The two main types of intestinal parasites are helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms with many cells. Tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms are among the most common helminths in North Americans. Protozoa have only one cell. They can multiply inside the human body, potentially leading to the development of various kinds of serious infections. In the U.S., the most common protozoa are giardia and cryptosporidium. Intestinal parasites are usually transmitted when someone comes in contact with infected feces (for example, through contaminated soil, food, or water).
Common Symptoms of a Parasite Infestation
Intestinal Problems – Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, burning sensation in the stomach, digestive problems, gas and bloating.
Fatigue – Chronic fatigue, weakness and lethargy
Weight and Appetite Issues – Parasites live undetected and rob the host of much-needed nutrients. Many persons with chronic infections of any kind will be nutrient-deficient. This can produce the urge to eat constantly and gain weight, while never feeling satisfied. Parasites can also cause their host to become underweight for the same reasons.
Sleep Problems – Examples include teeth-grinding, multiple nighttime awakenings, over-sleeping and insomnia.
Mood and Anxiety Problems – Mood swings, depression, forgetfulness, unclear thinking, anxiety and restlessness.
Muscle and Joint Pain – Pain in the back, thighs, shoulders, arthritic pain, muscle cramping, numbness in the limbs, heart pain, irregular heartbeat and pain near the belly button.
Blood Disorders – For example, anemia and hypoglycemia.
Sexual and Reproductive Problems– Menstrual pain and irregularities, cysts and fibroids, prostate problems, yeast infections and male impotence.
Skin Disorders and Allergies – Hives, sores, eczema, crawling sensations, itchy skin, dry skin, dry hair, hair loss, brittle hair, itchy nose and itchy anus.
Parasites can be easily treated with a variety of herbs. I made my own dewormer to deal with a very serious tapeworm, roundworm, fluke and ropeworm infestation. You can find my recipe here.
Blessings and Best of Health!
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giannac says
May 12, 2016 at 12:42 amHi Brenda
Curious to know whether you did any genetic testing or whether you treated issues like methylation, MTFHR and other snps? Also did you follow the Wahls diet while doing the cleanse or did you revert to juicing/smoothies during this time??
Great website and great info thanks!
Brenda Cosentino says
May 14, 2016 at 8:17 amI never tested for MTHFR but assumed that I had/have this. When I discovered about MTHFR I quit using synthetic supplements that might be causing a problem and began using whole food supplementation.
I was eating Paleo when I started the Protocols in May 2014. I was eating more protein and fat at that time. Five months into Buhner’s I started Wahls Paleo and the green smoothies. I felt better instantly. I haven’t juiced in years.
You are most welcome!
apk23 says
May 21, 2016 at 12:36 pmDo you have any info about the connection between MTHFR mutation and Lyme or parasites? I have the mutation and have been taking the 5-MTHF (from Extrafolate-S) from metabolic maintenance for a few years. I was diasnosed with Lyme and a parasite co-infection this week and am trying to learn as much as I can. Is there a connection between these things? Is taking the supplement bad? Or other supplementation? I am taking a plethora of supplements now and eating Auto-immune paleo (and have been in ketosis for one month). What ways can you supplement with whole foods for MTHF? Any clarification would be awesome. Thank you both!
Brenda Cosentino says
July 20, 2016 at 9:51 pmHi apk23 – i haven’t researched this enough. This is why I went off most of the synthetic supplements as many were not the right form in the event that I had this mutation. That was when I moved to wholefood supplementation. Real food has not presented a problem for me. I suspect that most of us with Lyme probably have this. I found that the Wahl’s Paleo Diet worked the best for me.
Blessings!
Ylinda says
June 19, 2016 at 6:16 amDear Brenda,
Since I started your dewormer protocol, my symptoms of peripheral neuropathy have immediately and greatly intensified. I am on this protocol for 2 weeks already, and so far I have seen mainly the tapeworm eggs in my stool.
The protocol (containing cascara sagrada) causes me to have loose stools most of the time and I am not sure if I am passing anything else, except for tapeworms.
Is this something you experienced too? Does it sound normal to you that my neuropathy flared?
Do you have any recommendations on how to ease the symptoms?
Many thanks,
Linda
Brenda Cosentino says
June 25, 2016 at 4:48 pmHi Linda – I had a whole variety of die-off symptoms. I’m not surprised with the increase in neuropathy. Toxins, poisons and chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy. When these pathogens die they release endotoxins that produce very tough symptoms. You can read the article on dealing with die-off. It might give you some ideas.
Blessings!