Parasite Removal - Why and how do you remove parasites from the body?

Detox , or body cleansing, was developed out of a genuine need and is still very much present today. We expose our bodies to a huge amount of toxins without realizing it. They are everywhere and it is practically impossible to avoid them. It is said that when toxins start to cause harm, it is worth getting rid of them from the body at the latest.

The problem is that parasites can cause trouble in a subtle way, without us realizing that our symptoms or the condition that has progressed to the point of illness are caused by them. Sometimes the symptoms can appear as mild, such as mild skin symptoms or fatigue, which we put down to the challenges and stress of everyday life.

It is often the case that body signs do not indicate just one underlying factor, but rather that symptoms and body conditions are the sum of many factors. In this case, eliminating any single factor may not necessarily eliminate the symptoms completely.

Now we want to talk about the role of parasites and how to get rid of them wisely. We will tell you what kinds of parasites can be in the human body and what symptoms they are known to be associated with.

What are parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live at the expense of another organism, such as a human. They derive their nutrition from their host and can cause harm to it, such as various symptoms or diseases.

The role of parasites in the pathogenesis of several known diseases has been studied internationally, and findings suggest that parasites may play a significant role in contributing to the outbreak of certain diseases. Research is ongoing.

Parasites can include, for example:

• Protozoa (e.g. Giardia lamblia) - microscopic, single-celled parasites
• Worms (e.g. roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm) - worms that mostly live in the intestines
• External parasites (e.g. scabies mites, lice) - live on or near the skin and are not directly part of internal detox, but let's mention them here in connection with parasites.

Where do you get a parasitic infection?

Parasites are found in water, food, pets and other animals and in the soil. Typically, the infection is acquired, for example, after visiting exotic countries. However, it is good to understand that parasitic infection is also entirely possible here in Finland and other European countries. Whether we become infected, however, depends on many things. Poorly cooked food, dirty drinking water or poor hand hygiene are obvious risks. After all, they also increase the risk of other infections.

Some parasites are transmitted from person to person. The most well-known among families with children are probably roundworms and lice, which many parents of kindergarten-aged children fear contracting. There are relatively effective over-the-counter medications for these at the pharmacy.

Parasites - an invisible threat?

Diagnosing parasites based on symptoms can be difficult, as we are used to finding other explanations for the symptoms they cause, and parasites are typically not on the first list of things to investigate when you seek medical attention for your symptoms. Many of the symptoms can also be caused by many other reasons, which is why parasites are often not suspected.

The problem is often unnoticed. Many people don't think that a parasite could be behind stomach symptoms, constant fatigue, skin symptoms, or nutrient deficiencies - especially if there have been no visible symptoms of infection or if they have traveled to exotic countries.

Why is it worth cleansing the body of parasites?

The goal of detox is to support the body's own cleansing system. Parasites can burden the liver, immune system, and nervous system. Low immunity can expose you to infections or prevent the body from eliminating parasites on its own.

Symptoms caused by parasites

Parasites have been found in studies to cause a very diverse range of symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of parasite and their intensity is individual depending on their host (human). Symptoms can include:

• Asymptomatic / mildly symptomatic
• Nausea/vomiting/reflux
• Digestive problems: bloating / stomach pain /
• Diarrhea / constipation / both alternating
• Leaky gut
• Itching/hives/anal itching/fever
• Anemia / iron deficiency / other nutrient deficiencies
• Constriction
• Fatigue/general weakness
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite/sugar cravings/increased appetite
• Allergies/food sensitivities
• Neurological symptoms
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Acne/skin problems/rash/eczema or psoriasis
• Muscle ache/joint pain
• Teeth grinding
• Insomnia

Steps in the detox process - how should you carry out the cleansing?

It is important to note that parasite detox is not a quick fix. It requires planning, persistence, and proper organization. It can be difficult to catch all the parasites, but it is also important to get the basics of your body in order so that the parasites no longer thrive in your body.

Parasite removal can be done on your own by mapping out symptoms and considering your own situation, but sometimes a large number of symptoms require testing. In these cases, the presence of parasites can also be verified using various medical methods.

Blood tests and hair mineral analyses can tell you about the levels of nutrients in your body. If you know you are getting enough nutrients from your diet, but they seem to be disappearing from your body, the cause may be parasites. They use certain nutrients for their nourishment and by pumping them into our bodies, we may unknowingly be feeding the parasites, not ourselves. Nutrient deficiencies, in turn, cause a host of other symptoms. Hair mineral analysis can be used to examine the levels of harmful substances and the composition of trace elements in the body.

Specific laboratory tests often reveal the presence of certain parasites. These tests are often expensive, but on the other hand, they may reveal an otherwise hidden problem.

Lifestyle and symptom interviews are a method used especially in functional medicine.

Parasite Elimination Protocol:

Prepare the body for detox. Make sure that the conditions in the body are unfavorable for parasites. Strengthen the function of the supporting organs, especially the liver, kidneys and intestines.

These steps are effective before the actual herbal parasite cleanse, but they are also a great guideline to follow during and after the cleanse. The less favorable the conditions are for parasites in the body, the easier it is to eliminate and keep them away. On the other hand, by taking care of your nutritional intake, you will make the process easier and reduce possible "Herxheimer" symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches.

• Take care of your bowel function. Make sure your bowel is functioning daily. Support your gut health and aim to have a good pH environment in your gut. You can support your gut function as needed, for example with suitable fiber supplements, vitamin A , and essential amino acids (EAA). For example, Boulardii is a good intestinal balancer.
  
• Choose antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory products and invest in good microbes. Good microbes can be found in lactic acid bacteria and many foods, for example. Eat plenty of green vegetables, fiber, and clean water. Foods rich in zinc, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins. Probiotics (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha).
  
• Try to keep your diet nutritious. Avoid sugars and poor carbohydrates, highly processed foods, and alcohol.
• Carry out parasite removal according to the instructions on the herbal preparations .

Natural antiparasitic substances include wormwood, garlic, turmeric, cloves, and black walnut.

Supportive treatments during parasite removal include sauna, dry brushing, lymphatic massage, exercise of appropriate intensity, and breathing exercises. These not only strengthen the body, but also help with possible "Herxheimer" symptoms.

Possible "Herxheimer" or healing reaction - what to expect?

During detox, a so-called "Herxheimer reaction" or healing reaction can sometimes occur. This is the body's natural response to an overload of toxins during cleansing. During cleansing, large amounts of toxins are typically released from the body, which puts a strain on the cleansing organs, such as the liver and kidneys. The toxins are released faster than the body can process them, and a kind of healing crisis occurs in the body. The body's own immune defense triggers inflammation and other defense mechanisms, which result in symptoms. The resulting symptoms are a sign that the body is processing the toxins.

Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, nausea, skin symptoms, chills or sweating, and mood swings. Symptoms may be unpleasant, but they are not a sign of failure. On the contrary, they indicate that the body is actively working to get rid of harmful microorganisms.

The above-mentioned supportive treatments during the parasite cleanse, as well as rest, stress avoidance, good hydration, and aromatherapy, for example, will help the body through the process. Symptoms can last from days to weeks, depending on the amount of toxins, but typically their intensity subsides over time.

Since we do not know in advance how intensively our body will eliminate microorganisms and how it will manifest itself individually, it is recommended to schedule the parasite removal during, for example, a vacation or other period of lower stress. Perhaps, at least in the midst of the hectic everyday life and busy work schedule, there is not primarily the optimal moment for parasite removal.

When to seek specialist treatment?

The elimination of parasites is done using strong herbal preparations, so it is good to note a few things. Detox is not suitable for everyone. Especially for pregnant women, chronically ill people or those who are heavily stressed, strong detox treatments or treatments at all are not recommended.

If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, it is a good idea to consult a functional medicine doctor, nutritionist, or other similar specialist. Choose a specialist who is sure to understand parasite elimination.

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Useful sources and additional information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–Parasites - General Information https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ about.html