Could Parasites Be Behind Your Health Issues?

What are gut parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live inside a host (like you) and feed off its nutrients. In the gut, these can include protozoa (like Giardia and Cryptosporidium), worms (like pinworms, roundworms or tapeworms), and other microscopic creatures. Parasitic infections are often associated with travel to tropical regions, but they can also be picked up closer to home – through contaminated water, food, pets, soil or poor hygiene. Children are especially vulnerable, as they’re more likely to play outside, forget to wash hands or share food.

Signs and symptoms of parasitic infections

Parasites can go undetected for months or even years. They often mimic other digestive disorders or trigger subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss.

Here are some common signs that may indicate a parasitic infection:

• Ongoing bloating or gas
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Diarrhoea, especially watery or foul-smelling
• Constipation (some parasites can slow motility)
• Unexplained fatigue or low energy
• Frequent headaches
• Itchy skin, rashes or eczema
• Teeth grinding (especially in children)
• Strong sugar or carb cravings
• Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
• Anal itching, especially at night (often from pinworms)

If you’ve recently travelled, had food poisoning, or taken antibiotics and symptoms appeared soon after, it’s even more worth investigating.

Common gut infections in schools

When it comes to tummy bugs in schools, Cryptosporidium is one of the most common parasites behind outbreaks, particularly among younger children. This microscopic organism infects the intestines and causes symptoms like watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever.

What makes Cryptosporidium particularly tricky is that it:

• Spreads easily through the faecal-oral route (e.g. touching contaminated surfaces or eating without proper handwashing).
• Is resistant to chlorine, so it can survive in swimming pools and splash parks.
• Has a low infectious dose, meaning just a few ingested parasites can trigger illness.
• Is highly contagious among children, especially in environments with less developed hygiene habits.

While Cryptosporidium is a key concern, it’s not the only cause of gastro bugs in schools.

Other pathogens include:

Giardia – A common parasite worldwide, though less so in UK school outbreaks. It causes greasy stools, gas, bloating and fatigue, and spreads via contaminated water or person-to person contact.

Norovirus – A fast-spreading virus that causes sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. It’s extremely contagious and a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis.

Rotavirus – Another virus, mostly affecting infants and young children, with symptoms like severe diarrhoea and fever.

A naturopathic parasite cleanse

Rather than simply focusing on killing parasites, a naturopathic approach works to create an environment where they can’t thrive, while also strengthening the gut, immune system, and overall resilience. This is achieved through a staged, holistic process. 

1. Stool testing

A comprehensive stool test provides valuable insights into your gut health, detecting parasites, bacteria, yeast and markers of inflammation and digestion. It helps tailor your treatment plan and avoid unnecessary supplements. 

2. Support the gut first

Before starting a parasite cleanse, it’s essential to first support digestion, repair the gut lining, and ensure regular bowel movements. Without this foundation, toxins released during parasite die-off can build up in the body, potentially worsening symptoms.

Supportive steps include:

• Follow a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory, naturopathic diet as parasites feed on sugar, so reducing your intake of refined carbs, processed foods and added sugars helps starve them. An anti-inflammatory, whole-foods diet also reduces gut irritation and supports immune function.
• Use digestive bitters or enzymes to stimulate stomach acid and digestive secretions, improving the breakdown of food and making it harder for parasites to survive. Good digestion also means fewer undigested food particles that can feed pathogens.
• Strengthen the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc and slippery elm to soothe and repair the intestinal barrier. A healthy gut lining prevents toxins and pathogens from leaking into the bloodstream and supports long-term recovery.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water to ensure regular bowel movements for flushing out waste. Some people benefit from gentle laxative herbs or magnesium during a cleanse.

Because every individual is different, a tailored approach is best. Work with a qualified naturopathic practitioner to guide you through each stage safely and effectively. You can schedule an appointment at CNM’s student clinic for a discounted rate, or work with a CNM qualified practitioner listed in our practitioner directory. 

3. Herbal parasitic cleanse

Several herbs have been traditionally used for their potent antiparasitic properties:

• Black walnut hull – A time-tested remedy known for targeting a wide range of parasites.
• Clove – Particularly effective at destroying parasite eggs, helping to break the life cycle.
• Wormwood (Artemisia) – A bitter herb that works against various intestinal worms.
• Garlic – A natural antimicrobial that supports immune defences while targeting parasites.
• Oregano – Contains compounds like carvacrol that help eliminate harmful microbes, including parasites.

Herbal parasite cleanses are often done in rotations or pulses to prevent resistance and target different stages of the parasite life cycle. Because herbs can be powerful, it’s essential to work with a qualified herbalist or naturopath to determine the right combination, dosage and duration for your needs.

4. Bind and eliminate

When parasites die, they release toxins that can burden the liver and cause a “die-off” reaction. Binding agents like activated charcoal or bentonite clay can help mop up these by-products. As mentioned above, daily bowel movements and proper hydration are essential to flush toxins out effectively. Supporting your liver is also crucial, as it plays a key role in filtering these toxins. Herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root, along with nutrients like B vitamins, selenium and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), can help enhance liver detoxification pathways

5. Rebuild and rebalance

Once parasites are cleared, it’s time to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria. Probiotics, prebiotic foods (garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus) and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi can help restore microbial balance. A nutrient-dense diet supports long-term gut integrity and prevents reinfection.