Parasites in your gut. It sounds like something that only happens when you've been on a faraway trip or eaten raw fish. But did you know that intestinal parasites are much more common than you think, even if you have no symptoms at all? Or rather, if you don't recognize the symptoms as such. Fatigue, skin problems, a bloated belly or fluctuating stools can all be signs of unwanted guests in your intestines.
In this blog, you will read what the symptoms of intestinal parasites are, how to detect them and how to help your body get rid of them again.
What are intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are microorganisms such as worms, single-celled protozoa or larvae that live in your intestines where they "hitch a ride" on your food and energy. They can rob away nutrients, secrete waste products and cause inflammation in the intestinal wall. Not everyone gets symptoms of this immediately, but with prolonged exposure it can affect your digestion and overall health considerably.
Common intestinal parasites include:
- Giardia lamblia
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Blastocystis hominis
- Worms such as arthropods or tapeworms
How do you get infected?
You can become infected with a parasite in many ways:
- By drinking contaminated water (including tap water abroad)
- Through poorly washed fruits or vegetables
- Through contact with animals or their feces
- Touching contaminated toilets or door handles (and not washing your hands afterwards)
- Through sexual contact
So you really don't have to have been in the jungle to contract a parasite - it can even happen in your own kitchen.
Symptoms of a parasitic infection
The symptoms that parasites cause are often vague or similar to other conditions. For example:
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Flatulence or rumbling bowels
- Diarrhea or just constipation
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Sleeping problems
- Itching of the anus (especially at night)
- Skin complaints such as eczema or rashes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Strong cravings, especially for sweets
Because these symptoms can also fit PDS or food intolerances, the presence of a parasite is often overlooked.
How do you know if you have a parasite?
The only reliable way to determine if you have a parasite is to do a comprehensive stool analysis. A standard test often only looks at a few known parasites. But with a comprehensive bowel test, it looks much more broadly: including lesser-known parasites as well as the overall health of your gut microbiome.
How do you get rid of a parasite?
A natural approach takes time, but for many people is gentler and more effective in the long run than antibiotics. Here are the key steps:
1. Treat the whole family
Parasites are contagious. If you have them, chances are your roommates or family members are also infected - even if they have no symptoms. To avoid reinfecting each other, it is wise to test the whole family and co-treat if necessary.
2. Attenuate the parasite with your diet
Parasites love sugars, starches and highly processed foods. By avoiding these foods, you make their habitat less attractive. Instead, eat plenty of fiber (vegetables, seeds, psyllium) and zinc-rich foods (fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds and eggs).
3. Use targeted herbal extracts
There are powerful natural remedies used specifically against parasites, such as:
- Black walnut
- Oregano oil
- Garlic extract
However, always have a therapist guide you in this - improper or overuse can also affect your intestinal flora.
4. Support your liver and intestines
Cleaning up parasites releases waste products that your body needs to get rid of. So make sure your liver is functioning properly (consider bitter substances such as milk thistle and artichoke) and your gut is functioning properly (plenty of fiber and hydration).
5. Restore your gut flora
After a parasitic load, your microbiome is often out of balance. Supplement this with quality pre- and probiotics, preferably tailored to your personal gut health. Foods containing fermented products such as sauerkraut or kefir also help rebuild good bacteria.
6. Avoid recontamination
Clean your home thoroughly, including doorknobs, faucets and toys. Wash your hands regularly, at least after every toilet visit and before eating. Clean bedding and towels at high temperature and wash your fruits and vegetables well before putting them in your mouth.
Summary
Parasites are not just a problem on tropical vacations - they are more common than you think, even in everyday life. Do you have vague symptoms such as fatigue, intestinal problems or skin rashes that just won't go away? Then a parasite may be playing a role unnoticed. With a good test you can get clarity on this. Through targeted nutrition, herbs and supplementation, you can help your body get rid of a parasite. After that, it's important to prevent reinfection.
Want to know how your gut is doing? Then request our comprehensive colon examination and get insight into what your body needs.
