People are drawn to parasite cleanses for a variety of reasons. Mostly because they want to solve unexplained symptoms that they believe may be related to parasites, like fatigue, digestive problems, and skin rashes. However, many symptoms can be misunderstood, and a cleanse may only be temporary help as a detox. The herbs may be too harsh for a tender gut and actually cause more symptoms afterwards. We actually use helminth therapy to treat certain conditions, so parasites are not all bad.

There is specialized testing to identify parasite infections, amoebas, bacterial infections, microbiomes, and overall digestive health. 

Why People are Attracted to Parasite Cleanses

There is a general belief that there are widespread parasitic infections. Some individuals are convinced that they are unknowingly harboring parasites that are causing a variety of symptoms, even without a medical diagnosis. Parasite infections are relatively uncommon in developed countries like the US, due to clean water systems, sanitary food handling, and modern hygiene practices. We do still see some occasionally, but most often see amoebas like Entamoeba histolytica and Blastocystis hominis.

There is a strong desire for improved health and well-being. People are seeking solutions for common complaints like fatigue, bloating, digestive issues, skin problems, anxiety, and unexplained weight changes. They may attribute these symptoms to parasites and believe that a cleanse will improve their overall health. It seems like a promise of quick and easy solutions. Parasite cleanse products often promise rapid improvements in health and the elimination of symptoms with minimal effort. The appeal of a simple “fix” can be powerful for those struggling with health concerns.

Testing for Parasites or Infections

We are more likely to see bacterial overgrowths or imbalances where bacteria that can be normal in the gut become a bully and seem to overgrow the balancing point. This is much more common than parasites but harder to diagnose. Whereas parasites show up on an Ova and Parasite or O&P test, bacterial infections show up in a culture that needs to be grown in a petri dish for several days. Even O&P samples often need three collections in a row to find a parasite since happy parasites are more likely to stay in the body. Unfortunately, you will need a specialized lab to find the bacterial infections, but it is often worth finding and treating them.

Your local naturopathic doctor should be able to help guide you in a panel that can screen for both parasite and bacterial infections while assessing digestion. Why guess when you can know!?

Holistic and Natural Approaches

Many may lack access to healthcare or be skeptical, so they are turning to alternative health solutions, and natural parasite cleanses may be the only nontraditional idea they have come across. Many people are drawn to the idea of “natural” and “holistic” approaches to health, and these cleanses often align with this mindset. 

It’s crucial to understand that many of the symptoms attributed to parasites can be caused by a variety of other conditions that are more common and better understood by doing a thorough gastrointestinal panel to rule out parasites, amoebas, and bacterial infections, as well as assessing digestive enzymes and inflammation.

Benefits of Herbal Treatments

Genuine parasitic infections are often easily treated and most effectively by dewormers over a short period. It doesn’t take much. Herbal routines can weaken parasites but may not completely clear the infection, and can risk driving them deeper into tissues like the brain. Amoebas and liver flukes, on the other hand, are best treated with a combo of liver and gallbladder support, botanicals, enzymes, and sometimes pharmaceuticals.

Fortunately, most folks do not have parasite infections, which is why the herbal cleanses offer an opportunity to decrease a bacterial load and provide antioxidants, helping most feel better. The natural parasite cleanses are often made up of harsh herbs that force the body to detox as well. 

Patients may feel they ‘see’ parasites come out in the toilet. Often, mucus or damaged tissue can look like parasites during a cleanse. Eliminating toxins can always help with feeling better. A routine of healthy food, sleep, and exercise is important for regular health, though a parasitic cleanse does not supersede the need for a healthy routine.

The More Likely Bacterial Infections

The most common causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and skin issues that bring us to the idea of the parasite cleanses are indeed in the gut. Instead of parasites, you are more likely to experience bacterial imbalances in your microbiome. Some of these become an infection and become dominant, causing horrible, confusing symptoms. For example, Klebsiella can be found in a healthy microbial gut, but when it gets out of hand, it can cause extreme discomfort and bloating is very common as well as anxiety.

Treating that gives patients a lot of relief. Streptococcus is found in many forms, including gamma, delta, and alpha families, and certainly causes fatigue among many other symptoms. Strep is often antibiotic resistant too, so it is robust and can be difficult to get back to a normal range, but it makes a world of difference in helping feel better and prevent getting every flu and cold that comes around.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe might be related to parasites, it is vital to consult with a naturopathic doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can determine the true cause of your symptoms and guide you toward the most effective and safest course of action. Ask us about our parasite testing options!