Parasite Cleanse & Detox
Parasites! Ew, really? Hear me out….
If you are a person who eats food (or drinks water for that matter) then there is a high likelihood that you have been exposed to parasites, and may even have an active parasitic infection in your body as you read this. Parasites are organisms that live and feed off of a host organism, and they are much more prevalent than you may think. But do not fear, most parasites can be cleansed from the body with the right approach (more on that to follow).
It’s difficult to get an exact number, but it’s estimated that up to 50% of Americans are exposed to parasites each year through food and water consumption, animal exposure, or swimming in lakes and other freshwater sources. In addition to parasites, we are all exposed to chemicals in our daily lives which are absorbed in our bodies. Whether it be smog in the air, chemical additives in food or household cleaning products, some of these chemicals are challenging for our bodies to deal with. With the rise in chronic health conditions, autoimmune issues and other diseases, could parasites and toxins be a contributing factor? They very well may be… So, allow me to explain why it’s a great idea to rid yourself of these uninvited bodily hitchhikers and detoxify your body! First, let’s look at some common symptoms which may be associated with an active intestinal parasitic infection:
Insomnia
Teeth Grinding at Night
Digestive issues (Heartburn, gas, diarrhea etc.)
Fatigue / Low Energy
Joint and Muscle Pain
Skin Issues
Brain Fog
Anemia
Sugar Cravings
If you have experienced any of the symptoms above, those pesky parasites may be to blame! And, if you have tried to get these symptoms under control through diet and lifestyle changes in the past, but they persist, I would highly encourage you to try a parasite cleanse and detox.
Ok, so how can we get rid of these buggers and effectively detox our bodies? OH, I’m glad you asked… After going through this process myself many times over the years, I can assure you that it’s much simpler and cheaper than you may expect! Let’s take a look at a shining star supplement for wiping out parasites. And before you ask, no, it’s not some fancy designer drug with a laundry list of potential side effects, or some recently discovered and overhyped pachanga berry from the Amazon… No offense pachanga berries!
PARASITES… MEET DIATOMACEOUS EARTH!
Never heard of it? You’re not alone. I consider this a pretty fringe supplement, that does not get the recognition it deserves. This is mainly due to the fact it is abundant in the earth, dirt cheap and pretty much impossible to hype up to make companies big profits. It has a history of use as an extremely safe supplement, and there are many testimonials online and health experts who use it as the primary ingredient for natural parasite cleanses and detoxification, so it is definitely worth exploring!
WHAT EXACTLY IS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE)?
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring product which comes from the fossilized remains of very small aquatic organisms, known as diatoms. These fossils are essentially skeletons made of silica, and may be so abundant as to make up around 25% of the Earth’s crust!
Click to purchase the Diatomaceous Earth we recommend.
There are two types of DE.
Food Grade - Meant for human consumption
Non-Food Grade - Used as natural pest control products, industrial applications etc.
For the purpose of this blog and cleanse, we will be using food grade diatomaceous earth.
LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE STATED BENEFITS
Kills parasites and viruses
Strengthens skin, bones, ligaments, teeth, nails (thanks to the high silica content)
Reduces bloating and intestinal issues
Detoxifies
So, how exactly does consuming these tiny fossils rid your body of parasites?
When you consume diatomaceous earth, the fossils have a unique sharpness to them (which is harmless to humans) but they bind to parasites, dehydrating and weakening them. Eventually this effect kills insects or parasites that are exposed to DE, and they are excreted from the body.
RISKS
While diatomaceous earth is considered a very safe product, you should be mindful not to breathe it in when opening, scooping, and closing the bag or container it comes in, as it can irritate the airways. Constipation may occur if you are not properly hydrated, so be sure to drink extra fluids on days you take it. Some people may have skin sensitivity when coming in contact with DE, so again, be a little extra cautious when handling it and consuming it your first few times until you know how your body reacts.
OTHER CLEANSE/DETOX SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS
Diatomaceous earth can work pretty well on it’s own, but if you are serious about cleansing and detoxing (or it has been awhile since your last cleanse), there are some other supplements you should consider taking to enhance the effectiveness. Product links we recommend can be clicked below.
Humic/Fulvic Acid (liquid form)
Herbal Teas - Rooibos, Echinacea, Holy Basil, Chamomile
Loose Leaf Tea - Infuser
Essential Oils - Clove, Oregano, Grapefruit (Young Living brand)
The humic and fulvic acid, herbal teas and essential oils listed above can be taken alongside DE 3-4 days per week to maximize the benefits of any parasite cleanse or detox. Be sure to source high quality and organic products whenever possible, to ensure they are effective and fit for consumption.
DIET
We would be missing a key component if we didn’t mention optimizing your diet during this time. While you could still achieve great results following this protocol remaining on your current diet, some small changes could amplify the benefits substantially. Things like cutting out added sugars, preservatives and industrial oils are a great place to start. Making unprocessed foods like organic fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese and nuts the foundation of your diet, will have serious health benefits for this protocol and beyond.
THE PROTOCOL
It’s best to take DE on an empty stomach, about an hour before food. For most people, taking it first thing in the morning with a glass of water is most effective. Make sure to drink around 8-12 ounces with each dose of DE.
Week 1:
1 teaspoon of diatomaceous earth daily
Week 2:
2 teaspoons of diatomaceous earth daily
Weeks 3-4:
1 tablespoon of diatomaceous earth daily
Following one month of consumption, it is recommended to take a break. There are many different protocols, ranging from 10 days on 10 days off, 1 month on and 1 month off, and even some recommending consumption for up to 3 months straight.
If it’s your first time doing it, since parasites have lifecycles up to 21 days, I have found it best to try it out for a month straight, to give your body a thorough cleanse/detox and wipe out as many parasites and toxins as possible. Afterwards, taking it for 10 days straight every quarter (4 times per year) seems to be a good maintenance protocol, to help prevent parasites from building back up in numbers. If you don’t cleanse again for a long period, and your symptoms come back, try going back to the 30 day cleanse.
HOW WILL YOU FEEL DURING?
Effects will vary from person to person, based on the level of parasitic infection or toxicity in your body. I’ve personally had different experiences with my cleanses over the years. Some had absolutely no side effects or discomfort, while others produced mild stomach flu like symptoms which persisted for 2-3 days. This is likely due to the amount of parasites you have actively dying in your intestines (gross but good)! Parasites can release toxins and gasses when they die in large numbers, which can cause the following symptoms:
Headache
Skin rashes
Loss of appetite
Stomach gas and discomfort
Flu like symptoms (nausea, diarrhea)
While unpleasant, think of these symptoms as an indicator that the cleanse is having the intended effect!
HOW WILL YOU FEEL AFTER?
Many people notice an increase in energy, mental clarity and a more robust immune system following a cleanse. For those who are also following a more robust supplement protocol and detox diet, you may experience weight loss, brighter skin and complexion, improvements in physical and mental performance, and a general feeling of wellbeing.
IN CONCLUSION
A periodic parasite cleanse and detox can be very beneficial, especially for anyone who hasn’t done one in over a year, or ever! For a more detailed guide on the Parasite Cleanse & Detox protocol, including other supplements and diet changes, reach out to Optimizedunow@gmail.com to learn more!
