Have you been feeling tired for no clear reason, having stomach issues, or dealing with strange symptoms that won’t go away? The cause might surprise you — parasites could be behind it. Many people think parasites only exist in certain parts of the world, but the truth is they’re much more common, even in places like the United States.
Parasites are tiny living organisms that survive by feeding on another host — in this case, your body. They can be so small you need a microscope to see them, or large enough to notice with your eyes. According to a report, about 25–50% of people worldwide may have intestinal parasites at any time — that’s billions of people affected.
At Conscious Medicine in Alpharetta, we believe real healing begins by finding the root cause of your symptoms, not just hiding them. Parasitic infections often go unnoticed in regular medical care, leaving people to struggle with ongoing health issues that lower their quality of life. Using a functional medicine approach, we work to find and treat parasite infections as part of your overall health plan.
This guide will help you understand what parasites are, how to spot the symptoms, ways to prevent infection, and treatment options that target the root cause. Whether you already have symptoms or just want to stay healthy, this information will help you take charge of your well-being.
What Are Parasites?
Parasites are organisms that depend on another living organism—called a host—for survival. Unlike beneficial organisms that live in harmony with their hosts, parasites extract nutrients and resources while causing harm to the host’s health and well-being.
These organisms have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to survive and reproduce within or on their hosts. They obtain nutrients directly from the host’s body, often at the expense of the host’s health. Some parasites can live in the human body for years, even decades, without being detected, slowly draining your energy and compromising your immune system.
When parasites take up residence in your body, they don’t just steal nutrients—they can damage tissues, trigger immune responses, release toxins, and disrupt normal body functions. This is why parasitic infections can cause such a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple body systems, from digestive issues to neurological problems.
Internal Parasites (Endoparasites) live inside the host’s body, typically in the digestive system (intestines, stomach), blood and circulatory system, tissues and muscles, or organs (liver, lungs, brain). Examples include intestinal worms, protozoa like Giardia, and tissue parasites like those causing malaria.
External Parasites (Ectoparasites) live on the surface of the host’s body, including skin, hair, and body openings. Examples include lice, ticks, fleas, and scabies mites. While they live externally, they can still cause significant health problems and transmit diseases.
Types of Parasites
Understanding the different categories of parasites helps you recognize potential sources of infection and appropriate treatment approaches. Let’s explore the three main types that affect humans.
1. Protozoa: Single-Celled Organisms
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can multiply within the human body. This ability to reproduce inside their host makes them particularly problematic, as even a small initial infection can grow into a serious health issue.
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in the United States, causing giardiasis. This infection leads to severe, watery diarrhea with a foul odor, explosive gas and bloating, greasy stools that float, abdominal cramping, fatigue and weakness, and dehydration if untreated. Many people contract Giardia from contaminated water sources, including streams, lakes, and even inadequately treated municipal water supplies.
Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebiasis, which can lead to bloody diarrhea (amoebic dysentery), abdominal pain and cramping, liver abscesses in severe cases, and weight loss and fever. This parasite is more common in tropical regions but can affect travelers returning from endemic areas.
Toxoplasma gondii is often contracted from undercooked meat or cat feces and can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women (can cause birth defects), immunocompromised individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults infected with Toxoplasma experience mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all, but the parasite remains dormant in the body and can reactivate if the immune system becomes compromised.
Cryptosporidium causes cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease often spread through contaminated water, swimming pools and water parks, and contact with infected animals. This parasite is particularly resistant to chlorine, making it a common cause of waterborne outbreaks even in treated recreational water facilities.
2. Helminths: Parasitic Worms
Helminths are multicelled organisms that are often visible to the naked eye in their adult stages. Unlike protozoa, most helminths cannot multiply within the human body—infection occurs when eggs or larvae enter the body and develop into adults.
Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common human worm infection globally, causing ascariasis. These large roundworms can grow up to 12 inches long, cause intestinal blockages in heavy infections, migrate through lungs during their life cycle (causing cough and respiratory symptoms), and cause malnutrition and growth problems in children. The World Health Organization estimates that over 800 million people worldwide are infected with Ascaris.
Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are extremely common, especially in children. Symptoms include intense anal itching particularly at night, disturbed sleep, irritability, and visible small white worms in stool or around anus. Pinworms are highly contagious and easily spread in households and childcare settings through contaminated surfaces and hand-to-mouth contact.
Hookworms are particularly insidious parasites that penetrate skin (often through bare feet), migrate to intestines where they feed on blood, cause anemia and protein deficiency, and lead to fatigue and weakness. In developing countries, hookworm infection is a leading cause of anemia and malnutrition, particularly in children and pregnant women.
Tapeworms (Cestodes) are segmented worms that can grow several feet long in the intestines, be acquired from undercooked beef, pork, or fish, cause digestive issues and weight loss, and migrate to other organs in some species (causing cysts). The pork tapeworm is particularly dangerous because its larvae can form cysts in the brain, eyes, and muscles, causing a condition called cysticercosis.
3. Ectoparasites: External Parasites
These parasites live on the surface of the host’s body, feeding on blood, skin, or other tissues. While they live externally, they can still cause significant health problems and transmit diseases.
Lice affects the head, body, or pubic area and spreads through close contact. Head lice are particularly common in school-age children, causing intense itching and social stigma. Body lice, while less common in developed countries, can transmit serious diseases like typhus.
Ticks attach to skin and feed on blood, transmit serious diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis), can cause tick paralysis in rare cases, and should be removed promptly and properly. Tick-borne diseases are increasing in prevalence across the United States, making tick prevention and prompt removal crucial for outdoor enthusiasts.
Scabies mites are microscopic parasites that burrow into skin, cause intense itching (worse at night), create characteristic rash patterns (often between fingers, on wrists, elbows, and genital area), and spread easily through close contact. Scabies outbreaks are common in nursing homes, prisons, and other institutional settings where people live in close quarters.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parasitic Infections?
Parasitic infection symptoms can vary dramatically depending on the type of parasite, where it’s located in your body, and how your immune system responds. Many symptoms are non-specific, which is why parasitic infections often go undiagnosed for months or even years.
General Symptoms
Persistent Fatigue is one of the most common complaints from people with parasitic infections. This isn’t just ordinary tiredness—parasites consume nutrients meant for your body, leading to chronic exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, low energy levels throughout the day, difficulty completing normal daily activities, and feeling drained even after adequate sleep. Many people with undiagnosed parasitic infections report feeling like they’re “running on empty” no matter how much they rest.
Unexplained Weight Loss occurs despite eating normally or even more than usual. You might experience gradual weight loss over weeks or months, loss of muscle mass, inability to maintain healthy weight, and nutritional deficiencies despite adequate food intake. This happens because parasites consume nutrients from your food before your body can absorb them, essentially stealing the calories and nutrition you need.
Nausea presents as persistent queasiness that often occurs in the morning, may worsen after meals, doesn’t respond to typical remedies, and can come and go without clear triggers. Some people describe a constant feeling of unease in their stomach that never quite resolves.
Loss of appetite is common with many parasitic infections. You might experience decreased interest in food, early satiety (feeling full quickly), food aversions (suddenly disliking foods you previously enjoyed), and reduced enjoyment of meals. This can create a vicious cycle where you eat less, become more malnourished, and feel even worse.
Digestive System Parasites
Chronic Diarrhea is often the symptom that finally prompts medical attention. This involves frequent, loose, or watery stools lasting more than a few days or weeks, may alternate with normal bowel movements, is often accompanied by urgency (sudden need to use the bathroom), and can lead to dehydration if severe. Some parasites cause explosive diarrhea that can be socially debilitating and interfere with work and daily activities.
Bloating and gas cause uncomfortable abdominal distension, feeling “pregnant” or swollen (even in men), excessive flatulence that can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, symptoms that worsen after eating certain foods, and may be accompanied by gurgling sounds. Many people with parasitic infections report that their abdomen feels tight and distended, especially after meals.
Abdominal Cramping ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain, often occurs in waves, may be relieved temporarily by bowel movements, can occur in different areas of the abdomen, and sometimes wakes you from sleep. The cramping can be sharp and intense or dull and persistent, depending on the type of parasite and location of infection.
Anal Itching is a classic symptom, particularly with pinworms. This involves intense itching around the anus that’s worse at night (when female pinworms lay eggs), disturbs sleep and can lead to insomnia, can lead to skin irritation from scratching, and may affect the vaginal area in females. The nighttime itching is so characteristic of pinworms that it’s often the first clue to diagnosis.
Visible Worms in Stool are a definitive sign of helminth infection. You might see actual worms in the toilet or stool, worm segments that look like rice grains (tapeworms), small white threads (pinworms), or larger roundworms. While disturbing to discover, seeing worms in stool actually makes diagnosis straightforward and ensures prompt treatment.
Systemic Symptoms
Some parasites migrate beyond the digestive system, affecting other organs and causing diverse symptoms. Neurological symptoms can include headaches and migraines (persistent or recurring head pain), dizziness and balance problems, seizures (in severe cases like neurocysticercosis from tapeworm cysts in brain), cognitive difficulties (brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating), vision problems (when parasites affect the eyes or optic nerves), and behavioral changes (mood swings, anxiety, depression).
Respiratory symptoms occur when parasites migrate through or reside in the lungs, causing chronic cough (persistent cough that doesn’t respond to typical treatments), wheezing (asthma-like symptoms), chest pain (discomfort or pain with breathing), shortness of breath (difficulty breathing or feeling winded easily), and coughing up blood in severe cases.
Muscle and joint pain can result from tissue parasites, causing unexplained muscle aches (pain without a clear cause), joint pain and inflammation (arthritis-like symptoms), muscle weakness (difficulty with normal movements), and stiffness (particularly in the morning). These symptoms are often mistaken for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Skin symptoms include unexplained rashes or hives (allergic-type reactions), itching without visible cause (generalized itching), skin lesions or sores (open wounds or ulcers), and crawling sensations (feeling of movement under skin). Some people develop chronic skin conditions that don’t respond to typical dermatological treatments because the underlying cause is parasitic.
Severe or Chronic Effects
Long-term or severe parasitic infections can lead to serious health complications.
Malnutrition occurs as parasites compete for nutrients, causing deficiencies in protein (leading to muscle wasting, weakness, poor wound healing), iron (causing anemia, fatigue, pale skin), vitamin B12 (resulting in neurological problems, anemia), vitamin A (leading to vision problems, immune dysfunction), and other essential nutrients affecting multiple body systems.
Anemia from blood loss or nutrient malabsorption causes extreme fatigue (beyond normal tiredness), pale skin and mucous membranes (visible pallor), shortness of breath (even with minimal exertion), rapid heartbeat (heart working harder to deliver oxygen), cold hands and feet (poor circulation), and dizziness and lightheadedness (especially when standing). Severe anemia from parasitic infections can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Growth Retardation in Children is one of the most tragic consequences of chronic parasitic infections. It significantly impacts physical growth (stunted height and weight gain), cognitive development (learning difficulties, reduced IQ), school performance (poor concentration, frequent absences), overall health (weakened immune system, frequent illnesses), and long-term outcomes (reduced adult height, earning potential). Children with chronic parasitic infections may never reach their full physical or intellectual potential.
Causes and Transmission
Understanding how parasitic infections spread is essential for both prevention and treatment. Parasites have multiple transmission routes, and awareness of these pathways helps you protect yourself and your family.
Contaminated Food or Water is one of the most common transmission routes. Water becomes contaminated through untreated drinking water from wells, streams, or lakes, recreational water in swimming pools or water parks with inadequate chlorination, ice made from contaminated sources, and produce washed with contaminated water.
Food contamination occurs through undercooked meat (beef, pork, wild game containing tapeworms, Toxoplasma, or Trichinella), undercooked fish (sushi, sashimi, ceviche containing liver flukes, fish tapeworms, or roundworms), unwashed produce (leafy greens, berries, root vegetables contaminated with soil or water parasites), food handling by infected individuals, and cross-contamination during food preparation.
Poor Hygiene and Sanitation enables fecal-oral transmission when microscopic amounts of feces containing parasites enter the mouth. This happens through inadequate handwashing (not washing after bathroom use, before food preparation, or before eating), contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, faucets, countertops), nail-biting or thumb-sucking (especially problematic in children), and unconscious hand-to-mouth contact. Environmental contamination through inadequate sewage systems, open defecation in areas without proper facilities, contaminated soil in areas with poor waste disposal, and public restrooms with contaminated surfaces all contribute to parasite transmission.
Insect Bites transmit parasites through mosquitoes (malaria-causing Plasmodium species, lymphatic filariasis), ticks (babesiosis, a malaria-like parasitic infection), and various flies in tropical regions (African sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis). Vector-borne parasitic diseases are among the most significant global health challenges, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Contact with Contaminated Soil or Feces spreads soil-transmitted helminths. Hookworm larvae in contaminated soil penetrate bare skin, typically through feet, and are common in warm, moist climates. Roundworm and whipworm eggs in contaminated soil are ingested through hand-to-mouth contact and can survive in soil for years. Animal feces pose risks through cat feces (Toxoplasma, particularly dangerous for pregnant women), dog feces (various parasites, including roundworms), farm animal waste (multiple parasites), and wild animal droppings.
Risk factors that increase susceptibility include living or traveling in tropical/subtropical areas with higher parasite prevalence, using untreated water sources, consuming undercooked meat or fish, occupational exposure (agricultural workers, veterinarians, childcare workers), outdoor activities (camping, hiking, gardening), and compromised immune status (HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, immunosuppressive medications). Children face higher risk due to less developed hygiene habits and more hand-to-mouth behavior, while immunocompromised individuals experience more severe infections and complications.
Prevention: How to Protect Yourself?
Preventing parasitic infections is far easier and more effective than treating them. These evidence-based strategies can significantly reduce your risk.
Hand washing is your first line of defense. Wash hands before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, after touching animals or animal waste, after gardening, and after handling raw meat. Scrub for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, cleaning under fingernails where parasites and eggs hide. Keep fingernails short and clean, avoid nail-biting and thumb-sucking, shower daily (especially after outdoor activities), and wash hands before touching your face.
Safe food and water practices are crucial. At home, use municipal water systems when available, test well water regularly, consider water filtration systems, and boil questionable water for at least one minute. When traveling, drink only bottled water with sealed caps, avoid ice unless made from safe water, use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth, and be cautious with beverages that may contain tap water.
Cook meat to proper temperatures: beef, pork, and lamb to 145°F with a 3-minute rest, ground meats to 160°F, poultry to 165°F, and fish to 145°F. Use a food thermometer to verify temperatures. Wash all produce thoroughly under running water, use a produce brush for firm items, peel when possible (especially when traveling), and avoid raw produce in areas with questionable water quality.
Environmental sanitation requires proper waste disposal, prompt pet waste cleanup, keeping sandboxes covered, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and kitchens. Maintain proper drainage to prevent standing water, keep food storage areas clean and sealed, and control pests that can spread parasites.
Vector control involves using EPA-registered insect repellents (DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus), wearing protective clothing in mosquito and tick areas, eliminating standing water around your home, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and removing ticks promptly and properly using fine-tipped tweezers.
Natural Foods and Parasite Prevention
Many people wonder about natural approaches to parasite prevention. While proper hygiene and food safety remain the most important preventive measures, certain foods have been traditionally used to support digestive health.
Do bananas kill parasites?
This is a common question, and the answer requires some nuance. While bananas don’t directly kill parasites, they can play a supportive role in digestive health. Bananas contain enzymes and fiber that support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, which can help the body naturally eliminate parasites. The fiber in bananas helps promote intestinal motility, potentially making the digestive environment less hospitable to parasites.
However, it’s crucial to understand that bananas alone are not a treatment for parasitic infections. They should be considered part of a healthy diet that supports overall digestive wellness, not a replacement for proper medical treatment when parasites are present. If you have a confirmed parasitic infection, you need appropriate antiparasitic medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Other foods that support digestive health and may create an environment less hospitable to parasites include garlic (contains allicin and other compounds with natural antimicrobial properties), pumpkin seeds (traditionally used to support digestive health and contain compounds that may have antiparasitic effects), papaya (contains papain, an enzyme that supports digestion and may help break down parasite proteins), pineapple (rich in bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion), and fermented foods (support healthy gut bacteria that compete with parasites for resources and space).
Coconut products, including coconut oil and fresh coconut, have been traditionally used in tropical regions where parasites are common. Coconut contains medium-chain fatty acids that may have antimicrobial properties. Carrots are high in fiber and vitamin A, supporting digestive health and immune function. Pomegranate has been used traditionally for digestive health and contains compounds that may have antiparasitic properties.
Important Note: While these foods support overall digestive health and may create a less favorable environment for parasites, they are not substitutes for proper medical diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections. Think of them as part of a comprehensive approach to digestive wellness that includes proper hygiene, safe food handling, and medical treatment when necessary. If you suspect you have parasites, consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and treatment rather than relying solely on dietary approaches.
At Conscious Medicine, we often recommend incorporating these supportive foods as part of a comprehensive gut health protocol, but always in conjunction with appropriate medical treatment when parasites are diagnosed. Our functional medicine approach recognizes that supporting your body’s natural defenses through nutrition is valuable, but it doesn’t replace the need for targeted antiparasitic treatment when infections are present.
Treatment Options
Effective treatment of parasitic infections requires accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate antiparasitic medications. At Conscious Medicine, we combine conventional treatments with supportive therapies to eliminate parasites while promoting overall healing.
Diagnosis begins with proper testing. Stool tests include standard ova and parasite (O&P) examination with multiple samples over several days, specialized stains for certain parasites, PCR testing for more sensitive detection, and comprehensive stool analysis that detects parasites conventional tests miss. Blood tests check for anemia, eosinophilia, antibodies to specific parasites, and blood parasites like malaria. Imaging studies may be needed to identify tissue parasites and cysts.
At Conscious Medicine, we use comprehensive stool testing that goes beyond standard methods to detect parasites conventional tests miss, bacterial imbalances that often co-exist with parasites, yeast overgrowth common after parasitic infections, digestive function markers, and inflammation indicators.
Medication for protozoa includes Metronidazole (treats Giardia and other protozoa, typically for 5-10 days, avoid alcohol during treatment), Tinidazole (similar effectiveness, often fewer doses), and Nitazoxanide (broad-spectrum activity, generally well-tolerated). For helminths, Albendazole treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms (1-3 days depending on parasite). Mebendazole has similar effectiveness with different dosing, Praziquantel specifically targets tapeworms and flukes, and Pyrantel Pamoate is available over-the-counter for pinworms.
Supportive therapies at Conscious Medicine complement conventional treatment with probiotics to restore gut flora, digestive enzymes to improve absorption, nutritional support to address deficiencies (iron, B vitamins, vitamin A, zinc), immune support (vitamin C, vitamin D, stress management), and detoxification support (liver support, adequate hydration, fiber, binders like activated charcoal used strategically).
Die-off management addresses the Herxheimer reaction when parasites die and release toxins. We support this process with increased water intake, liver support supplements, activated charcoal or binders (taken away from medications), Epsom salt baths, rest and stress reduction, and gradual treatment approach when needed.
Preventing reinfection requires repeat testing 2-4 weeks after treatment, simultaneous household treatment for certain parasites, environmental decontamination (washing bedding in hot water, disinfecting bathrooms, vacuuming living areas, cleaning under fingernails), and continued hygiene maintenance.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek emergency care for severe diarrhea with dehydration, high fever with abdominal pain, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, seizures, severe headaches with fever, vision changes, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
Schedule an appointment for persistent digestive symptoms lasting more than 2-3 weeks, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, visible worms in stool, symptoms after travel to high-risk areas, or known exposure to contaminated food or water.
At Conscious Medicine, we provide comprehensive evaluation including detailed health history, advanced testing beyond standard methods, personalized treatment plans, root cause approach (identifying why you got infected), and ongoing support throughout your healing journey.
Conclusion
Parasitic infections affect billions worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to serious complications. Understanding parasites, recognizing symptoms, and knowing prevention strategies empowers you to protect your health.
Key takeaways: parasites are common and diverse; symptoms vary widely; prevention through hygiene and safe practices is powerful; natural foods like bananas support digestive health but aren’t parasite treatments; accurate diagnosis is essential; treatment is effective when properly prescribed; comprehensive care addressing overall health promotes complete healing.
At Conscious Medicine in Alpharetta, we specialize in identifying and addressing parasitic infections through functional medicine approaches that conventional medicine might overlook. Our comprehensive testing detects parasites others miss, personalized treatment addresses your specific needs, whole-person care supports your body’s natural healing, root cause focus identifies why you got infected, and ongoing support ensures complete recovery.
Don’t let parasites compromise your health. Contact Conscious Medicine today to schedule your consultation. Virtual and in-person appointments available.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational and not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections.
FAQ’s
Can parasites live in the body for years without symptoms?
Yes. Some parasites can live quietly in your body for months or even years before causing noticeable problems, which is why they often go undiagnosed.
How are parasite infections diagnosed?
Doctors can check for parasites using stool tests, blood tests, or other specialized lab screenings. Functional medicine doctors may also use advanced testing to detect hidden infections.
How can I prevent getting parasites?
Wash your hands often, cook meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables, drink clean water, avoid walking barefoot outdoors, and be cautious when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
How do i know i have a parasites symptoms?
You may have parasites if you experience symptoms like unexplained fatigue, digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation), unexplained weight changes, skin rashes, frequent headaches, trouble sleeping, or persistent gut discomfort. A medical test is the only way to confirm a parasitic infection.
What kills parasites in the body quickly?
Prescription antiparasitic medications—such as albendazole, ivermectin, or metronidazole—are the fastest and most effective ways to kill parasites. Natural options like garlic, oregano oil, and pumpkin seeds may help support the process, but they are not a replacement for medical treatment. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.