When you think of parasites, what do you think of? Most people picture developing third-world countries or areas where medical technology isn’t as advanced.
According to the CDC, though, parasites are alive and thriving in the United States and the danger is that many people may not even know it! A parasite cleanse might be a good idea for anyone concerned about potential disease and infection related to these organisms.
Thankfully, years of experience have led people to find natural ways to cleanse their bodies of these nutrient-feeding parasites. Today, we’ll take a look at some safe methods that you can do yourself at home.
What are Parasites?
Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism (called the host) and feed off of them in one way or another. They may absorb nutrients from the host, which can negatively affect the wellbeing of the host over time.
At some point in your life, you may have heard of ringworms or ticks. These are excellent and common examples of parasites, although many others exist – some more dangerous than others.
Natural Parasite Cleanse Methods
Parasitic worms and other organisms are not a new problem. Our knowledge and understanding of parasites date back to antiquity, and with that comes a wealth of knowledge about how to combat them.
Here are a few safe methods worth working into your routines.
1. The Goat Milk Cleanse
According to Dr. Linda Lancaster, a naturopathic physician, drinking goats milk exclusively for a short amount of time is the oldest and best parasite cleanse.
Lancaster bases this belief on evidence from a community in biblical times that used milk baths to coax human worms out. The worms would come out to feed on the milk, thus removing them from the host.
The logic goes that a strict goats milk diet for about a week might help.
2. The Fundamental Oil Cleanse
If you’re wondering how to get rid of parasites, another option is to use fundamental oils.
Everything from oregano to tea tree oil and beyond can be (and have been) used for parasite detox. Many of these oils can be lethal to parasites, especially the eggs that may lay dormant on your skin or lined in your gut.
This post goes in depth on the various fundamental oil options, what they do and how they’re effective in a parasite cleanse. You can use some for skin care while using others in cooking as a dietary supplement.
3. Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions, and especially garlic, have natural anti-parasitic effects. Using these is a great way to weaken the parasites already in your body before a parasite cleanse.
You could use them in your meals or take a garlic supplement with your meals.
4. High-Fiber Diet
The right supplements or oils may kill off or weaken the parasites in your body, but it’s still not enough. You need to rid your body of these parasitic worms, and a diet can help greatly.
A high-fiber diet (something like a paleo diet) is important.
There may be many forms of parasites that affect your body in different ways, but parasites thrive in your gut. These parasites can sometimes disrupt your digestive tract and immune system.
This is why it’s so important to make sure you stick to a high-fiber diet regardless of whether you’re attempting a parasite “cleanse” or not. High-fiber diets keep your bowel movements healthy and normal, which can help improve your gut health naturally.
In general, it’s important to avoid processed foods. Stick to whole foods.
5. Colon Cleanses
Keeping your bowel movements healthy and regular through proper diet is one of the best ways to get rid of parasites, but colon cleanses can help too.
A professional can perform your colon cleanse, or you can do it at home. Professional colonoscopies might be overkill for you unless you’re dealing with a serious illness or preparing for surgery.
Enemas, juice fasts, and laxatives are all colon cleanses you can do at home. These methods will flush the waste out of your colon that isn’t normally removed through regular bowel movements.
What are the Symptoms of Parasites?
Maybe you’re interested in finding out how to get rid of parasites but you’re not sure if you have them.
As we said before, many parasites can thrive in your body and go undetected for long periods of time. You may show no symptoms whatsoever, which is why it’s always important to discuss these things with a professional just in case.
With that said, if you are experiencing symptoms like the following, you’ll want to look into some cleanses.
1. Digestive Symptoms
You may experience a number of digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome, excessive gas, and bloating. There could be many reasons you’re experiencing these symptoms, but if you suspect a parasitic cause, you should start a cleanse immediately.
2. Rashes and Skin Issues
Parasitic worms often show up in or on the skin. They may appear as rashes or flare-ups because they are fighting against the body’s natural defenses.
3. Fatigue and Exhaustion
Again, there may be a number of reasons why you experience fatigue. Maybe you only need to exercise a little more.
If you experience a lot of fatigue and exhaustion, it could be due to a parasite (or parasites) feeding off your nutrients. That lack of energy can lead to other issues, including stress, anger, and a general “foggy mind.”
A parasite cleanse might be necessary to get your energy levels up again.
You Don’t Need to Put Up With Parasites
Parasites are more prevalent in modern, first-world regions than you think. Everything from ringworms to ticks to more dangerous parasites can infect you in various ways, leading to no symptoms whatsoever or diseases.
A parasite cleanse is an excellent way to remove them entirely, or at least weaken them. In some cases, a doctor or dietary professional may be able to give you a detailed plan for a cleanse if your case is unique.
For the rest of us, there are tried-and-true homeopathic remedies that can help rid you of these harmful leeches. Check out our blog for more information on possible causes of the symptoms listed above.