Parasites 101: What You Really Need to Know (Without the Fear-Mongering)
Let’s Talk Parasites: Myths, Facts & What You Actually Need to Know
Parasite cleanses are everywhere right now. Scroll TikTok or Instagram and you’ll find endless horror stories, dramatic “cleanse results,” and lots of fear-driven content. It’s enough to make anyone think, Wait… do I have worms too?!
Let’s clear things up.
Yes—many people have been exposed to parasites. No—it doesn’t mean you need to go on a drastic cleanse immediately. Globally, they’re extremely common. In fact, when it comes to parasites, context matters and working with a practitioner is key.
What Is a Parasite, Anyway?
A parasite is any organism that lives in or on a host (like you or me) and gets its nutrients at our expense. That might sound scary, but it’s a natural part of many ecosystems—including our own bodies.
Parasites come in a few different forms:
Protozoa – Single-celled organisms that are microscopic (e.g., Giardia, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, etc)
Helminths – Worm-like parasites (think roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms)
Ectoparasites – Parasites that live on the surface of the body, like lice, fleas, and scabies
How Do We Pick Them Up?
You don’t have to travel to a faraway country to be exposed. Parasites can show up through everyday things like:
Drinking unfiltered or contaminated water
Eating undercooked meats or raw fish
Sharing a home with pets
Swimming in lakes or ponds (or accidentally drinking some of its water while swimming)
Handling soil or gardening without gloves
Traveling
Insect bites
Forgetting to wash hands esp. after the bathroom
Often, these exposures don’t lead to major symptoms. Your immune system and microbiome can handle a lot. But when your system is overwhelmed or imbalanced, parasites can cause more noticeable issues. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates over 1 billion people worldwide carry some form of parasite. So you're not alone—and you're not gross.
Possible Signs of a Parasite Imbalance
This is where it gets tricky—symptoms of a parasite infection can be vague and overlap with many other conditions. Some people never notice a thing. Others may experience:
Bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements
Nausea or digestive discomfort
Unexplained fatigue or brain fog
Anal itching
Food sensitivities
Skin rashes or itchiness
Histamine reactions or persistent mucus
Sleep issues (especially waking up in the night)
Teeth grinding
Nutrient deficiencies or anemia (esp iron anemia)
Persistent hunger or blood sugar swings
and so much more…
Of course, these symptoms don’t always mean “you have a parasite.” But if you’re struggling with ongoing issues and feel like something’s off, it’s worth digging deeper.
Here's the Problem With DIY Parasite Cleanses
Social media makes it tempting to jump into harsh herbal protocols, but this can do more harm than good if you don’t know what you’re targeting. Cleansing without confirming what's actually going on can irritate the gut lining, trigger die-off reactions, and stress your detox pathways.
That’s why I always recommend working with a practitioner, like myself, who can guide you through testing and create a personalized protocol based on your unique microbiome and history.
What Can You Do About It?
Two parasites present on a Gut Revive client’s GI Map
1. Get tested if needed
Inside my Gut Revive program, we run comprehensive stool testing (including a full parasite panel) to see what’s actually going on—not just guess based on symptoms.
You’ll get a clear picture of your gut health, including:
Parasites (if present)
Bacterial imbalances
Yeast or fungal overgrowth
Inflammation and digestive function markers
And more...
From there, we create a targeted, step-by-step plan using food, lifestyle, and herbal tools that gently support your gut and immune system without overdoing it.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all cleanse—it’s a fully personalized reset with practitioner oversight.
2. Consider targeted herbs
Herbs like wormwood, garlic, clove, olive leaf, and black walnut have long histories of helping the body maintain balance against unwanted bugs. These can be a gentle but effective way to support your gut—especially when paired with gut-healing nutrients. Not to sound repetitive, but these herbs are pretty strong and typically require a blend of them with therapeutic dosage to do the trick. Something I recommend working with a practitioner with.
3. Eat supportive foods
Certain foods naturally create an unfriendly environment for parasites, including raw pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, propolis, papaya seeds, raw garlic, clove, ginger, turmeric, and fermented foods. Adding these foods into your day to day diet help keep things in check but not ideal to rely on food alone, if you’re dealing with an actual infection—herbs or medications may be necessary.
4. Clean hygiene, clean gut
Simple steps go a long way: wash hands thoroughly (especially after bathroom visits or cleaning up after pets), keep stomach acid strong, avoid drinking untreated water, and be mindful about food prep and cooking temps.
The Bottom Line
Parasites are part of the human experience, and while they can cause issues, they’re not something to fear or obsess over. The goal isn't to constantly “cleanse” or purge, but to strengthen your body’s resilience so it naturally handles what comes its way.
If you suspect something’s off, work with a practitioner who can guide you through testing and support with the right tools—no panic required.
Ready to get to the root of your symptoms (without guessing)?
Click here to learn more about Gut Revive or book a discovery call to see if it’s the right fit.