Parasites: The Overlooked Gut Issue We Should Understand
Updated: Oct 15
Could a Parasite Be Affecting Your Gut Health?
The word parasite tends to get an immediate reaction. For some people, it creates fear. For others, it leads straight to a parasite cleanse they found online. But the truth is more nuanced.
Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism and use that host for survival. Human intestinal parasites include protozoa such as Giardia and Entamoeba, as well as worms such as pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Some infections cause dramatic symptoms. Others are mild, intermittent, or even asymptomatic.
That is why we prefer to follow symptoms analysis, test when we can, understand the entire gut environment, and then treat what is actually present.
How Do People Get Parasites?
Parasites can be acquired through several routes, including:
Contaminated food or water
Raw or undercooked meat or fish
Unwashed produce
International travel
Exposure to untreated water (check well water)
Contact with infected people
Contact with certain animals
Contaminated soil
Poor sanitation environments
Travel to areas with inadequate sanitation can increase risk, but you do not have to travel internationally to acquire every type of parasite. Some parasites spread very easily within households. Pinworm is a classic example, especially in homes with young children.
Others are much more closely related to geography, freshwater exposure, or particular foods.
Symptoms That Can Occur With Intestinal Parasites
One reason parasites can be difficult to recognize is that symptoms overlap with many other gut problems.
Possible symptoms include:
Digestive Symptoms
Gas
Bloating
Abdominal pain or cramping
Anal itching
Diarrhea
Constipation
Loose or unusually shaped stools
Nausea
Changes in appetite (or up a down)
Unexplained weight loss
Blood or mucus in stool
Sudden food sensitivities
Other Possible Clues
Depending on the parasite and the individual, people may also experience:
Fatigue
Nutrient deficiencies
Anemia
Skin rashes (itchy skin)
Dark circles under the eyes
Insomnia
Frequent waking at night (usually between 2-3am)
Nightmares
Genital itching
Weakness
Brain fog
Reduced appetite or unusual hunger
Sugar cravings
Malaise
Immune stress
Symptoms can vary tremendously depending on the organism, the burden of infection, where it resides, and the person's immune system.
When to Look Deeper:
If you have:
Tumors
Swollen lymph nodes
Endometriosis
Diabetes
IBS/IBD
PCOS
Fibroids
Fibromyalgia
Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Eczema/Psoriasis
Multiple Sclerosis
Lupus
ADHD/Anxiety/Depression
Autism
SIBO
Fatty Liver
It might be helpful to connect or do a stool test.
A Note About Anal Itching
Persistent nighttime anal itching is one of the symptoms that makes us think more specifically about pinworm, especially in children.
But anal itching can also come from:
Hemorrhoids
Yeast
Dermatitis
Stool irritation
Hygiene products
Local inflammation
So again, one symptom does not make a diagnosis.
Can Parasites Cause Chronic Disease?
Certain chronic parasitic infections can cause serious long-term complications.
For example:
Schistosomiasis
Chronic Schistosoma infection can cause:
Intestinal inflammation
Urinary bleeding
Bladder and ureter damage
Kidney damage
Liver disease
Fibrosis
Infertility
In women, urogenital schistosomiasis can also cause genital lesions, vaginal bleeding, pain with intercourse, and other pelvic complications.
Certain Parasites and Cancer
This is not just speculation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies:
Schistosoma haematobium infection as carcinogenic to humans
Opisthorchis viverrini infection as carcinogenic to humans
Clonorchis sinensis infection as carcinogenic to humans
Schistosoma haematobium is associated particularly with bladder cancer, while chronic liver-fluke infection with Opisthorchis or Clonorchis can cause cholangiocarcinoma, or bile-duct cancer.
That does not mean that having an intestinal parasite means someone is destined to develop cancer. These are specific parasite-disease relationships involving chronic infection, geography, exposure, duration, and other factors.
Parasites, Nutrient Deficiencies, and Fatigue
One way parasites can affect the body over time is through:
Malabsorption
Blood loss
Reduced nutrient intake
Chronic intestinal inflammation
Certain infections can contribute to:
Iron deficiency
B12 levels
Anemia
Weight loss
Poor growth in children
Protein-energy malnutrition
Fatigue
For example, WHO notes that chronic schistosomiasis in children can contribute to anemia, stunting, and impaired learning. This is why unexplained anemia, weight loss, persistent diarrhea, or poor growth deserves a proper investigation.
The Gut Microbiome Matters Too
One of the most important things that is often missed in the parasite conversation is this:
The gut is an ecosystem.
We also want to ask:
Is there enough beneficial bacteria?
Is the intestinal lining healthy?
Is secretory IgA (your gut immune system) adequate?
Is there excessive inflammation?
Is digestion working properly?
Is bowel motility adequate?
Is the person nourished enough to recover?
Probiotics, digestive support and microbiome support have a big role in healing.
This is why at Purely Rooted we generally think in phases:
Identify
Support
Target
Rebuild
rather than simply: Kill everything.
Should Everyone Do a Parasite Cleanse?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the biggest messages I want people to understand. There are many parasite-cleansing products sold online containing combinations such as:
Wormwood
Black walnut
Clove
Oregano
Berberine
Grapefruit seed extract
Neem
Olive leaf
Artemisia
Many of these plants DO show antiparasitic activity in laboratory or animal research.
However, looking at the whole is very important - being mindful of symptoms and supporting your body with superfoods daily is just as important.
Some of these herbs can also be quite potent. That is especially important for:
Children
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
People with liver disease
People with seizure disorders
People taking anticoagulants
People taking multiple medications
A parasite cleanse is not automatically harmless because it is natural.
How To Test for Parasites?
Testing depends on the suspected organism.
Options can include:
Stool ova-and-parasite testing
PCR stool testing
Antigen testing
Blood testing for selected parasites
Urine testing for certain organisms
Imaging in unusual cases
A comprehensive stool test can helpful because it provides information not only about parasites but also about:
Beneficial bacteria
Opportunistic organisms
Yeast
Digestive markers
Inflammatory markers
Intestinal immune function
However, no test can detect every parasite perfectly. Exposure history and symptoms always matter too.
Natural Foods That May Support an Antiparasitic Environment
Food should be viewed as support, not a guaranteed deworming medication. Some foods commonly studied or traditionally used include:
Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur compounds such as allicin and has antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity in laboratory research. Use it generously in:
Soups
Sauces
Roasted vegetables
Dressings
Meat dishes
If raw garlic causes reflux or bloating, cooked garlic is still a nutritious food.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain compounds that have been investigated for activity against certain worms and are also excellent sources of:
Zinc
Magnesium
Protein
Healthy fats
Fiber
They are a great food regardless of whether a parasite is present.
Papaya
Papaya and particularly papaya seeds have been researched for potential antiparasitic effects. Papaya itself is also an excellent source of:
Vitamin C
Polyphenols
Fiber
Digestive enzymes
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols and has a long history of traditional use. Regardless of antiparasitic claims, it is a wonderful gut-supportive food because it provides:
Polyphenols
Antioxidants
Microbiome-supportive compounds
Onions
Like garlic, onions provide sulfur compounds and prebiotic fibers. They are particularly helpful for feeding beneficial gut bacteria when tolerated.
Ginger
Ginger can help support:
Digestion
Nausea
Motility
Inflammatory balance
Berries
Berries provide polyphenols that support:
Gut microbial diversity
Intestinal-barrier health
Antioxidant defenses
Flax and Chia
These provide soluble and fermentable fibers that can support:
Bowel regularity
Beneficial bacteria
Short-chain fatty-acid production
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has traditionally been used for both digestive and metabolic support.
It contains plant compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity in preliminary research, while also being studied for its effects on blood sugar handling.
It can be:
Cooked into stir-fries
Added to soups
Used as a tea
Taken in concentrated supplemental forms
Because bitter melon can lower blood sugar, concentrated products should be used cautiously in people taking glucose-lowering medications.
Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees that contains numerous:
Polyphenols
Flavonoids
Antioxidant compounds
It has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and certain parasites in laboratory research.
Propolis is most commonly used as:
Tincture
Extract
Capsule
Throat/oral-health product
It should be avoided by people with significant allergies to bee products.
Clove
Clove contains eugenol, a plant compound with antimicrobial activity. Clove has traditionally been included in parasite protocols and has demonstrated activity against certain parasites in laboratory research.
Use it as a food through:
Tea
Oatmeal
Chai
Curries
Stews
Baked foods
Spice blends
Concentrated clove oil is very different from culinary clove and should not be taken internally without appropriate guidance.
Coconut + Coconut Oil
Coconut provides medium-chain fatty acids, including:
Lauric acid
Caprylic acid
which have antimicrobial properties.
Coconut oil can be incorporated into the diet through:
Cooking
Smoothies
Coconut-based sauces
Coconut yogurt
Curry dishes
It can be a useful supportive food, particularly when we are also trying to reduce highly processed fats. That said, coconut oil should be viewed as supportive rather than a proven treatment for a confirmed parasite infection.
Oregano
Oregano contains potent plant compounds including:
Carvacrol
Thymol
which have demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity in laboratory research.
Culinary oregano can be used liberally in:
Meat dishes
Soups
Tomato sauce
Roasted vegetables
Salad dressings
Mediterranean dishes
Oregano oil is much more concentrated and should be treated as an antimicrobial supplement rather than simply a food.
Foods to Focus on During Gut Recovery
Whether someone has a parasite, bacterial dysbiosis, or simply a stressed microbiome, a good foundation usually includes:
Protein
Eggs
Fish
Chicken
Turkey
Grass-fed beef
Bison
Venison
Lentils
Beans
Colorful Plants
Berries
Pomegranate
Greens
Cruciferous vegetables
Squash
Carrots
Herbs
Gut-Supportive Fibers
Ground flax
Chia
Oats (if tolerated)
Beans
Lentils
Artichokes
Asparagus
Apples
Healthy Fats
Extra-virgin olive oil
Avocado
Walnuts
Pumpkin seeds
Fatty fish
Hydration
Adequate water is especially important if diarrhea or constipation is present.
What About Sugar?
Reducing large amounts of:
Added sugar
Soda
Candy
Refined flour
Ultra-processed foods
is sensible during any gut-rebalancing protocol. Bacterial overgrowth and parasites feed on sugar.
The goal should always be:
Whole-food carbohydrates instead of refined sugar.
Natural Antimicrobial Options
Depending on the organism and the individual, a botanical compound or blend may be considered such as:
Berberine
Berberine has antimicrobial activity and has been investigated for certain protozoal infections.
Garlic
Useful as both food and a concentrated botanical in selected circumstances.
Oregano
Potent antimicrobial support, but concentrated oregano oil can irritate the GI tract and should not be used casually for some people (acid reflux, heartburn).
Olive Leaf
Has broader antimicrobial activity and may be incorporated into individualized protocols.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Sometimes used in functional gut protocols, but formulations vary and potential medication interactions should be reviewed.
Wormwood / Artemisia
Traditionally used as an antiparasitic herb, but it is potent and is not appropriate for everyone - dosing is important. This is the number 1 remedy.
Black Walnut
Another traditional antiparasitic herb.
Clove
Often included in traditional parasite formulas, primarily because of laboratory antimicrobial activity.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) contains thymoquinone and other compounds with antimicrobial activity. It has been studied for antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects.
What About Probiotics?
Probiotics can be helpful for rebuilding the ecosystem, particularly after:
Antibiotics
Antiparasitic medication
Diarrheal illness
Antimicrobial protocols
They may also interact with parasites in ways that support intestinal defense.
But a probiotic is not a substitute for treatment of a confirmed parasite infection. Saccaromyces Boullardii is a common beneficial yeast/probiotic during treatment.
Supporting the Gut Lining
After an infection, we also need to think about recovery. Depending on the person, support may include:
Adequate protein
Omega-3 fats
Ground flax
Colorful polyphenols
Zinc-rich foods
Glutamine-containing foods or targeted supplementation when appropriate
Immunoglobulin support
Probiotics
Saccharomyces boulardii
Again, the goal is not simply:
Remove the parasite.
It is:
Restore a resilient gut environment afterward.
Bowel Regularity Matters
One very basic but important piece:
Keep the bowels moving.
Aim for regular, comfortable bowel movements through:
Hydration
Vegetables
Fruit
Ground flax
Chia
Kiwi
Beans/lentils if tolerated
Magnesium when appropriate
Daily movement
This supports the gut regardless of whether parasites are involved.
Do You Need a “Biofilm Buster”?
Some microorganisms do form biofilms, and compounds such as NAC are sometimes incorporated into functional protocols.
NAC is understood as:
A precursor to glutathione
An antioxidant
A mucus-modulating compound
A possible adjunct in selected microbial protocols
but it is also a wonderful 'biofilm buster' best taken on an empty stomach daily - even prior to starting anti-microbials.
What About “Die-Off”?
People often assume that feeling terrible after starting herbs means:
“It must be working.” However, that is not always true.
Headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, or dizziness can also mean:
The dose is too high
The herb is irritating
A medication interaction is occurring
Dehydration
The treatment is simply not appropriate
Sometimes the correct response is:
Stop and try another product or reduce the product.
When Natural Support Is Not Enough
Confirmed parasite infections sometimes require prescription medication. Natural methods are not always substitute for appropriate antiparasitic treatment when someone has a significant infection.
Seek prompt evaluation for:
Blood in the stool
Persistent or severe diarrhea
Fever
Repeated vomiting
Significant abdominal pain
Dehydration
Unexplained weight loss
Significant anemia
Visible worms or worm segments
Neurologic symptoms
Persistent symptoms after international travel
Our Functional Approach at Purely Rooted
At Purely Rooted Nutrition & Wellness, our goal is not to scare people into thinking everyone has parasites. And we do not believe that everyone needs a parasite cleanse.
Instead, we ask:
What symptoms are present?
What exposures make sense?
What does the gut testing actually show?
Is inflammation present?
Is the intestinal barrier compromised?
Are beneficial bacteria depleted?
Is digestion working properly?
Does the person need antimicrobial treatment, rebuilding, or both?
When appropriate, we may use comprehensive stool testing to help distinguish between:
Parasites
Bacterial dysbiosis
Yeast
Inflammation
Digestive insufficiency
Microbiome depletion
because the plan for each one is different.
The Bottom Line
Yes, parasites are real. They can cause anything from mild digestive symptoms to serious chronic disease. However, there is no reason to fear. We just need better information.
Test when appropriate.
Treat the organism that is actually present.
Support digestion and elimination.
Rebuild the microbiome.
Restore the gut barrier.
Nourish the immune system.
And most importantly:
Don't start an aggressive parasite cleanse simply because you have bloating, fatigue, or hormonal symptoms.
Those symptoms deserve investigation - not guessing. If you have persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained nutrient deficiencies, anal itching, chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, a concerning travel history, or other signs that raise suspicion for parasites, comprehensive gut testing may help determine what is actually going on and allow us to create a personalized plan.
Schedule your Free 15-Minute Consultation Today!
Sources & Further Reading
Cole, W. “The Best Foods That Kill Parasites in Humans: What to Eat.” Dr. Will Cole.
Berg, E. “Parasite Cleanse: Best Home Remedies That Work.” Dr. Berg.
https://www.drberg.com/blog/the-best-home-remedies-for-parasites
EBSCO CAM Review Board. “Natural Treatments for Intestinal Parasites.” EBSCO Research Starters: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2024.
Remedy’s Nutrition. “How to Treat Intestinal Parasites Naturally: 8 Evidence-Based Methods.”
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