For most people, the very idea of parasites is disconcerting and reminiscent of something from a horrible sci-fi film. Unfortunately, parasites are more common than people think and affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
Parasites live on or inside another living organism (known as a host) and live off of nutrients at the host’s expense. They can enter the body through consuming contaminated food or water, poor hygiene practices, contact with an infected animal, certain insect bites, and touching contaminated soil.
Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, has experience diagnosing and treating many varieties of common parasites. Over the years, they’ve discovered many natural and effective parasite cleanses can help you get rid of harmful parasites and return you to optimal health.
Keep reading to learn all about natural parasite cleansing at Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine, including signs you may have a parasite and effective parasite detox strategies.
What is a Parasite Cleanse?
A parasite cleanse, or parasite detox, is any combination of therapies aimed at removing harmful parasites from the body. Strategies differ but can include any combination of dietary changes, herbal supplements, and other practices like enemas or colonics.
Signs You May Have a Parasite
Parasites are often difficult to diagnose because many signs you may have a parasite are also associated with other conditions like food poisoning, IBS, and IBD.
What makes it even more difficult is the variety of parasites, including protozoa (single-celled organism such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium) and helminths (worm-like parasites including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes). Each parasite has a different life cycle and causes different symptoms.
Here are a Few Common Symptoms of a Parasitic Infection:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Brain fog
- Itchiness in the rectum
- Acne
- Allergies
- Anger issues
- Excessive appetite
- Teeth grinding at night
- Dehydration
- Nutrient deficiencies, especially iron and other nutrient deficiencies that doesn’t respond to high-dose supplements
- Anemia
- Enlarged stomach
How Do I Check Myself for Parasites?
The Importance of Parasite Cleansing
Parasites are enormously draining for your body. Think about it – they are using the very nutrients you need to keep your body running smoothly. Not only do they cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms in the short term, but over time parasites lead to chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and other issues that severely compromise your quality of life. When you get rid of parasites, all of the body’s systems will benefit. Parasite cleanse promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. They reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve energy levels.Do parasites go away on their own?
No, some parasites will create a home for themselves inside your body inside a substance called biofilm. This substance protects them from your immune system and allows them to live comfortably undisturbed inside your body for many years.Parasite Cleansing for Adults
Like with all types of detox, parasite cleansing requires you to go slowly. You should also seek guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any parasite cleansing regimen, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing underlying health conditions. Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine focuses on a two-step approach to parasite cleansing that begins by supporting the body’s natural detoxing systems.Step 1: Open the 7 Elimination Channels
First, you build up the body’s seven elimination channels – bowels, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, lymphatic system, and blood. Opening the seven elimination channels before a parasite cleanse is important because it prepares the body for effective detoxification and elimination of toxins released during the cleanse.Step 2: Parasite Cleanse
Boulder Holistic often recommends a multifaceted approach to parasite cleansing that includes a combination of herbal remedies, medical protocols, and colon cleansing. You should also try to get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and hydrate to support your body as it detoxes.Herbal Remedies:
Several herbs, including wormwood, oregano, black walnut, cloves, and garlic, are antiparasitic and common during parasite cleanses. Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine is happy to recommend our favorite herbal formulations during your consultation! You may also want to explore comprehensive herbal systems for parasite cleansing.- Cell Core’s Para series paired with a biotoxin binder – an effective treatment for parasites.
- Tricycline from Allergy Research Group – This treatment combines Berberine, artemisinin, grapefruit seed extract to break biofilm, and black walnut hulls to treat intestinal parasites.
- The Parafy Kit offered by Ms Rogers Hood – another increasingly popular herbal protocol
Medical Protocols
Some protozoal and worm-type parasites require a comprehensive prescription-based antiparasitic protocol, like the Gant Protocol or Simon Yu’s Parasite protocol.Colon Cleansing:
Colon cleansing can also help remove harmful parasites and toxins from your body. You can try colon hydrotherapy or enemas to flush them out or try fiber-rich foods and supplements which promote regular bowel movements and prevent re-infestation. — Parasite cleanses are a type of detox so you should be prepared for temporary detox symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances as your body eliminates toxins and parasites. Always work with a medical professional like those at Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine for added support during your parasite cleanse.Work with Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine
Parasites can lead to all kinds of health issues, from digestive problems to chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction. They provide an unnecessary strain on all of the body’s systems and removing them may be your first step to optimal health! Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, offers comprehensive support for natural parasite cleansing with herbs, medical protocols, and colon cleanses. If you think you may have a parasite, schedule a consultation with Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine and start your detox journey today!Email Us
Have a question? Need to schedule an appointment? Send us an email. We'll get back to you right away.
Get Directions
2355 Canyon Blvd
Suite 102
Boulder, CO 80302
Call Us
Need an appointment, prescription refill or have questions? Call us from 9:30am to 4:00pm.
303-390-1245