Could Parasites Be Negatively Affecting Your Health?
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Written by Heather Sunderland, Health Coach
Heather Sunderland is a board-certified functional health coach with a personal journey of recovering from 28 years of illness due to undiagnosed Lyme disease and mold toxicity. She founded Health Coaching by Heather, LLC and Navigating Mold & CIRS: Expert Insight for Practitioners Course.
Have you ever wondered if parasites could be the missing piece in your health struggles? When most people hear the word “parasites,” they think of extreme cases of people traveling to foreign countries or drinking contaminated water. But the truth is that parasites are far more common than you might think. They don’t just affect people in developing countries; they’re lurking in everyday environments, contaminated food, undercooked meat, unwashed produce, pets, and even public places.
We give our animals antiparasitic treatments regularly. As human beings, we should be periodically cleansing parasites as well. And even more so, those with chronic health conditions should be addressing parasites. If you have a pulse, you have parasites.
What are signs and symptoms that you are being affected by parasites?
Many people with chronic health issues unknowingly harbor parasites. They can silently wreak havoc on the body for years by increasing the toxic load and inflammation in the body. Unlike acute infections, parasites don’t always just cause obvious digestive symptoms. Instead, they can contribute to a host of possible symptoms:
Bloating, gas, or diarrhea: They release toxins that disrupt the gut balance.
Food cravings (especially sugar & carbs): Many parasites thrive on sugar and make you crave it.
Skin issues (rashes, eczema, acne): The body is trying to push out toxins through the skin.
Fatigue & brain fog: Parasites steal nutrients, depleting and exhausting you.
Teeth grinding & night sweats: These are common signs of parasite activity, especially at night.
Weakened immunity: Parasites can suppress immune function, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses like cancer.
How do you get parasites?
You don’t have to travel abroad to pick up parasites. Common sources include:
Eating sushi, undercooked meat, or unwashed produce
They are passed down in utero from your mother
Walking barefoot outside
Exposure to pets and farm animals
International travel or drinking contaminated water
Can come into the body through a tick bite
Why most doctors overlook parasites
Conventional testing often misses parasites because they have complex life cycles, and many stool tests fail to detect them. Unfortunately, this means many people continue suffering from symptoms without ever knowing the root cause.
What can you do?
If you suspect parasites might be impacting your health, here’s where to start:
Support your drainage pathways First: Before addressing parasites, ensure your liver, lymphatic system, and gut are functioning well so you can properly eliminate parasite die-off.
Incorporate natural anti-parasitic foods: Garlic, pumpkin seeds, and papaya seeds.
Learn to eat to starve parasites: Let go of processed foods and simple sugars. Instead, focus on whole fresh foods and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Are you ready to spring clean your system and rid your body of parasites? Click here to schedule an appointment.
Are you curious if parasites could be affecting you?
Take our parasite symptom quiz.
You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’ve been struggling with mystery symptoms, parasites could be the missing piece to your health journey!
Parasite symptom quiz
Instructions: Answer Yes or No to the following questions. Keep track of how many "Yes" answers you have.
Digestive symptoms
Do you experience frequent bloating, gas, or stomach pain?
Have you had unexplained diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel issues?
Do you have a history of food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea?
Have you noticed mucus in your stool or undigested food?
Neurological & sleep symptoms
Do you struggle with brain fog, poor concentration, or memory issues?
Do you frequently feel anxious or irritable or have mood swings?
Do you grind your teeth at night or experience restless sleep?
Do you experience night sweats or insomnia, especially around the full moon?
Immune & detox symptoms
Do you often feel fatigued, even after a good night’s sleep?
Do you get sick often or have a weak immune system?
Do you have unexplained skin issues (rashes, eczema, hives, or acne)?
Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
Food & cravings
Do you crave sugar, processed carbs, or junk food frequently?
Do you feel nauseous after eating fatty foods?
Do you have unexplained food sensitivities or intolerances?
Exposure risks
Have you eaten sushi, undercooked meat, or raw seafood regularly?
Do you own pets or have close contact with animals?
Have you traveled internationally or to rural areas?
Do you drink unfiltered tap water?
Do you frequently walk barefoot outside?
Do you have Lyme Disease, Mold Toxicity, Chronic inflammatory Response Syndrome, Cancer or an autoimmune disease?
Results
0-4 "Yes" Answers: Parasites may not be a concern, but keep an eye on symptoms.
5-9 "Yes" Answers: Mild risk parasites could be contributing to your symptoms.
10+ "Yes" Answers: High-risk parasites may be playing a significant role in your health issues.
What’s next?
Consider a parasite cleanse with proper drainage support.
Work with a practitioner to explore parasite protocols with us.
Hit reply and let us know if you would like additional help with parasites.
Are parasites holding you back from true healing?
If you're looking for more energy, clearer skin, better digestion, and improved immunity, addressing parasites could be a crucial step. Don’t wait to take action; schedule an assessment today to uncover what’s really going on and start your journey to a healthier, more vibrant you. Click here to book your assessment now!
Read more from Heather Sunderland
Heather Sunderland, Health Coach
Heather is a board-certified Functional Health Coach who restored her health from 22 years of undiagnosed Lyme, Mold Toxicity & CIRS using the Regenerative Approach.
Her passion lies in providing hope while addressing root issues, using food as medicine, alkalizing tissues, restoring the gut, addressing pathogens, and supporting detox so the body can return to vibrant health.
She founded Health Coaching by Heather, LLC, and Navigating Mold & CIRS: Expert Insight for Practitioners Course.
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