The Parasite Cleanse
The Parasite Cleanse in context
In popular literature, intestinal parasites normally refer to worms, and conjure horrific pictures of crawling creatures emerging from the toilet bowl. However, there are other forms of parasites which can be less obvious or even microscopic, and still cause symptoms, sometimes severe.
Helminths and protozoa are the two main types of intestinal parasites. Helminths are multi-cell parasitic worms and include pinworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. The protozoa are microscopic, single-cell parasites and include Blastocystis, the most common intestinal parasite in Europe and the U.S., Giardia and Cryptosporidium, both chlorine resistant and often transmitted through water, and Toxoplasma, the parasite which causes toxoplasmosis, a disease associated with cat owners.
On the other hand some worms are regarded as supportive of gut microbiome diversity and helpful in modulating the immune cross-talk between the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissues (GALT) and the gut lining. In particular chronic, low-level soil-transmitted helminths (Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis) in the large intestine are strongly associated with higher microbial richness and the expansion of beneficial groups like Lactobacilli.
The subject of Parasite Cleansing can be controversial, some claiming that “de-worming” should be undertaken prophylactically for both pets and humans, while others tend to rely more on a reactive approach relative to symptoms.
Parasites are difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. They also affect different parts of the body. It is worth noting that both Malaria and Bilharzia are caused by parasites that are present in the blood rather than the gut. They are also the most socio-economically devastating parasitic diseases worldwide according to the WHO. Clearly the treatment of parasites requires a modulated approach.
Intestinal parasites often cause inflammation, pain, bloating and diarrhoea, and can be associated with a diagnosis of IBS-D. However, those symptoms can have a different aetiology (other infections, food sensitivities etc.) and parasitic symptoms can be diffuse and distant from the gut (e.g. sleep disturbances) rather than acutely limited to the gut.
To make a definitive diagnosis of intestinal parasite infection, it is recommended to do a comprehensive stool test designed to identify the main intestinal parasites. This is available here.
“The Parasite Cleanse” is a traditional herbal protocol with a long track record of working holistically with the immune system, and is not limited to intestinal parasites.
It can be undertaken whether you would like to improve digestive symptoms or to remove a known parasite.
If you have pets or work with (farm) animals you might elect to follow this protocol yearly as a prophylactic.
The Parasite Cleanse is recommended:
- In case of a parasite diagnosis you, your family or your pet have
- Following a trip abroad to countries not renowned for their (food) hygiene
- In case of anal itching, particularly if it is worse at night
- If you work on a farm or with farm animals (horses, chickens etc.)
- In the case of intestinal bloating and persistent diarrhoea with sudden onset
- If you eat a lot of raw meat (some ham, biltong etc.) and fish (sushi, smoked salmon/trout etc.)
What does the “Parasite Cleanse” consist of?
The Parasite Cleanse is a programme of Colonic Hydrotherapy treatments (three in total) with herbal implants, combined with a traditional intensive herbal protocol to follow at home. The details of the herbal protocol are here.
The herbal programme uses strong herbs that are gradually ramped-up over a period of 6 weeks. The herbs can sometimes cause symptoms associated with die-off of the parasites.
As the herbs are increased the colonics are timed to minimise the die-off effect and to maximise the quick elimination of any dead/dying parasites.
Each colonic is enhanced with a colonic implant using the main herbs from the Parasite Cleanse.