Parasite Cleanses: Hype, Hope, and a Holistic Perspective
By Dee Davidson
It seems like everywhere you turn lately, someone is talking about parasite cleanses. Social media is full of people sharing their experiences, and supplement companies are quick to jump on the hype. But are parasite cleanses safe? Do all of us really have parasites? And how do you know if a cleanse is right for you?
Let’s unpack the truth from a holistic perspective.
Do We All Have Parasites?
Parasites are far more common than many people think. In fact, nearly everyone carries some level of parasites, bacteria, or fungi. Your body is a host to an entire ecosystem of organisms, and for some, the balance is manageable. For others, the toxic load tips the scale and symptoms start showing up.
Not every parasite is a problem, but in the wrong conditions they can absolutely affect your health.
How Parasites Impact the Body & Hormones
Parasites don’t just “sit” in the gut—they interact with your whole body. Research has shown:
Digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation are common presentations of intestinal parasitic infections (CDC)
Energy drain & brain fog: Chronic infections can contribute to fatigue and impaired cognitive performance (NIH).
Nutrient theft: Parasites can consume nutrients meant for you, leading to deficiencies in iron, B12, and other essentials (WHO).
Immune dysregulation: Persistent parasitic infections can modulate immune response and increase inflammation (Nature Reviews Immunology).
Hormone disruption: Parasitic and gut imbalances place added stress on the adrenals, may interfere with thyroid function, and influence blood sugar regulation (Endocrine Connections).
If left unchecked, this ongoing stress on the body can worsen conditions like anxiety, poor sleep, irregular cycles, or stubborn weight.
The Right Way vs. The Dangerous Way
Here’s the truth: parasite cleanses can be powerful, but they’re not safe for everyone.
The Dangerous Way: Jumping into a harsh cleanse you saw online, without knowing if you even have parasites—or if your body is strong enough to handle it. This can overwhelm your detox pathways, stress your liver and kidneys, and leave you feeling worse than before.
The Right Way:
Evaluate your immune system strength
Assess your detox pathways (liver, kidneys, bowels, lymph)
Consider your stress load and energy reserves
Test, don’t guess—functional lab testing can reveal whether parasites are present, and what else is going on in your gut and body
This ensures you’re treating with precision, not guessing and risking harm.
So, Should You Do a Parasite Cleanse?
The safest answer: not without testing and guidance. Treating parasites blindly is like firing arrows in the dark—you may hit something, but you may also cause damage you didn’t expect.
If you’re curious about parasites and wondering if they could be contributing to your symptoms, the best step forward is to evaluate first and then decide the right course for your body.
Keep Learning & Take the Next Step
Book a Consultation to explore testing and safe options for your body
Listen to the Confidently Balance Your Hormones Podcast for more on gut health, hormones and detox
Follow Dee Davidson, FDN-P on Instagram for daily tips and education
Your health is unique. Remember: test, don’t guess. That’s the true path to healing safely and sustainably.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new protocol.
Dee Davidson is a Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner based in North Attleboro, MA, specializing in hormone balance, mineral restoration, gut health, and women’s wellness. She helps women ditch surface-level solutions and address the real root causes of fatigue, hormonal chaos, and burnout—so they can finally feel like themselves again.