By definition, parasites are organisms that live inside a host and intercept nutrients, leaving the host with some nutritional deficiencies. 

No matter how healthy you eat, these pathogens could be preventing them from receiving all the vitamins and minerals from their food intake.

Dealing with parasites is something individuals can do safely from home, as long as they have the right protocol and supplements. Even “healthy” people (those not experiencing uncomfortable, daily symptoms) can elect to complete a parasite cleanse in search of optimal health. 

Generally, individuals need to cleanse for about 90 days, while those with more complicated infections or chronic illnesses may need much longer. However, it’s important to recognize certain parasitic symptoms to figure out what people need to do in order to expel them from their bodies. As Dr. Todd likes to say, “If you have a pulse, you have parasites.”

General Parasite Symptoms

Since there are so many different types of parasites, the symptoms are varied. Tapeworms, for example, cause very different symptoms than roundworms or hookworms. 

Often, digestive issues are a sign that someone might be hosting parasites. Do they have unexplained bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or gas? The answer may be clearing out parasites from their GI tract or bile duct.

Some other symptoms of parasites include the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

  • Anxiety
  • Brain fog
  • Chemical sensitivities 
  • Fatigue, lethargy
  • Food sensitivities
  • Itching, especially rectally at night
  • Mood disorders
  • Skin rashes
  • Stomach pain, tenderness, or cramping
  • Teeth grinding
  • Unexplained aches and pains in either joints or muscles
  • Weight loss

Drainage When Detoxing

When an “eradication agent” is introduced to the body, parasites die. They release inflammatory toxins that alert the body to expel these toxins as fast as possible. (6, 7)

This can be uncomfortable for people. However, if you are prepared and have the right tools in the house to deal with these reactions, you’ll have a much easier time. 

Parasites can release neurotoxins, heavy metals, viruses, and other toxins, which enter into the interstitial fluid that surrounds the tissue cells. These toxins then travel to the lymphatic system, which filters the body’s waste. (8, 9) 

Next, they head to the spleen, lymph nodes, or liver to be further filtered, and then sent to other drainage pathways (like the bladder, colon, kidneys, or even the breath and skin). 

The trouble is, especially if an individual is chronically ill, some of these detoxification organs can be blocked. This means the toxins can recirculate in the body as they wait to be detoxified, and that’s what typically causes die-off symptoms. (3)

Die-off is sometimes necessary to endure because the very thing causing the drainage trouble can often be the parasites themselves. Parasites inhabit the liver and bile duct, but also many of the other elimination organs. (10, 11, 12)

The more you work on eradicating parasites, the easier these reactions can become.

Die-Off Symptoms and How to Combat Them

Symptom: Aches and Pains

A very common, but uncomfortable, detox symptom is an aching body. The joints, muscles, or even organs may hurt as a result of the body eliminating toxic waste while parasites die.

How to Fight It

  • Try an Epsom salt or magnesium chloride bath. This helps pull toxins from the skin and also replenishes the magnesium, which the body burns through quickly during stress. (13)
  • Remind them to also exercise because not being active can actually worsen joining pain. This doesn’t have to be intense exercise. Instead, focus on easy movements to promote stability and to stretch affected joints and muscles. (14)
  • You can also use hot/cold packs for immediate relief of joint pain. Start with a hot compress for 20 minutes and then switch to an ice pack for another 20. (14)
  • For an extra boost to keep joints and connective tissue strong, you can include more collagen in your diet by consuming foods high in protein. Collagen can also be taken in supplement form, powders, or bone broth. (14)
  • Individuals can also get chiropractic care to get non-invasive adjustments to provide instant and long-term relief from aches and pains. (14)

Symptom: Anxiety and Depression

Parasitic infections, especially food-borne ones, can be responsible for depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. Certain parasites, metacestodes of Taenia solium, actually influence the neurotransmitter pathways. This negatively impacts dopamine, GABA, and serotonin levels. (15)

Many parasitic infections, like Toxoplasma gondii, can be responsible for disorders like OCD and generalized anxiety. Additionally, certain neurological symptoms can flare during a “die-off” reaction. (16)

In a 2013 study published in JAMA Neurology, researchers took cerebrospinal fluid at the peak of a 55-year-old man’s Herxheimer reaction. They found elevated cytokines (particularly interleukins), which returned to normal when the reaction was finished. These white blood cells help stimulate an immune response (including inflammation) in response to a trigger or toxin. (17)

Experiencing anxiety and depression is common while killing off parasites, and usually is temporary. Though it may be difficult for individuals to foster this mindset, bear in mind that die-off reactions mean that the body is working hard to eliminate the toxins and the anxiety and depression will fade.

How to Fight It

  • Encourage individuals to get out in the sun and soak up some Vitamin D. Not only is this a great mood booster, but it’s also a wonderful way to boost the immune system and help the body with its detox burden. (18, 19)
  • If it’s too cold or cloudy, you can try a light therapy lamp. This lamp can be placed a few feet away so they can see it out of the corner of their eye. They can even do this while reading or working (eyes need to be open). This works best in the morning or afternoon because if they use it in the evening, it can be stimulatory and disturb the circadian rhythm. (20, 21, 22, 23)
  • Emotional trauma processing tools, such as EFT and Braintap, are also available. You can also look into programs like Gupta and DNRS to help individuals rewire trauma loops in their limbic system without the use of supplements or drugs. Braintap uses light, tones, and “auriculotherapy” (trigger points in the ears activated by frequencies) that all work together to create a relaxing experience. (24, 25)
  • For anxiety, try recommending Buteyko breathing exercises, diffusing Bergamot oil, and drinking a calming tea. (26, 27, 28, 29)

Symptom: Breakouts

Toxins can leave the body through the skin, and so can parasites and their eggs. If toxins pile up in the body, this can appear as breakouts on the skin. When it comes to cleansing, the skin may be purging these toxins which can also cause breakouts because the pores are clogged. (30, 31)

How to Fight It

  • If you are experiencing more breakouts than they normally do, they can keep their skin clean by washing it twice a day. 
  • Apple cider vinegar can be used on breakouts in a face wash, toner, or spot treatment (32, 33, 34)
  • You can make your own skin rescue cream: almond oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. These three oils all have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the skin. (35, 36, 37, 38)

Symptom: Cravings

When you are parasite cleansing, have them avoid the foods that help feed these parasites. The biggest two to avoid are sugar and grains, but animal products, too, can slow down digestion. (39)

Add as many fresh vegetables as they can. They should also include some low-sugar fruits like berries, citrus fruits, or melons, and plenty of healthy fats in their diet. 

Sugar is linked to diabetes, heart complications, liver and kidney disease, poor oral hygiene, obesity, and other systemic diseases. It can also suppress immune system activity for up to six hours after consumption. (40, 41)

Eliminating all processed, boxed or packaged foods, and reaching for the one-ingredient foods that don’t need a nutrition label (like produce) will help you keep their parasite infestation under control. 

Remind individuals to watch out for hidden and artificial sugars, too, and even “healthier” sugars like honey, at least while they’re actively cleansing.

How to Fight It

  • A cup of peppermint tea (or any herbal tea) can help fight sugar cravings. (42)
  • Adding more healthy fat, like avocado or coconut oil, can help the body feel satiated as well. (43)

Symptom: Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints during a parasite cleanse. It’s tough for the body to process and eliminate the toxins released when killing parasites. Most people begin to regain vitality and energy after spending some time on the parasite protocol.

How to Fight It

  • Sleep is vital, not only for fighting fatigue but also for giving the body the time and space it needs for healing. Be sure to get 8-10 hours of sleep if possible.
  • Along with sleeping more, individuals should also slow down on exercise. Recommend replacing their cardio or kickboxing with some gentle yoga or stretching, at least until their body has had some time to recover. (44)
  • B vitamins can also help combat fatigue. An adequate supply of B vitamins is required for the appropriate functioning of the energy-production system. These B vitamins (except folate) support fundamental cellular functions for energy-yielding metabolism which affects cognitive and psychological processes to combat fatigue. (45, 46)
  • Mitochondria are the energy producers of the body, so boosting their function during a cleanse can help mitigate fatigue. 

Symptom: Flu-like symptoms, Fever, Chills

Fighting Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or other parasitic infections may experience brief Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions to treatment. In a 2017 study, these symptoms resolved in just a few hours. Researchers deemed these temporary uncomfortable symptoms as necessary for eradicating the spirochetal infection. (51, 52, 53)

How to Fight It

  • Individuals should remain comfortable. Rest is recommended to get over this die-off symptom, especially since it’s normally a shorter duration.  
  • If the individual experiences chills, an infrared sauna can help. Sauna therapy has been used as a health practice for thousands of years in Scandinavia. Infrared saunas can be used in short sessions to enhance blood flow and cardiac functioning, and longer sessions can be done to detox heavy metals and purge other toxins. (54, 55)
  • Sufficient hydration will help this process along, especially with a fever. 
  • Recommend anti-inflammatory painkillers, or natural fever-reducing herbs, like moringa and kudzu root (56, 57)

Symptom: Headache

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of any kind of detox people will experience. They can occur as the body adjusts to the parasite cleanse diet (avoiding caffeine and sugar), or because of parasite activity in the head. Sometimes, these types of headaches can co-occur with sensitivity to light and nausea.

How to Fight It

  • Try applying some Frankincense oil or WO China healing oil on their temples, across their forehead, and on the back of the neck (58)
  • Rubbing peppermint essential oil across the temples has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of tension headaches. (59)
  • Make sure they’re well-hydrated, as headaches can easily worsen due to dehydration. (60)
  • To help with hydration, ginger tea may help reduce nausea and vomiting, as well as provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidants to stay migraine pain (61, 62)
  • For another natural way to treat headaches, acupuncture can be another option. A technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this practice uses thin needles that are inserted into the skin to stimulate meridian points on the body. (63, 64)
  • You can also practice yoga to relieve stress, which may help reduce headaches and chronic migraines, as well as increase quality of life because of its therapeutic effects. (65, 66, 67) 

Symptom: Increased GI Upset

Since parasites like to live in the digestive tract, sometimes digestive symptoms can increase during a cleanse. You might experience bloating, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, or other issues with your digestion. (68, 69, 70)

How to Fight It

  • Fresh ginger or pure aloe can be calming to the digestive system. If individuals are struggling with diarrhea, activated charcoal can help bind their stools. (71, 72)
  • A digestive essential oil blend of ginger, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, and lemon (with coconut oil as a carrier oil) can also be helpful to apply topically on the stomach. (73, 74, 75, 76, 77)
  • Traditionally, chamomile has been used to treat digestive ailments. Chamomile tea may protect against diarrhea, nausea, and gas due to its anti-inflammatory properties. (78, 79, 80)
  • You can also increase their green juice or bone broth intake to give the digestive system a break. (81, 82, 83, 84)

Symptom: Insomnia

Whenever the body is processing toxins, issues with sleeping can arise. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a body clock that explains why certain times of day align with certain organs. For example, if you frequently wake up between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, it could be the liver that is affected. They may also experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep while they’re detoxing.

How to Fight It

  • You can try a castor oil pack before bed, followed by a warm Epsom salt bath. This can give their body a boost in eliminating toxins before they climb into bed. (85, 86, 87)
  • Diffusing certain oils, like cedarwood and lavender, is also a great option to calm the body and encourage sleep. (88, 89)
  • Sleep hygiene is also essential during this detox period. Create a completely dark room, avoid screens late at night, and avoid eating stimulating foods two hours before bed. (90, 91)

Symptom: Phlegm or Stuffy Nose

Mucus and phlegm are the body’s way of trapping and eliminating toxins. A flare-up of these symptoms can occur once individuals start killing parasites. When parasites enter the body, the immune system creates antibodies to the parasite’s protein signature. These antibodies are coated in the mucus, so the sinuses need to be clear to drain the excess bacteria. (92, 93)

How to Fight It

  • Using a saline rinse in a Netipot or Navage system is a great method to irrigate the sinuses and battle the stuffiness that occurs with die-offs. Using Para 3 in a sinus rinse can help the detox process by targeting parasites in the sinuses. (94, 95)
  • Along with a sinus rinse, a nasal saline spray can also help clear the sinuses by adding moisture and breaking up the mucus. (95)

Symptoms: Skin Rashes

Skin is an organ of elimination, and sometimes the body tries to eliminate toxins in this way. Individuals might experience a variety of skin reactions during detox. These include dry skin, flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis, skin sores, or a number of other rash-like symptoms. The good news, though, is that these typically resolve on their own in a few days. (96)

How to Fight It

  • Dry skin brushing is a good way to stimulate the lymphatic system and also slough off dead, toxin-containing skin. Make sure to use a soft, firm brush with natural bristles, and always brush towards the heart. It’s best to skin brush once or twice a day, ideally before a shower. (97)
  • Additionally, coconut oil with some diluted tea tree oil is a great way to help skin rashes heal a bit faster. (98, 99)
  • Oatmeal is another natural option due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a poultice or bathe with powdered oatmeal. (100)

Drainage Support for Lymphatics and Liver/Bile Duct Support

You always want to make sure your liver and bile duct are functioning well if they’re experiencing die-off. 

Since the lymphatic system helps process the toxins and waste and remove them from the body, clients should give it some extra care while on a parasite cleanse. LymphActiv is effective for this purpose in establishing drainage in the body for a more effective detox. 

General Die-Off Support

Binders: Carbon Technology binders made of humic acid and fulvic acid extracts can safely escort toxins out of the body to help regain balance and rebuild what was damaged. You can take any Carbon Technology products long term without a break, which may help them get better quicker. 

Epsom Salt Baths: These can help draw toxins from the skin. If you are sensitive to Epsom salts, your body may have trouble with its transsulfuration pathway. Epsom salts are Magnesium Sulfate, which can be hard for a small percentage of the population to process. In this case, you can have individuals try Magnesium Chloride flakes instead. Taking certain forms of magnesium, like Magnesium Citrate, can also keep the bowels moving. (103)

Green Juice: Flooding the body with nutrition in the form of green juice or green smoothies will help digestion, energy, and immunity. (81, 82)

Hydration: Staying hydrated is incredibly important during a parasite cleanse. Dehydration slows down the organs of elimination, like the lymphatic system, and keeps toxins trapped in the body longer. Add some trace minerals and lemon to the water for additional benefit. (104)

Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas can help sweat out toxins and eliminate them faster. Just be sure you restore electrolytes and minerals lost through sweating. (54, 55)

Stress-Relief: Practicing forms of stress relief, like meditation or yoga, keeps the body out of fight-or-flight mode and encourages the parasympathetic nervous system to take over. The parasympathetic nervous system is the “rest and digest” enforcer, which allows the body to relax and heal. (65, 105)

What Next?

If you are choosing to rid their body of parasites, make sure they’re also giving their bodies the drainage and emotional support needed to process the toxins.  Experiencing die-off symptoms, alongside existing health issues, can be discouraging. Provide additional support for you during their cleanse and remind them that experiencing die-off is a necessary (and temporary) discomfort for them to continue on their pathway to optimal health.