epigenetics

Parasites in Humans: Hidden Symptoms and Why They’re More Common Than You Think

By Heather Reinhardt RN, Epigenetics Specialist & Wellness Advocate

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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.

🦠 What Are Parasites?

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).

🌍 How Do People Get Parasites?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to travel abroad to get parasites. Common ways include:

  • Walking barefoot outside
  • Swimming in lakes or hot tubs
  • Eating sushi or undercooked meat
  • Letting your dog sleep in your bed
  • Drinking unfiltered water
  • Contact with infected pets or their waste
  • Gardening without gloves
  • Sexual contact (yes, really)
  • Blood transfusions or organ transplants

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).

😴 If I’ve been exposed why don’t I Know?

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).

🧬 Who's Most Vulnerable?

Not everyone exposed to a parasite gets sick. Two key factors determine whether the body can fight them off:

  • Immune Health
  • Nutrient Reserves

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).

🔍 Top 10+ symptoms that may mean you have parasites!

Some signs and symptoms of parasites in humans include:

  1. Chronic bloating or digestive upset
  2. Fatigue or adrenal burnout
  3. Skin issues like eczema, itching, or rashes
  4. Iron deficiency or B12 deficiency
  5. Teeth grinding, especially at night
  6. Brain fog or poor memory
  7. Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
  8. Intense sugar or carb cravings
  9. Insomnia or restless sleep
  10. Itchy ears, nose, or anus
  11. Constipation or diarrhea that comes and goes

These symptoms can feel random and disconnected — but they may have a common root: parasites (Hudson, 2024; CellCore Biosciences, n.d.).

✨ Heather’s Pro Tip

“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.”

❓ FAQS

  • Can you have parasites and not know it?
    Yes. Many people carry parasites without noticeable symptoms. They can remain dormant or cause vague issues like fatigue, bloating, or skin irritation that mimic other conditions.
  •  What are the most common symptoms of parasites in humans?
    Some of the most common signs include chronic bloating, sugar cravings, fatigue, iron deficiency, and skin problems. Parasites can also trigger anxiety, insomnia, and brain fog.
  • How do you get rid of parasites naturally?
    A personalized parasite cleanse that includes herbal antimicrobials, binders, and gut support is often most effective. Working with a wellness practitioner ensures safety and effectiveness.
  • Do parasites affect mental health?
    Yes. Parasites can release neurotoxins that disrupt neurotransmitters, potentially leading to mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or brain fog.
  • How can I test for parasites?
    While standard stool tests are limited, options like epigenetic hair testing or comprehensive gut panels can give more insights. Stay tuned — we’ll explore testing in detail in Part 4.

Order your Parasite Cleanse Now!

Click here to learn more about the Full moon Parasite Cleanse and get your supplements today!

🔄 What’s Next?

In this 7-part series, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know:

  • Which parasites are most common
  • How they get in and how to avoid them
  • Natural ways to cleanse and protect your body
  • How to use epigenetic hair testing to test for parasites
  • And how the Full Moon impacts parasite activity (yes, really)

📘 Ready to go deeper? Click here to read Part 2: Meet the Invaders: 8 Common Parasites and How They Harm the Body

🔬 References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Parasites: General information. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites
  • CellCore Biosciences. (n.d.). Understanding parasites. https://cellcore.com
  • Hudson, L. (2024). Parasites. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition, 47(3), 5–8.
  • Loke, P., Lee, S. C., & Oyesola, O. O. (2022). Effects of helminths on the human immune response and the microbiome. Mucosal Immunology, 15(6), 1224–1233. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41385-022-00532-9
  • Mank, T. G., Zaat, J. O., & Blotkamp, J. (2013). Evaluation of microscopy, culture, and PCR for detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in fecal samples. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 29(3), 535–540. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.29.3.535-540.1991

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