The Hidden Burden of Parasites: A Holistic Perspective

The word ‘parasites’ often leads to images of travel-related illnesses, unsanitary conditions, or perhaps the fleas and worms that plague our pets.

However, parasites are far more common than most people realise, and their effects can extend beyond the physical to impact our mental, emotional, and even energetic wellbeing.

Many people have no idea what they are playing host to! Learning that parasites could be a contributing factor to your (chronic) health concern can be enlightening and uplifting … and might even change your life!

Understanding the presence and impact of parasites is an essential step in taking charge of your health and lifting unseen burdens that may be holding you back.

What Are Parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host, feeding off its nutrients to survive.

They come in various forms, shapes and sizes, and include worms (such as round, tape, hook), protozoa, and microscopic organisms.

Parasites can inhabit different parts of our body, from the intestines, to the liver, our joints and muscles and even in our brain. They can be responsible for severe health problems.

Some parasites steal your nutrients, leaving you fatigued and hungry despite eating well. Others feed off red blood cells, causing anaemia.

While some are more harmful than others, all parasites place a burden on the body.

Common Types of Parasites:

• Worms – round, tape, pin, whip, hook
• Lice
• Mites (scabies)
• Giardia
• Bedbugs
• Toxoplasma gondii

How Do We Pick Up Parasites?

There are many and varied ways we can pick up Parasites. The following may increase your risk of doing so:

• Living in or visiting areas known to have parasites
• Eating contaminated food and/or water
• Eating undercooked meat
• Poor hygiene
• Having a weakened immune system
• Working closely with animals
• Handling soil or waste material
• When our energetic field is weak we can attract undesirable energies who latch on to us

Signs You May Be Playing Host!

Probably the best known and most heard of parasites are intestinal worms. But there are other types of parasites that can lead to a variety of symptoms.

It is worth noting you can be carrying parasites and have no noticeable symptoms.

 Physically: Parasites can cause a wide range of physical symptoms, including:

• Inflammation
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Unexplained digestive issues: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea
• Persistent fatigue and exhaustion, mood changes, depression, headaches, feelings of apathy, unexplained irritability
• Chronic fatigue, lethargy, tiredness
• Grinding teeth in sleep – may be caused by toxins released by intestinal parasites which interact with our neurotransmitters
• Food sensitivities or cravings, particularly for sugar
• Skin problems including rashes, hives, rosacea, eczema
• Joint and muscle pain – both their physical presence in and around our joints and muscles, and the inflammatory toxins they produce; arthritis
• Nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption (e.g., iron, B12)
• Cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Symptoms often mistaken for other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even cancer

Mentally: The toxins released by parasites can disrupt neurotransmitter functions, leading to:

• Brain fog
• Anxiety, nervousness
• Depression

The gut-brain connection plays a significant role here as many parasites reside in the digestive tract, directly impacting mental clarity and emotional balance

Emotionally:

Carrying parasites can create a sense of unease or heaviness that manifests emotionally.

People may feel inexplicably irritable, anxious, or even despondent, without realizing an underlying parasitic infection might be contributing to these feelings.

Energetically: Parasites don’t just drain physical energy – they can also impact and be attracted by our vibrational energy.

In holistic terms, they may act as energetic attachments, creating blockages or disruptions in our energetic field.

Why Don’t Doctors Talk About Parasites?

The conventional medical system often overlooks parasites unless symptoms are acute.

Many healthcare providers focus on managing visible symptoms rather than exploring root causes.

Detecting parasites often requires specialised tests, which are not part of routine medical screenings.

Additionally, the symptoms of parasitic infections frequently mimic other conditions, leading to misdiagnoses.

Holistic approaches, however, view the body as an interconnected system and recognise the far-reaching effects of parasites.

They encourage detoxification and lifestyle changes to address both the symptoms and underlying causes.

How to Address Parasites Holistically

If you suspect a parasitic burden, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional or naturopath before starting any treatment. Here are some common holistic strategies:

1. Dietary Changes:

• Reduce sugar and processed foods, which can feed parasites. Raw honey is OK.
• Incorporate anti-parasitic foods such as garlic, pomegranates, pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, and cloves.

 2. Herbal Remedies:

• Herbs like wormwood, black walnut hull, and oregano oil are known for their anti-parasitic properties

3. Support Gut Health:

• Probiotics can help replenish beneficial bacteria and strengthen the gut microbiome.

4. Detoxification:

• Gentle detox protocols can support the liver and kidneys in removing toxins from the body.

5. Energetic Practices:

• Practices such as meditation, energy healing, or visualization can help release energetic attachments and support overall wellbeing.

6. Hygiene and Prevention:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
• Ensure food is cooked thoroughly and avoid contaminated water sources.

Disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any detox or treatment protocol, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have pre-existing medical conditions.

What Burden Are You Carrying?

In holistic health, we often ask, “What burden are you carrying?”

This question goes beyond the physical, and invites reflection on mental, emotional and energetic loads.

Parasites, whether physical or symbolic of something deeper, can weigh us down in ways we don’t fully realise.

By addressing these burdens, we free ourselves to achieve greater balance, vitality and wellbeing.

Embracing Holistic Wellbeing

Parasites may seem like an unpleasant topic, but understanding their impact empowers us to take control of our health.

By addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic dimensions of wellbeing, we can lift the burdens that hold us back and create space for healing and renewal.

Take the first step today—whether it’s improving your diet, seeking holistic guidance, or tuning in to what your body is telling you.

Your journey to holistic health starts with awareness.

For further reading, check out this article from Melbourne Functional Medicine to explore more about parasites and their impact.

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