Fatigue, digestion issues? Parasites might be the culprit! Learn signs & symptoms + explore natural solutions with Clinica Naturopathy.

Written By Gabriella sassi

From digestive problems to fatigue, parasitic infections can often be the hidden cause behind low immunity and nutrient deficiencies. Discover how naturopathic care can help restore your wellness.

Hey there! While parasites might not be the most glamorous topic, they are incredibly important for our health. These microorganisms, often referred to as worms or pinworms, can come in various shapes and sizes. They typically attach to the intestinal wall but can also inhabit other areas of the body, including the gallbladder, lungs, brain, and appendix. Many people may carry parasites without realising it, as symptoms might not appear until there is a chronic systemic imbalance. Fortunately, with some knowledge and healthy habits, naturopathic treatments can help keep these invaders at bay.

Watch this podcast interview Gabriella Sassi - Clinical Nutritionist & Naturopath. Blood Work, Parasites & Heavy Metals with the Corrective Culture team for an in-depth understanding of how naturopathic medicine and functional testing can assist in long-term eradication and treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Parasitic Infections

Parasites can cause a range of issues from mild to severe. Common signs include:

  • Digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Nausea, vomiting, and intestinal cramping

  • Unexplained dizziness or fatigue

  • Loose stools, potentially with blood or mucus

  • Itchiness, especially at night

  • Restlessness, anxiety, and teeth grinding

  • Gas, bloating, food allergies, and loss of appetite

  • Sleep disturbances and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

  • Itchy feet (often with a rash), palpitations, anemia, facial swelling, joint and muscle aches, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and skin conditions

Parasites can often mimic IBS and deplete essential nutrients. They fall into two main categories:

  • Protozoa: Single-celled organisms that can be in an active (trophozoite) or dormant (cyst) stage.

  • Helminths: Larger, multi-cellular worms visible to the naked eye, including nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flatworms and schistosomes).

Common Parasites

  • Pinworms: Reside in the intestines and lungs, laying eggs around the anus at night.

  • Roundworms: Found in the stomach and intestines, often contracted through undercooked or contaminated food.

  • Tapeworms: Live in the lower intestines and enter the body through undercooked meat.

  • Hookworms and Threadworms: Enter through the feet and can be found in contaminated water, living inside for years with eggs that can incubate up to 10 years.

  • Dientamoeba fragilis & Blastocystis hominis: Reside in the large intestine, potentially causing gastrointestinal symptoms but may also be asymptomatic.

    Pathogenic parasites requiring medical treatment include:

  • Giardia lamblia

  • Cryptosporidium

  • Trichomonas

How Parasites Enter the Body

  • Parasites can enter through the nose and skin (often via the feet), contaminated food and water, or through other transmitting agents.

Symptoms of Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections can lead to symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, food intolerances, and skin disorders. Factors like gut health, microbiome quality, diet, stress, and genetics affect how well the body can manage these infections. Parasites can remain undiagnosed for years and cause seemingly unrelated symptoms such as insomnia, anemia (by feeding on red blood cells), irritability, and autoimmune conditions.

Identifying and Diagnosing Parasitic Infections

To diagnose parasitic infections, look for signs such as itching in the rectum, chronic digestive issues, malabsorption, disturbed sleep, and anxiety. Consulting with a naturopath can provide a clinical diagnosis, often including tests like PCR stool testing and Complete Microbiome Mapping via CoBiome. Inexpensive genetic tests are also available for more precise detection, including of parasites in dormant phases.

Preventing & Treating Parasitic Infections

To effectively eradicate parasites, seek a Naturopathic consultation [BOOK HERE]. A personalized treatment plan will be created to address your specific needs, typically involving a combination of herbal medicines such as black walnut, wormwood, oregano, pomegranate husk, and nigella, alongside nutritional supplementation like probiotics.

Dietary changes are crucial to eliminate foods that feed parasites and to strengthen the immune system through nutrient-rich choices. Improving the beneficial gut microbiome is essential because merely eradicating parasites is insufficient if the gut remains hospitable. For long-term issues, biofilm work may also be required to ensure comprehensive treatment.

Gabriella Sassi Interview. Healing from the inside out

Additional Tips

  • Strengthen Your Gut: Consuming fermented foods daily helps protect against pathogens. Kultured Wellness Yoghurt and Kefir are excellent choices, high in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, after using the toilet, changing nappies, and after playing with pets.

  • Clean Your Produce: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

  • Ensure Clean Water: Make sure your water source is clean.

  • Protect Yourself: Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks in areas with ticks and insects, and avoid these areas if possible.

  • Be Cautious with Meat: Avoid uncooked meats.

  • Clean Public Toilets: Always clean the toilet seat in public restrooms before use.

References:

https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(16)31070-0/fulltext

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24619876/

Gabriella sassi
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