Holistic Approach to Fighting Off Unseen Parasites

Robyn McElwee in Conditions July 10, 2023

Parasitic infections affect millions of people in the US every year. These organisms go undetected in millions more, hiding or masquerading as pain. Parasites live on or inside another organism (called the host) and obtain nutrients at the host’s expense. They come in various forms, including protozoa, helminths (worms), and ectoparasites like ticks and lice. Today we will explore parasites, their symptoms, and how McElwee Natural Health and Healing Center can help you rid your body of parasites naturally.

How Parasites are Transmitted

Parasites can enter the body through various routes, including contaminated food or water, insect bites, sexual contact, or direct contact with infected individuals or animals.

Some standard modes of transmission are:

Fecal-oral route: This occurs when parasites that live in the intestine of a host are excreted in the feces and then ingested by another host through contaminated food, water, soil, or hands.
Vector-borne route: This occurs when parasites that live in the blood or tissue of a host are transmitted by a mosquito, tick, flea, or louse that bites the host and then another host.
Direct contact route: This occurs when parasites that live on the skin or hair of a host are transferred by physical contact with another host or with objects that have been in contact with the infected host. Lice is a well-known parasite that is transmitted this way.

Prevent the Transmission of Parasites

As with most things, practicing good hygiene and sanitation, such as washing hands with soap and water, using clean toilets and latrines, disposing of feces properly, and avoiding contact with animal feces, is the number one way to resist these organisms.

Other ways to avoid parasites are to clean and filter food and water, use insect repellents, keep pets and livestock healthy, and avoid contact with affected people or animals.

How do I know I have parasites?

You often won’t know you have a parasite but may experience some symptoms. The symptoms of a parasitic infection vary depending on the type of parasite and the affected organ or system. Common symptoms include gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea), fatigue, weight loss, anemia, skin rashes, fever, and muscle aches.

At McElwee Health and Healing Center, we have found that our members with parasites often have pain in a localized area such as the hips, shoulders, or feet. In fact, resident guest blogger, Elise, had parasites in both of her hips. The pain was so bad that she was convinced she would need hip replacements!

How Parasites are Diagnosed

Diagnosis of a parasitic infection in modern medicine typically involves analyzing stool or blood samples for the presence of parasite eggs, larvae, or antibodies. In some cases, imaging techniques or biopsies may be used.

At McElwee Health and Healing Center, we use the energy of parasites to determine where and what kind may be causing your symptoms.

Reducing Parasites

Prevention and hygiene are excellent first steps to limit your exposure to parasites. Modern medical professionals may use antiparasitic medications. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Antiparasitic medications can have serious side effects if not taken as directed or taken for too long. These include kidney failure, vision problems, nerve damage in the hands and feet, hearing loss, and balance problems. Other reported side effects include tinnitus, allergic reactions, urine discoloration, muscle weakness, abnormal liver function test, leukopenia, numbness or tingling of hands or feet, and visual impairment.

Holistic Parasite Cleanse

At McElwee Health and Healing Center, we consider how the body, mind, and spirit are connected. When treating parasites, we may employ a combination of natural remedies and lifestyle modifications in a holistic parasite cleanse specially designed for you.

Herbal Remedies

We may utilize herbs with antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. Common herbs include black walnut, wormwood, cloves, garlic, oregano oil, and grapefruit seed extract. These herbs are believed to help eliminate parasites from the body.

Dietary Changes

We may recommend dietary modifications to create an environment less conducive to parasites. Some changes involve avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive carbohydrates, which can promote parasite growth. Instead, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats may be suggested to support overall health and immune function.

Probiotics

Since parasites can disrupt the natural balance of gut flora, we may recommend probiotics or fermented foods to restore healthy gut bacteria. Probiotics can support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and help create an unfavorable environment for parasites.

Detoxification

We firmly believe in detoxification to support the body’s natural elimination processes. We recommend fasting, juicing, or specific detox protocols to help cleanse the body and eliminate toxins that parasites thrive on. If you’ve never tried a coffee enema, check out this guide!

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, including parasitic infestations. We may suggest stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation practices to support overall well-being.

Lifestyle and Hygiene

Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, proper food handling, and maintaining a clean living environment, is crucial to prevent reinfection or the spread of parasites. We’re here to guide these practices.

Lymphatic Massage

We may recommend that you assist your lymphatic system in moving parasites out of your body through lymphatic massage.

Benefits of a Parasite Cleanse

A parasite cleanse is a natural way to support your body’s ability to eliminate parasites and restore balance and health. Some of the benefits of a parasite cleanse are:

Improved digestion: Parasites can interfere with your digestion and absorption of nutrients, causing bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.
Heightened mental clarity: Parasites can affect your cognitive function by producing toxins, consuming nutrients, or triggering inflammation. Detoxify your brain and enhance your mental clarity.
Increased energy: Parasites steal nutrients and minerals and can cause severe fatigue. Boost your energy levels by replenishing your body with essential nutrients and improving your metabolism1.
Strengthened immune system: Parasites can weaken your immune system by suppressing or overstimulating it, making you more susceptible to infections and diseases. Strengthen your immune system by removing the parasitic burden and restoring its balance.
Reduced stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to parasitic infections. Parasites can also cause stress by affecting mood, sleep, and hormones.

The duration of a parasite cleanse may vary depending on the cleanse, the products used, and the individual’s response. Some sources suggest that a parasite cleanse can last anywhere from two days to six weeks. However, everyone is different, and your body will let you know when you are free of parasites.