What are Parasites?

Parasites are organisms that derive nutrients from other living organisms known as their hosts. We all have parasites, it’s a natural part of our life. Here are some suggestions to help minimize their adverse effects through regular natural treatment.

Parasites if not treated can play havoc with our body systems and can cause gut malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, and infections.

What are some signs of intestinal parasites?

• Fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and sleep disturbances
• Iron deficiency
• Diarrhea, constipation or persistent IBS, bloating or gas
• Sudden onset of food allergies
• Insatiable hunger especially for processed sugar and carb foods
• Skin irritations or rashes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Itchy bottom or genitals especially at night
• Grinding teeth (called Bruxsm)
• A history of food poisoning or parasite infection

Natural supportive herbs and foods for Parasites:

A parasite cleanse might sound quite harsh, but there are several natural herbal products to help support your body when choosing to eradicate parasites. It’s important to target the pathogenic microbes while sparing the beneficial bacteria. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach so pop in and speak to one of our Qualified Naturopaths for support and advice.

The most common herbs used in these products are those that are anthelminthics and antiparasitic (such as Wormwood, Clove, Black Walnut) and herbs to support the digestives and liver (such as Gentian, Ginger, Fennel, St Mary’s Thistle).

There are also supportive foods to eat to help eradicate parasites. Why not add some into your daily smoothie or juice!

• Cucumber seeds, Papaya, Pumpkin Seeds : Kill worms in the digestive tract
• Garlic (fresh): Antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-viral
• Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and helps liver detoxification
• Ginger: Digestive aid and helps with nausea
• Coconut oil: stops the parasitic from growing
• Oregano: anti-fungal, antibacterial, helps with Candida infection

Parasitic die-off

It is common to have flu like symptoms, headaches, gut aches, brain fog, fatigue, or nausea during parasite die-off.  Parasites release neurotoxins, heavy metals, viruses, and other toxins when they die. You could also have increased cravings for sugar or processed foods, this is the parasites dying food wish! It will soon pass and you will feel healthier.

Tips to boost your metabolism

Your metabolism is an important part of any cleanse. It helps to optimise your liver processing to clear toxins from your body systems.

1. Exercise: HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) involves quick and very intense bursts of activity. It can help you burn more fat by increasing your metabolic rate.
2. Building muscle: Lifting to increase muscle mass can help increase your metabolism, as muscle will help you burn more calories each day, especially at rest.
3. Water: Water is important for hydration and for flushing of toxins. A 2013 study showed drinking 500 ml of water increases your resting metabolism by 30% for an hour.
4. Spicy foods: Capsaicin containing foods, can boost your metabolism. Eat more cayenne pepper, oregano, chilli, cinnamon.
5. Green Tea: A powerful antioxidant that can increases metabolism and fat burning by converting some of the fat stored in your body into free fatty acids.

Not sure where to start?
Ask our team in store which products they are loving for some inspiration and personal insight!

Words by Assunta Hamilton

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