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leahjoiner

PARASITES AND YOUR HEALTH

Updated: Jul 31, 2023



20 years ago when I started in this field, I only knew the word parasites connected with gut issues arising from travelers to foreign lands. Holistically, there were other gut issues that were more important like, IBS, Constipation or Candida at that time.


Now, it’s a conversation I have every day with at least one client. We are at a level of gdysbiosis that is at critical mass. I am being referred to from Holistic/Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Doctors to assist their patients with lab affirmed parasitic infections almost daily.


The word Parasite comes from the Greek word, “Para” meaning beside and “Sites” meaning food. It is defined as “an animal or plant that lives on or in another organism from which it obtains nourishment.” We can get them through food, water, vectors, sexual contact, nose or the skin. Of course the most prominent way to get an invader is through international travel where our gut bacteria cannot process foreign microbes and we begin to have symptoms of infestation, which can include: constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating IBS, joint and muscle aches, anemia, acne, allergies, skin issues, granulomas, nervousness, sleep disturbances, teeth grinding, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction.

Whew, that’s a lot of symptoms. In all reality, parasitic infection should be considered if you have no other reason to have these health issues or symptoms. My practice is now full of clients with these issues and instructed by their doctors to do a parasite cleanse.


So, what’s happening to us?


In our usual, healthy state, we have high Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach, high enzymes in the small intestines and lots of good bacteria in the large intestine keeping everything in check and critters at bay. In the reality of our times, we have low stomach acid because we are eating quickly and sporadically, low enzymes from processed foods and little to no good bacteria in the large intestine because of the lack of replenishing microbes and stress that lowers the immune system function.

Here’s my perspective about what is happening to our guts…


Because I see beautiful, conscious and healthy people, eating well, exercising and taking care of themselves, I must assume that it’s what we are eating that is making us vulnerable to parasites. A diagnosis of Parasites is often is paired with other issues such as SIBO or Leaky Gut which leaves us open to outside microbes.

Could the fact that we are eating GMO foods (unknowingly because there are no labeling laws) and chemicals like Glysophate (known to disrupt normal gut function) that is standard in this Country be disrupting our overall health?


My belief is that we, as a Nation, have low-grade inflammation in the gut, impaired microbe population, gut infections, and permeability, making our intestines available to parasites.


What to do if you suspect you may have parasites…

  • Get tested with your doctor or order a stool test online

  • Start a parasite cleanse that includes wormwood, black walnut hull, clove, etc. (I’ve been doing my Parasite Cleanse for years and think it is excellent. Here is the product I use. Scroll down to the product section..)

  • Eat a clove of garlic everyday as well as raw pumpkin seeds and papaya seeds (swallow whole with water)

  • Stop taking probiotics and eat an alkaline diet

A herbal Parasite cleanse will have the person on herbs for 15 days and then break for 5 and finish with another round of 15 days. Try and get your colonic during the 5 days off (when eggs are hatching) and then another at the end. Watch for changes in your stool as you may see dramatic material passed from the herbs.


I cannot diagnose or determine if you have parasites. Most species are microscopic but can still do damage if left to proliferate. So, if you suspect that something is “off” get it checked out and get on a cleanse sooner than later.


Let me know if you have any questions. I’m fascinated about this subject and have an amazing Parasite cleanse that is gentle, yet effective.


If you will be traveling over the holidays, take a supplement of HCL when eating suspicious foods – it will help destroy anything in the stomach before it gets deeper in the body.


Blessings! Hope to see you soon.

Interested in booking a colonic now? Schedule here.




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