Parasites: What You Need to Know (But Were Probably Never Told)
When most people hear the word parasites, they picture something rare, extreme, or only seen in developing countries.
The reality?
Parasites are far more common than most people realize — and they don’t always show up on standard testing.
In my work as a functional health practitioner, parasites come up far more often than people expect, especially in individuals dealing with chronic symptoms that don’t have clear explanations.
This post will help you understand:
Why parasites are often missed on tests
Common symptoms and risks
Why periodic cleansing can be supportive
The interesting connection between parasites and the full moon
How to approach cleansing intentionally, not aggressively
Why Parasites Often Don’t Show Up on Testing
One of the biggest misconceptions is:
“If I had parasites, they would have shown up on my stool test.”
Not necessarily.
Here’s why parasites are frequently missed:
They don’t shed consistently (testing is a snapshot in time)
Many tests only look for a limited number of species
Parasites can hide in biofilms or tissues, not just the GI tract
The immune system may suppress detectable markers
Some parasites are microscopic and easily overlooked
This is why someone can have clear symptoms yet receive “normal” test results.
In functional health, we look at:
Patterns
Symptom clusters
History (travel, pets, food exposure, immune stress)
And the body’s overall terrain
Testing is helpful — but it is not the full story.
Why Parasites Matter (And Can Be Dangerous)
Parasites aren’t just an inconvenience.
They can:
Steal nutrients (iron, B12, zinc, magnesium)
Produce toxins that burden the liver and nervous system
Disrupt gut integrity and immune signaling
Contribute to inflammation and hormone disruption
Compete with beneficial gut bacteria
Over time, this can show up as chronic symptoms, not acute illness.
Common Symptoms of Parasites
Parasite symptoms can vary widely and often mimic other conditions.
Some of the most common include:
Persistent bloating or digestive discomfort
Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating patterns
Unexplained fatigue or low energy
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Sugar or carb cravings
Skin issues or rashes
Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
Sleep disturbances (especially waking between 1–3 a.m.)
Low iron or nutrient deficiencies without clear cause
Weakened immune response or frequent illness
Not everyone has digestive symptoms — which is why parasites are often overlooked.
Why Regular Parasite Cleansing Can Be Supportive
In functional health, the goal is not to “kill everything aggressively.”
The goal is to:
Reduce burden
Support detox pathways
Strengthen the terrain so the body can maintain balance
Parasite exposure is common due to:
Travel
Pets
Undercooked food
Produce
Water sources
Day-to-day environmental contact
Because exposure is ongoing, periodic cleansing can be a proactive wellness practice, much like seasonal detox support or mineral repletion.
When done correctly, cleansing:
Supports digestive health
Helps reduce toxic load
Can improve energy, clarity, and resilience
Works best when paired with foundational health support
The Full Moon & Parasite Activity: What’s the Connection?
This topic has gained more attention — and for good reason.
Many practitioners observe that parasites appear more active around the full moon.
Why this may happen:
Changes in light cycles can influence parasite behavior
Hormonal shifts (including melatonin and cortisol) may play a role
Parasites tend to be more mobile and reproductive during this time
Some people notice:
Increased bloating
Sleep disruption
Sugar cravings
Mood changes
Heightened symptoms around the full moon
This is why many functional protocols align parasite support with lunar cycles — not as folklore, but as observational clinical practice.
A Smarter Approach: Support the Body, Don’t Wage War
Parasite cleansing should never be random, aggressive, or unsupported.
What matters most:
Adequate minerals
Bowel regularity
Liver and detox support
Nervous system regulation
Strategic timing
This is why I guide clients to approach cleansing thoughtfully and sustainably, not with fear or extremes.
Dee’s Go-To Parasite Cleanse
When clients ask where to start, I often recommend a gentle yet effective cleanse that supports the body’s natural detox pathways while addressing parasite burden.
This is a foundational option I trust and use within broader functional protocols when appropriate.
(As always, cleansing should be personalized based on individual health history and current capacity.)
Parasites don’t mean something is “wrong” with you.
They are part of the modern world we live in.
The key is awareness, prevention, and strategic support — not fear.
If you’ve been dealing with lingering symptoms that don’t quite add up, or you’re curious whether parasites could be part of the picture, a functional lens can bring clarity where conventional approaches fall short.
Your body is intelligent.
Sometimes it just needs the right support.