Parasites, including protozoa, worms, and topical parasites (ectoparasites), are infectious organisms that may cause disease. Upon infection, parasites feed off the host’s nutrients and cover themselves in protective biofilm layers, where they may remain dormant for years, or remain active.
Parasites are opportunistic infections, which means when the immune system is weakened, the parasite seizes the opportunity to become active and thrive. A weakened immune system may occur at any point when the body does not have the capacity to buffer high amounts of stress. Stressors that weaken the immune system may include, acute infections, physical or emotional trauma, acute or chronic environment exposures, etc.
The immune system is an intricate interplay of many different types of cells, each with their own job. Parasites have the ability to shift the function of many types of immune cells and cause them to become overreactive. Over time, the body adjusts in attempt to adapt to the parasitic infection — this can result in symptoms such as chronic allergies, autoimmunity, food sensitivities, skin conditions, asthma, and many other conditions.
Common Symptoms of Parasitic Infection:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Recurrent fevers
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain / pelvic pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Nausea
- Skin conditions - acne (facial and body), eczema, psoriasis, frequent skin rashes/hives
- Itching
- Muscle / joint pain
- Hair loss
- Teeth grinding
- Anxiety / panic attacks
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination
- Excessive day or night sweating
- Asthma
- Persistent anemia
- Swelling
- Autoimmune conditions (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Graves disease, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Food sensitivities
- Environmental allergies / chemical sensitivities
Parasites produce symptoms based on their life cycle. Symptoms may shift throughout the month. This is because the life cycle of parasites is correlated with the phase of the moon. Parasitic infections tend to be more active and aggressive during half and full moon phases. Symptoms may worsen during these time periods.
Common Ways to Contract Parasites:
- Eating raw sushi, fish, or shellfish
- Consuming raw liver (common way to contract liver flukes)
- Eating undercooked meat or fish
- Drinking contaminated water (e.g. well water)
- Swimming in stagnant bodies of water (e.g. ponds, artificial lakes, etc.)
- Insect bites - many mosquitoes and ticks carry blood-borne parasitic infections
- Ingesting particles of contaminated soil
Parasite Misconceptions:
A common misconception among the medical community is that parasitic infections are only contracted in third world countries or during travel outside of the United States. Parasitic infections are fairly common all around the world. All species of parasites behave differently and interact with the immune system at varying degrees. Some parasites are more aggressive than others. The severity of symptoms from parasitic infections depends on the level of immune response and other underlying factors within the body. Some parasites do not cause illness and can be a natural component of the microbiome.
Many people promote annual parasitic cleanses utilizing anti-parasitic herbs, supplements, or medications. This can be detrimental to the diversity of the microbiome and cause GI microbial imbalances. Many parasitic cleanses kill beneficial flora within the gut and disrupt biofilm networks. Dr. Miranda Hill does not recommend most annual parasitic cleanses due to the non-specific nature of cleanses. Additionally, parasites are often times not the underlying issue needing to be addressed. Chronic infections, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungal overgrowth, and biotoxins can lead to many of the same symptoms as parasitic infections.
Parasites have to be treated with specific therapies based on the type of infection and life-cycle. Parasites should be treated for two to three months to ensure all phases of the parasite life-cycle have been removed. Throughout the course of treatment, therapies need to be changed to prevent parasitic resistance. Biofilm work may be needed for a period of time prior, during, and after treatment to ensure all parasitic matter has been treated. The body’s drainage pathways require additional support before and during treatment to ensure elimination of parasitic die-off.
Treating parasites involves comprehensive management and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. Parasitic treatment duration is highly dependent upon the type of parasite being treated. It is essential to treat parasites until all stages of the parasitic life-cycle have been successfully eliminated. Pausing treatment at any stage results in increased parasitic activity, possible rebound symptoms, shifts in the immune system, and requires restarting treatment.
For parasite assessment and treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Miranda Hill here.
