Could Parasites Be Contributing to Your Symptoms? Here's What I Want My Clients to Know
By Dee Davidson, FDN-P
When most people hear the word parasites, they picture something that only happens after traveling to a foreign country or drinking contaminated water.
The truth?
Parasites are far more common than most people realize. Recently, Cyclosporiasis has hit the media and is making parasites more known.
In my functional health practice, I regularly test clients who have never left the United States and discover evidence of parasites or other gut organisms that shouldn't be there. While not everyone has parasites, they're common enough that they deserve consideration.I get extra suspicious when someone has chronic digestive issues, rashes or unexplained symptoms.
The good news is that they're one piece of the health puzzle that can often be addressed with the right approach.
What Exactly Is a Parasite?
A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside another living organism and obtains nutrients from its host.
Some parasites are microscopic, while others are visible to the naked eye.
Many live in the digestive tract, although some can affect other areas of the body.
Most people never realize they have them.
How Do We Get Parasites?
You don't have to travel internationally to be exposed.
Some of the most common sources include:
• Undercooked meat or seafood
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Contaminated drinking water
• Swimming in lakes, rivers, or poorly maintained pools
• Walking barefoot in contaminated soil
• Gardening
• Pets and farm animals
• Daycare settings
• International travel
• Poor hand hygiene
Because parasites are so common in our environment, exposure happens more often than most people think.
Whether they take hold depends on many factors, including stomach acid, immune function, gut health, and the overall resilience of your digestive system.
What Symptoms Can Parasites Cause?
Symptoms vary tremendously from person to person.
Some people experience significant digestive complaints, while others have almost no gastrointestinal symptoms at all.
Some of the symptoms I commonly see include:
• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Food sensitivities
• Sugar cravings
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Skin rashes
• Itchy skin
• Rectal itching, especially at night or around the full moon
• Trouble sleeping
• Teeth grinding during sleep
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Iron deficiency
• Low vitamin B12
• Low energy
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
It's important to remember that these symptoms are not specific to parasites. Many other conditions can cause the same issues, which is why testing and a thorough health evaluation are so valuable.
How Do I Test for Parasites?
One of my favorite tools in practice is a comprehensive GI Stool Test.
Unlike basic stool testing often used to diagnose acute infections, these functional stool tests evaluate much more than parasites alone.
They also look at:
• Beneficial bacteria
• Opportunistic bacteria
• Yeast and fungal overgrowth
• H. pylori
• Digestive enzyme function
• Inflammation
• Immune function
• Gut barrier health
• Gluten sensitivity markers
• Overall digestive health
If parasites are detected, we can then develop a personalized plan based on the complete picture rather than guessing.
It's important to understand that no stool test detects every parasite, because some organisms are shed intermittently and may not appear in every sample. That's why test results are always interpreted alongside a person's symptoms, history, and other clinical findings.
Why I Don't Believe Everyone Needs an Aggressive Cleanse
One of the biggest misconceptions on social media is that everyone should jump into an intense parasite protocol.
I don't agree.
Before we ask the body to eliminate anything, I first want to make sure:
• Detoxification pathways are open.
• The liver is functioning well.
• Bowel movements are regular.
• The person is hydrated.
• The nervous system is supported.
• Nutrition is strong.
When we prepare the body first, people often tolerate cleansing much better.
My Go-To Gentle Parasite Cleanse
When it's appropriate for a client, one of my favorite products is the RogersHood Parasite Cleanse.
There are many parasite products on the market, but I appreciate this one because it's designed to be a gentler, plant-based approach that many adults tolerate well when used as directed.
For families looking for a more natural option, it's one of the products I commonly recommend when a cleanse is appropriate. As with any supplement, dosing and suitability depend on the individual, and children should only use products under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
I also appreciate that the company provides educational resources to help people better understand the process.
Supporting Your Body During a Cleanse
Whether you're addressing parasites or simply supporting gut health, don't forget the basics.
Your body needs:
• Daily bowel movements
• Plenty of filtered water
• Adequate protein
• Colorful vegetables
• Healthy sleep
• Stress management
• Liver support
• Movement
Healing isn't about one magic supplement.
It's about creating an internal environment where your body can do what it was designed to do.
Should Everyone Cleanse?
I often get asked whether everyone should complete a parasite cleanse once or twice a year.
I recommend taking an individualized approach. If someone has symptoms, risk factors, a history that raises concern, or testing that suggests a parasite may be present, then a targeted plan may be appropriate.
When you understand what your body is trying to tell you, healing becomes much more intentional.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about parasite testing or speak with Dee Davidson, FDNP.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not everyone with digestive symptoms has parasites, and not every parasite is detected through stool testing. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any parasite cleanse or supplement protocol, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are considering products for children.
About Dee Davidson, FDN-P
Dee Davidson is a Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner, hormone and thyroid specialist, and the creator of the Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast. She helps women in midlife and beyond uncover the root causes of fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, gut issues, and hormonal imbalances using functional labs, science-backed strategies, and nervous system regulation.
Dee’s work centers around empowering women to finally feel safe, seen, supported, and confident in their bodies — without restriction, overwhelm, or confusion.