When most people hear the word parasite, they think of a rare condition caught from eating undercooked pork on an exotic vacation. But the truth is far more surprising — and far closer to home. Parasites in humans occur more often than you might expect. According to global estimates, over half the world’s population is currently hosting at least one type of parasite (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022; Hotez et al., 2008). That includes millions of people in the U.S. and other developed countries. These unwanted guests can quietly disrupt digestion, weaken the immune system, drain energy, hijack nutrients, and even affect mental health — often without clear signs (Hudson, 2024; Loke et al., 2022). As a nurse with decades of experience and a passion for root cause healing, I’ve seen how often parasites are overlooked in mainstream care. But once identified and addressed properly, removing them can be the missing link in someone’s healing journey.
Parasites are organisms that live off a host (that’s us!) to survive. They feed on our nutrients, damage tissues, release toxins, and interfere with normal bodily functions (CDC, 2022). They can range from microscopic protozoa to tapeworms several feet long.While some are visible, about 70% of parasites are microscopic — meaning you’ll never see them in your stool, even during a parasite detox (CellCore Biosciences, n.d.; Hudson, 2024).
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to travel abroad to get parasites. Common ways include:
Parasites are sneaky and resilient. Many can lay dormant, adapt their life cycles, or evade detection by the immune system (Loke et al., 2022; Hudson, 2024).
There are 3 big reasons why parasite infections often go unrecognized:
Limited Parasite Testing: Standard stool tests only catch a few types of parasites — and only if the sample is collected and analyzed perfectly. Many parasites begin breaking down before the sample even reaches a lab (Mank et al., 2013).
Wide-Ranging Symptoms: Parasites mimic other conditions. Think: fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, insomnia, bloating, anxiety, sugar cravings, low iron — the list goes on (Hudson, 2024).
No Obvious Symptoms of parasite infection: Some people harbor parasites for years without major symptoms… until their immune system is compromised or their toxic load becomes too high (Loke et al., 2022).
Not everyone exposed to a parasite gets sick. Two key factors determine whether the body can fight them off:
Those with compromised immunity (from chronic stress, illness, medications, poor gut health) are more likely to become hosts. Parasites thrive in low-zinc, low-magnesium, and high-toxin environments — which is why addressing nutrition and detoxification is vital (Hudson, 2024; Loke et al., 2022).
Some signs and symptoms of parasites in humans include:
These symptoms can feel random and disconnected — but they may have a common root: parasites (Hudson, 2024; CellCore Biosciences, n.d.).
“If you’ve tried every gut protocol, adrenal program, or detox and still feel stuck… consider the intestinal parasite piece. They often operate silently and resist standard testing. But once you start cleansing the right way — with support, binders, and a personalized approach — the results can be life-changing.”
Click here to learn more about the Full moon Parasite Cleanse and get your supplements today!
In this 7-part series, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know:
📘 Ready to go deeper? Click here to read Part 2: Meet the Invaders: 8 Common Parasites and How They Harm the Body