Why you should think twice before a parasite cleanse
If you have been anywhere on social media lately you may have seen recommendations for using certain herbs to do a “parasite cleanse”.
According to the internet, herbs like oregano oil, berberine, wormwood and clove can supposedly get rid of parasites and fix everything from bloating to brain fog.
Sounds tempting, right?
Sometimes parasites really are part of the picture, but often they aren't.
It’s true though, when you are feeling like crap and you come accross a post claiming that a parasite cleanse can fix your:
bloating
sluggishness
constipation
fatigue
acne, eczema
brain fog
constant sickness
…the list goes on
Then naturally of course you are going to think “This is me, I have a parasite!” and the fact is for some people this will be true, but for majority of people it won’t be. So here are some things you need to know before jumping into a parasite cleanse.
First, do you really have a parasite?
Maybe you do, but probably not in the way social media is telling you.
Parasites like Blastocystis hominis can actually form part of a healthy microbiome and they are very common. I often see them on functional microbiome testing I do in clinic but they are usually in very very low levels.
The question is not “are they there”, it is “are they causing problems?” Context matters. The levels present, your symptoms, your history and the rest of your microbiome all help determine whether something needs treatment.
Chasing after parasites like this can do you more harm than good as the herbs used for a parasite cleanse are non-selective (more on that below). To know for sure if you have a parasite that needs to be reduced it is best to get a functional stool test.
Watch what herbs you use!
If you are hell bent on doing a parasite cleanse then the it’s important to pick the right herbs. Popular herbs used are wormwood, black walnut, oil of oregano and clove but these herbs are non-selective antimicrobials, meaning they don’t just target potentially harmful bacteria but also target your beneficial bacteria and therefore can leave your microbiota depleted and more vulnerable over time. This vulnerability leaves you more susceptible to parasites or even worse pathogenic bacteria or SIBO in future.
But I have all the symptoms what else could be going on?
If you have been following me for a while you will know my view is, the gut is the centre of everything.
If your gut is off, you'll feel off.
If your gut is inflamed, you'll feel inflamed.
If your gut is working overtime every day, you'll probably feel exhausted.
So yes, there probably is something wrong with your gut that is contributing to the symptoms you are feeling. But is it as simple as completing a parasite cleanse? Or, is it something deeper than that. Some other things that might be happening are:
not enough beneficial bacteria. Imagine how much worse it will be when you get rid of even more by doing a parasite cleanse :(
your gut lining is inflamed or unhappy. When your gut lining is already irritated, adding strong antimicrobial herbs can sometimes act like scrubbing sunburn. It doesn't address why the inflammation is there and may leave your gut feeling even more irritated.
poor diet or lifestyle habits
chronic stress reducing your digestive capacity and altering your motility
hormonal changes (hello peri!) changing your gut landscape
What else can I do?
There are plenty of ways to support your gut health without compromising your beneficial bacteria.
Rebalancing the microbiota is not just about clearing out, it’s also about building up.
Nourishing the microbiota with targeted prebiotics and probiotics, eating diverse plant foods, and supporting digestion sets the foundation for long-term health. Addressing the cause of why you are feeling the way you are is also important, eg if you are feeling awful because you are actually inflamed adding in harsh herbs like oil of oregano is not going help and in fact it may make it worse.
Every gut is different, which is why I don't believe in one-size-fits-all protocols.
Some people benefit from testing, while others don't need it at all.
My job is to work out what's most likely driving your symptoms and create a treatment plan that actually makes sense for you.
If you'd like to know whether naturopathy might be the right fit, I offer a free discovery call where we can chat about the process and answer any questions you have. (Please note that individual health advice isn't provided during this call.)
Lisa x
Book a gut health consultation to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms and start feeling comfortable in your body again.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual medical or naturopathic advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplements.
