Parasites of the Digestive Tract
Updated Jun. 07th, 2023
Parasitic infections in the gastro-intestinal tract are common. Eighty percent of North Americans harbour one or more parasites. It is so wide-spread because of international travel, immigration, contamination of the water and food supply, use of daycare centres, household pets, antibiotic use and chemical contamination. Giardia and pinworms are the two most common intestinal parasites.
Intestinal parasites cause illness by competing with the host for nutrients and secreting waste products that cause allergic and autoimmune reactions.
Parasitic infections in the digestive tract can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms look similar to other abdominal illnesses. Common symptoms include appetite changes, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea and stool changes. Dehydration may occur due to the diarrhea. If the infection is long-term weight loss, malnourishment and chronic digestive problems manifest.
Conventional treatment involves the use of anti-parasitic medication. This usually takes care of the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if friendly bacteria are not replaced.
The best way to prevent parasites from entering your body is to practice good hygiene. Before eating and during food preparation, it’s important to wash your hands with soap. Always wash your hands following a trip to the bathroom. When cooking meat, use a meat thermometer to be sure your meat has reached the appropriate temperature. Commercial pork is the most contaminated meat followed by beef, chicken, lamb and fish. One way to ensure adequate cleansing of produce is to soak them for 15 minutes in diluted apple cider vinegar at a ratio of 1tbsp of vinegar to one gallon of water.
The best way to prevent parasitic infections is to have a healthy immune system and good digestive environment. Take extra precautions while traveling and camping. Ensure that the water supply is safe or use water bottles with built-in filtration systems.
Avoid foods that stimulate parasite growth such as gluten containing grains, dairy products, eggs, artificial sweeteners, food additives, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, soft drinks, peanuts and cashews. Eat foods that are high in carotenes like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, squash, kale and cantaloupe.
Eat foods that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C like citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, melons and brussel sprouts. Rice products and blueberries help to stop diarrhea.
Well-cooked lamb, poultry and fish are high in protein and help to heal the intestine. Foods that kill parasites are garlic, raw pumpkin seeds, fresh coconut, papaya and papaya seeds.
Parasites undergo larval and adult phases that coordinate with the moon cycle. The most effective time to start treatment is a few days before the full moon. Ensure that the treatment continues through several cycles in order to make sure all of the organisms are destroyed.
I found this article to be very helpful. I have been suffering gut issues for a decade - I tried everything but most things did nothing or made it worse (especially anything alkaline or fermented). I now know I have low stomach acid and that's what allowed parasites to set up shop in my guts.
I started adding Thornes Betaine HCL to each meal and have seen a huge improvement in digestion, which in turn has helped my anemia improve greatly. I also just started adding citric acid powder to my drinking water and my bloating and gut pain is gone. The tide has turned and the parasites are no longer winning!
For me, acid was the answer.
Hello Don,
Thank you for enjoying our article and sharing your concerns and remedies. Gut health is extremely important because when it's out of sorts, the rest of our body doesn't function optimally and the gut takes up most of our energy. We are much healthier when it's in proper order. We're glad to hear supplements have worked for you and you are well underway to repairing your digestive health. L-Glutamine is another nice supplement to help repair the gut lining when you get to that part.
Have a healthy day!
Parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract are common. I read eighty per cent of North Americans harbour one or more parasites. It is so widespread because of international travel, immigration, and contamination.
Hello Christina,
We're happy you found our article on parasites, most of the time people aren't aware they have contracted them and those that eat. a lot of raw fish are at higher risk. Glad you could learn more about this health concern, if you'd like to learn more, check out our informative youtube channel as well:
https://www.youtube.com/user/NTLnutrition
Very helpful article- i started using spirulina and chorella in my smoothies every day- i also add flaxseed - i no longer have brain fog and i think very clearly now- i have fibro - my energy levels are so much better- parasitic infection cause mitochrondrial dysfunction that often leads to brain fog, and fatigue- i only use a teaspoon a day of chorella and spirulina cant wait to see what more wil do also my reflux is gone - my headaches also improved- my father with severe alzheimers now- it has been shown to possibly be parasitic infection that travels in brain- a study was done on multiple sclerosis patients and postmortem autopsies showed they had parasite eggs in the brain that was mistaken as brain lesions on mri-
Hello, Simone,
Thank you for your comment, we're glad you enjoyed the information in this article. Parasites are a pesky health concern which can cause many disruptions in your overall health. Unfortunately, they can often go undetected. Thank you for sharing what's worked for you and helped you eliminate parasites. If you'd like to learn more about spirulina, have a look at this articles as well:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/spirulina/
Have a healthy day!
How do you get rid of encased parasites that are deposited throughout the body? is something stronger like ivermectin etc needed or can natural cures kill this- i have heard through a physician talking about this that when you kill the live parasites , the other ones dormant start hatching and being released- i for one want to get rid of all mine if possible- i have multiple autoimmune issues, celiac disease, fibromyalgia and joint pain and brain fog and fatigue
Hello, Simone,
Thank you for your question. Many people have taken a parasite cleanse kit and have had successful results after a few rounds. Generally in the beginning you would need to take multiple rounds than you can do maintenance rounds after that. But it's always advised to follow directions on the manufacturer's label as every formulation is different. You can find some high-quality cleanses here:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/detox-supplements/parasite-cleanse.html
Stay healthy & well!
This is a helpful article. We treat our parasites annually with some of the herbs mentioned above. We treat everyone in the family at once as well as pets and then use things like raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, and spirulina around the full moon to help keep the parasite load down throughout the year.
Hello, Sheila,
Thank you for sharing. That's a great protocol to keep on top of parasite and overall cleansing. In many countries that consume more raw fish and meat, they do parasite cleanses often too. We're glad you enjoyed reading our article. If you'd like to learn more about the specific herbs, you can find more info on supplements here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/