Hidden Guests: Parasite Cleansing for Whole Body Health
Parasites. Nearly everyone is exposed to them at some point. Whether we like it or not, our bodies can play host to a wide variety of these hidden guests.
What IS a Parasite?
A parasite is defined as “a living organism that lives on or inside another living thing, called a host, and gets food and/or safety from it while harming the host. There are three main types of parasites.
Protozoa - These are tiny one-celled organisms that can live and multiply within the body. These are some of the most common parasites for people living in the United States to contract. They include amoebas, flagellates, and sporozoa.
Helminths - Helminths are multicellular worms, often visible to the naked eye when they are adults. They often live in the gastrointestinal tract. They include roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.
Ectoparasites - These live on or attach to the outside of the host and burrow into the skin. Lice, fleas, mites, and ticks are all considered ectoparasites.
Effects of Parasites
People with strong digestive and immune systems are often able to keep parasites in check and prevent them from taking hold. For others, parasites can cause unpleasant symptoms and serious health issues for years.
Common symptoms of parasitic infection include:
Chronic diarrhea
Abdominal pain and cramping
Persistent bloating and gas
Constant fatigue due to nutrient depletion
Anemia with a low red blood cell count caused by blood-feeding worms
Unexplained weight changes
Changes in appetite - always feeling hungry
Itchy skin or rashes
Muscle and joint aches due to the inflammation caused when parasites settle into tissues
Sleep disturbances
Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Headaches or brain fog due to systemic inflammation
Mood swings or anxiety caused by a disruption in neurotransmitter production
Constant sickness or infection because the parasites are weakening the immune system
Who is Susceptible to Parasites?
While most people are exposed to parasites of one kind or another throughout their lifetime, some people seem to be more susceptible to chronic or long-term issues. Some of the factors that can make people more likely to have more serious symptoms or chronic issues include:
Low stomach acid/poor digestion. Strong stomach acid helps to kill parasites off before they can take hold in the rest of the digestive tract. Weak stomach acid may allow organisms to survive and take hold.
Weak immune system. An immune system that is already weak or overloaded may not be able to deal with parasites efficiently.
Being generally overtaxed, run down, or overtired. An exhausted body doesn’t have the energy or resources to fight off parasites.
Nutritional deficiencies, especially mineral depletions or imbalances. Minerals are like the spark plugs of the body, involved in myriads of reactions and processes. When the body is low on minerals, everything from digestion to immunity suffers, making the body more vulnerable to parasites.
Mental, emotional, or energetic imbalances. Beliefs, thoughts, and feelings can all have a parasitic quality to them if they are not intentionally noticed, processed, and released. False beliefs or negative thought patterns can have a physiological effect on the entire body, suppressing digestion and immunity and causing hormone imbalances. Mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic imbalances make the body generally more susceptible to all types of infection, including the parasitic variety.
How to Prevent or Clear Parasites
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with parasites, but there are a few principles that apply across the board.
Make sure your body has appropriate nutritional support before doing a parasite cleanse. Remineralizing the body in a balanced way is especially important.
Prepare the body by taking steps to ensure that the pathways of elimination and detoxification are open.
Allow yourself adequate rest and sleep.
Do some mental and emotional clearing before and during the process. This will help you create a strong energetic barrier to keep parasites at bay and/or kick them to the curb.
Take steps to support your digestive and immune systems.
Work with a knowledgeable practitioner to determine what foods, nutrients, herbs, homeopathic remedies, etc. are the right fit for you. It is also important to determine dosages and a schedule to ensure a safe, gentle, and effective parasite cleanse.
Wondering if parasites are affecting your health? Contact Sage Wellness Center today or attend the upcoming workshop, Hidden Guests: Parasite Cleansing for Whole Body Health on Friday, August 21st, at 6:30 p.m. Call 406-560-0662 with questions or to RSVP.