damage, long-term inflammation can take a toll on the body. Parasites are more common than you think! If you suspect you may have a parasite, the best course of action is to consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. At Infinity Wellness Center, we offer a comprehensive full moon parasite cleanse that focuses on natural parasite detoxing. This cleanse involves dietary modifications, such as avoiding processed and greasy foods, gluten, pork, and dairy, and incorporating more natural and whole foods into your diet. Additionally, we recommend the use of anti-inflammatory spices and herbs like turmeric, garlic, and ginger to support the cleansing process.

Research also suggests that probiotics can play a key role in reducing parasitic infections and aiding in their treatment. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let's work together to effectively flush these unwanted bugs out of your system!

Here you can learn more about potential infection hot spots, how to avoid them and the tests we use to identify parasitic infections.