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Could You Have Intestinal Parasites?
Margo Gladding on
Parasites are small organisms that can live in our digestive tract and feed off our nutrients. It is estimated that a high percentage of Americans have parasites, yet symptoms can go unnoticed or be mistaken for other conditions. Parasites can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating, fatigue, teeth grinding during sleep, anxiety, weight loss, and muscle and joint pain. If not addressed, more serious conditions can also occur, such as anemia, malnutrition, and sepsis.
In this post, we'll share with you some ways parasites are commonly spread, signs and symptoms of having intestinal parasites, recommended lab testing, and some important next steps that you can take to optimize your gut health.
Common Ways Parasites are Spread
- Having a child in daycare / school setting: Parasites such as Giardia, pinworm, head lice, and scabies are spread by close person-to-person contact and sharing personal items, such as combs, brushes, and hats.
- Consuming contaminated food or water: Eating or drinking contaminated food or water can introduce parasites into your body. Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are commonly found in untreated water sources or improperly prepared food.
- Contact with contaminated soil: Parasites such as hookworms and roundworms can be contracted by walking barefoot on contaminated soil, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
- Insect bites: Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can carry parasites that can be transmitted to humans through their bites. For example, mosquitoes can transmit malaria, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease.
- Contact with infected animals: Contact with infected animals, particularly their feces, can introduce parasites into your body. Parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii can be contracted from cat feces, while tapeworms can be contracted from eating undercooked meat.
- Traveling to areas with high parasite prevalence: Parasites such as malaria, dengue fever, and leishmaniasis are prevalent in certain regions of the world, and travelers who visit these areas can become infected if they are not adequately protected.
- Sexual contact: Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, can be caused by parasitic organisms.
- Poor hygiene: Parasites such as pinworms and lice can be spread through poor personal hygiene practices, such as not washing hands after using the bathroom or not washing hair and clothes regularly.
5 Signs of a Parasitic Infection
- Stool changes - Having blood or mucus in your stool can indicate inflammation or an infection in the gut. You may also see visible worms in your stool.
- Lack of satisfaction after meals / weight loss - Parasites can cause one to feel hungry even after eating meals. And, because parasites take away essential nutrients from your body, this can lead to malnutrition and affect your overall health.
- Digestive issues - Intestinal parasites can cause a range of digestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may experience constipation, which can lead to bloating and discomfort. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it's essential to seek medical attention.
- Skin rashes - Many times, people with intestinal parasites develop rashes and other skin conditions. Some parasites can cause itchy skin or even hives.
- Fatigue - Intestinal parasites can make you feel fatigued all the time, even when you sleep well. They can also interfere with your sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless sleep. If you're always tired and feel like you don't have the energy to do anything, it's a good idea to test for intestinal parasites.
Recommended Testing for Parasites
If you suspect that you have a parasitic infection, there are a variety of testing methods. However, parasites have a life cycle that can make detection difficult, especially using conventional lab testing. Village Green offers a comprehensive stool analysis that includes a 3-day collection that increases the likelihood of identifying parasites. Our Digestive Health Panel + Parasitology is a non-invasive lab test that can detect parasites, evaluate your bacteria levels (beneficial and pathogenic), yeast/fungus organisms, as well as provide an assessment of your overall GI health. We highly recommend that you work with a healthcare practitioner who can help interpret your test results and provide you with a detailed action plan.
Natural Ways to Address Parasites and Support GI Health
There are many natural ways to eradicate parasites safely and effectively. However, again it is best to work under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Herbs such as black walnut, garlic, oregano, and wormwood are commonly used as part of a parasite cleansing protocol. Additional support includes providing nutrients to address any deficiencies, taking probiotics to promote a healthy microbiome balance, and taking targeted supplements to support digestive function, liver health, and GI tissue repair.
Village Green Apothecary’s team of nutrition experts is here to answer your health questions about parasites and gut health and provide you with personalized guidance. Feel free to call us, send us an email, come in and visit, or schedule an appointment to receive one-on-one support.
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Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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