Parasites in the Human Body

Parasites are organisms that live on or within a host organism, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. In humans, parasites can inhabit various parts of the body, leading to a range of health issues. Understanding the types of parasites, their life cycles, and their effects on human health is crucial for prevention and treatment.

There are three main categories of parasites that can infect humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can multiply within the host. Examples include Giardia lamblia, which causes gastrointestinal distress, and Plasmodium species, responsible for malaria. Helminths are larger, multicellular organisms, such as roundworms and tapeworms, that can inhabit the intestines and other tissues. Ectoparasites, such as lice and mites, live on the skin and can cause irritation and secondary infections.

Symptoms of parasitic infections can vary widely, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe systemic illness. Common signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and food cravings. In some cases, parasitic infections can lead to long-term health complications if left untreated. It must be noted, that in many cases, parasite infection related symptoms might not appear, but present in symptoms related to other illnesses, including the common cold/flu.

Transmission of parasites often occurs through contaminated food or water, poor sanitation, and close contact with infected individuals or animals. For instance, the ingestion of undercooked meat can lead to infections with tapeworms, while drinking contaminated water can result in giardiasis. Preventative measures include practicing good hygiene, ensuring food is cooked thoroughly, and maintaining clean water sources.

Diagnosis of parasitic infections typically involves laboratory tests, including stool examinations, blood tests, and imaging studies, depending on the suspected parasite. Treatment varies based on the type of parasite and may include antiparasitic medications, which can effectively eliminate the infection. For example, medications like metronidazole are commonly prescribed for protozoan infections, while albendazole is used for helminth infections.

The importance of detoxification

There is a connection between parasites, heavy metals, candida and mold to disease.

A parasite cleanse is often promoted to rid the body of unwanted organisms that may be living in the digestive tract or other tissues. Parasitic infections can be sneaky. Sometimes they cause obvious symptoms, and other times they quietly drain your energy or nutrients without any obvious symptoms.

Why people should consider Parasite Cleanses

Symptom Relief: Some people report feeling better after a cleanse, with improvements in digestion, energy, and mental clarity.
Gut Health: Parasites can disrupt the microbiome of the gut. A cleanse may help restore that balance, especially when paired with probiotics and a ketogenic or carnivore diet.
Nutrient Absorption: Parasites can leech nutrients from your body. Removing them may improve nutrient uptake and overall health.

What’s in a Cleanse?

Most natural cleanses include herbs like wormwood, black walnut, clove, and goldenseal, often taken as teas, capsules or tinctures. Some also recommend dietary changes—cutting out sugar, seed oils and processed foods, to make the environment less welcoming to parasites.

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Here are some of signs that might suggest a parasitic infection:

Digestive Symptoms

Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Gas, bloating, or abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
Unexplained weight gain

Skin and External Signs

Itchy skin or rashes
Itching around the anus, especially at night (a classic sign of pinworms)
Sores or redness from ectoparasites like lice or mites

Systemic and Neurological Symptoms

Fatigue or weakness, often due to nutrient depletion
Muscle aches or joint pain
Fever
Headaches or even seizures in rare cases where parasites affect the brain

Other Clues

Anemia, especially iron-deficiency anemia
Sleep disturbances or restlessness
Feeling hungry all the time but not gaining weight

Some people may carry parasites without any symptoms at all, which is why diagnosis often requires testing.

If you’re experiencing a mix of these symptoms and they’re persistent or unexplained, it might be worth checking in with a healthcare provider.

Studies suggest that Parasites may be linked to some cancers.

Liver flukes like Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis have been linked to bile duct cancer. These parasites are typically contracted by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish.
Schistosoma haematobium, a waterborne parasite has been associated with bladder cancer.
In a rare and unusual case, researchers at the CDC discovered that cancer cells from a tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana) could invade human tissue and form tumors, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

According to research parasites can contribute to cancer development through a combination of chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and immune system disruption. It’s a complex and fascinating process. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Chronic Inflammation

Long-term parasitic infections can cause persistent inflammation, which creates a microenvironment rich in free radicals and cytokines. This can damage DNA and promote mutations that can lead to cancer.

2. Cellular Damage and Genetic Instability

Some parasites physically damage tissues or release toxins that interfere with normal cell function. This can lead to:

Cell proliferation as the body tries to repair damage
Genetic mutations from oxidative stress
Disruption of cell signaling pathways, which can lead to uncontrolled growth

3. Immune System Modulation

Parasites often manipulate the immune system to avoid detection. This immune suppression can:

Reduce the body’s ability to detect and destroy precancerous or cancerous cells
Create an environment where abnormal cells can thrive

4. Direct Involvement of Parasite Cells

In extremely rare cases, like with Hymenolepis nana, tapeworm cells themselves have been found to invade human tissue and form tumors, essentially a parasite’s cancer cells behaving like human cancer.

Binders are a key part of a parasite cleanse because they help mop up the toxins and waste that parasites release when they die off. Without binders, those toxins can recirculate in your body and make you feel worse - think headaches, fatigue, skin breakouts, or brain fog.

Here are some commonly used binders and what they’re good for:

Popular Binders for Parasite Cleansing

Activated Charcoal: Absorbs a wide range of toxins. Best used short-term, as it can cause constipation and interfere with nutrient absorption.

Bentonite Clay: Binds to heavy metals and toxins in the gut. Start slow—it can be constipating for some.

Chlorella: A green algae that binds to heavy metals and supports detox. Choose a clean, tested brand to avoid contamination.

Psyllium Husk: A fibre that bulks up stool and helps sweep out toxins. Drink plenty of water with it.

Fulvic/Humic Acids: These are more advanced binders that can reach deeper into tissues and even cross the blood-brain barrier.

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How to Use Them:

Take binders 2 hours before or after food, supplements, or medications to avoid interference.

Many people follow a “kill, bind, sweat” protocol: take antiparasitic herbs, wait 1–2 hours, take a binder, then do something to move your lymph (like sauna, exercise, rebounding or dry brushing). Drink a lot of clean water.

We suggest adding Bio-Ionic Minerals (suggested product available at blomlife.co.za) to your store bought or RO water. Tap water could be contaminated and store bought / Reverse Osmosis (RO) water is “dead” as most of the nutrition has been removed. Every cell in our bodies need water with the correct minerals for optimal cell absorption.

The connection between parasites, heavy metals, candida, and mold is a tangled web, but understanding it can be a game-changer for chronic health issues. These four often coexist and reinforce each other in a vicious cycle that can be tough to break without a comprehensive approach.

Mold and parasites produce biofilm.
Biofilm traps heavy metals and toxins.
Heavy metals suppress immunity, allowing mold and parasites to thrive.

This cycle can lead to fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues and even autoimmune symptoms.

How They Interact:

Parasites & Heavy Metals:

Parasites can absorb and store heavy metals, essentially using them as a shield to evade the immune system. This makes them harder to detect and eliminate. In turn, heavy metals suppress immune function, making it easier for parasites to thrive. Research suggests that heavy metals, especially Mercury, have been linked to Multiple Sclerosis.

Candida & Heavy Metals:

Candida (a type of yeast) also binds to heavy metals like mercury. Some researchers believe candida overgrowth may be the body’s way of protecting itself from metal toxicity. But this “protection” comes at a cost—candida can cause its own set of symptoms, from fatigue to brain fog.

Mold & Parasites:

Mold exposure (especially mycotoxins) can damage mitochondria and suppress the immune system, creating a perfect storm for parasites to take hold. Both mold and parasites can trigger Th2-dominant immune responses, leading to chronic inflammation and systemic symptoms

Biofilm & Toxin Traps:

All four—parasites, candida, mold, and heavy metals—can contribute to biofilm formation, a slimy protective layer that shelters them from the immune system and treatments. Breaking down biofilm is often key to effective detox.

Why It Matters:

If you only target one piece of the puzzle (say, candida), the others may continue to fuel the problem. That’s why many holistic practitioners recommend a layered detox approach—starting with parasites, then addressing mold, candida, and metals in a strategic order.

Certain foods have natural antiparasitic properties and can support your body in fighting off unwanted guests. Here’s a list of some of the most effective ones:

Top Foods That May Help Kill Parasites

Garlic: Contains allicin and ajoene, compounds known to have antiparasitic and antimicrobial effects.
Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in cucurbitacin, which can paralyze parasites and help expel them from the digestive tract.
Papaya Seeds: Especially effective against intestinal worms; studies suggest they can reduce parasite load.
Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help break down parasites and their eggs.
Cloves: Known to kill parasite eggs and support the breakdown of biofilms.
Wormwood: A traditional herb used in parasite cleanses, especially effective against roundworms and pinworms.
Black Walnut Hull: Often used in tinctures for its antiparasitic and antifungal properties.
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it may help reduce parasite-related inflammation.
Coconut (especially coconut oil): Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects.
Fermented Foods (like sauerkraut or kimchi): Help restore gut flora and crowd out parasites.

These foods are most effective when combined with a broader cleanse protocol that includes binders, hydration, and possibly herbal supplements.

To tackle heavy metals, candida, and mold, you’ll want a detox strategy that’s both comprehensive and gentle. These invaders often coexist and reinforce each other, so the right supplements can help break the cycle and support your body’s natural detox pathways.

Top Supplements for Detoxing Heavy Metals, Candida, and Mold

1. Chlorella