Parasites: a commonly overlooked cause for fatigue, brain fog and stubborn weight.

Parasitic worm infestations are more common than many people realise and can cause a range of uncomfortable and persistent symptoms. As a naturopathic practitioner, I believe in addressing these issues with effective, natural solutions that work in harmony with the body’s own healing processes. Let’s explore what you need to know about parasites, their lifecycle, symptoms, and natural treatment options.

The Lifecycle of Worms: Know Your Enemy

Understanding how worms operate in the body is crucial for effective treatment. The entire lifecycle of worms spans 4-8 weeks. Infection begins when you unintentionally ingest or inhale worm eggs from contaminated surfaces like bathroom fixtures, doorknobs, carpets, or through human-to-human transmission.

Once ingested, eggs hatch in the small intestines, with adult worms eventually making the colon their home. Female adult worms typically emerge at night to lay eggs near the anus, causing the characteristic nighttime itching that many sufferers experience.

Common Symptoms: Recognising Worm Infestations

Worm infestations can manifest through various symptoms, including:

Gastrointestinal Signs

• Abdominal pain (often vague or persistent)
• Diarrhoea (sometimes with nausea and vomiting)
• Unexplained weight loss due to nutrient malabsorption
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Bloating and excessive gas
• Heartburn and nausea

Other Telltale Symptoms

• Itching around the anus (especially at night)
• Skin rash (sometimes worm-shaped)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Coughing (when worms migrate to the lungs)
• Fever
• Anaemia from blood-feeding worms
• Malnutrition
• Stunted growth in children

Cognitive Symptoms of Parasites

Parasitic infections don’t just affect digestion—they can also impact brain function and mental health. Some common cognitive symptoms include:

Brain Fog – Trouble concentrating, memory issues, and slow thinking.
Fatigue – Feeling drained, even after a full night’s sleep.
Mood Swings & Irritability – Increased anxiety, depression, or unexplained anger.
Cravings & Blood Sugar Swings – Parasites feed on nutrients, leading to unstable energy levels.
Dizziness & Headaches – Possible signs of inflammation or toxin buildup from parasites.
Sleep Disturbances – Nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism), restlessness, or waking up between 1-3 AM (linked to liver detox).

How parasites affect weight

parasites can have a huge impact on weight regulation, making it difficult to lose or gain weight despite a healthy diet and lifestyle. these hidden infections disrupt digestion, metabolism, and nutrient absorption, leading to frustrating and unexplained weight changes.

unexplained weight loss or gain – some parasites consume nutrients before your body can absorb them, leading to weight loss, while others cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances that trigger weight gain.

constant hunger and cravings – parasites can increase appetite and cravings, especially for sugar and processed foods, as they thrive on these energy sources.

digestive issues – bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and gas can all be signs that parasites are interfering with gut health, leading to poor nutrient absorption and metabolism issues.

inflammation and water retention – some parasites trigger chronic inflammation, causing puffiness, bloating, and difficulty losing fat.

hormonal imbalances – parasites can stress the adrenals, disrupt insulin levels, and interfere with leptin and ghrelin (hunger hormones), making it harder to maintain a stable weight.

toxin overload – parasites release waste and toxins into the body, overloading the liver and slowing down fat metabolism, which can lead to stubborn weight gain and difficulty detoxifying.

Who’s at Risk?

Some individuals face a higher risk of worm infections due to:

• Poor hygiene practices
• Living in areas with inadequate sanitation
• Consuming raw or undercooked foods
• Having a weakened immune system
• Certain occupations (farming, childcare)
• Age (children are particularly susceptible)
• Crowded living conditions
• Contact with animals
• Walking barefoot in contaminated soil
• Poor gut health

Myth buster: Contrary to popular belief, threadworms only live in humans, so there’s no need to worry about catching them from your pets!

However, pets can carry other types of worms, such as roundworms or tapeworms, which can sometimes be transmitted to humans. But when it comes to threadworms, they are only spread between humans through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or hands.

How to test for parasites:

Your GP can request a stool sample, or you can order your own functional medicine test, available on our online store.

The gold standard for gut health testing is the complete microbiome (this test, covers a lot more than just parasites)

Or

Parasites, Worms & Helminths Check: This is the most comprehensive worm stool test available in Australia and uses advanced PCR technology to maximise detection at only $115, this is the perfect test, for you and your family.

PCR-based stool worm tests are particularly useful when other diagnostic methods, such as microscopic examination of stool samples, do not yield definitive results. They can provide a more precise identification of the specific worm species present, aiding in targeted treatment and management of an infection.

This stool test measures:

Roundworm – Ancylostoma duodenale, Ascaris lumbricoides

Whipworm – Trichuris trichiura, Enterocytozoon spp, Roundworm – Strongyloides spp,

Hookworm – Necator americanus, Pinworm – Enterobius vermicularis, Tapeworm – Hymenolepis spp,

Tapeworm – Taenia species

Natural Treatment Approaches

1. Chrondroitin Sulphate:

Chrondroitin sulphate has emerged as an effective natural treatment for chronic or recurring worm issues. Found naturally in cartilage and connective tissues, this compound:

• Sedates worm larvae during their vulnerable stage
• Supports basophils to alter the pH environment
• Reduces worm susceptibility when administered over a three-month period
• Disrupts the worm lifecycle at a critical juncture

Note: Dosage is age and case-dependent, so consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential.

2. Herbal Medicine:

Plants contain potent chemical compounds with antiparasitic, antifungal, and anthelmintic properties that make them highly effective against worms. Some key herbs include:

• Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua)
• Black walnut
• Pomegranate (especially useful for recurring infections)
• Nigella (black seed)

A personalised liquid herbal formula is often the most effective delivery method for these powerful botanicals.

3. Probiotic Support

Specific probiotic strains can help restore gut balance and support the body’s natural defence mechanisms:

• Saccharomyces boulardii (SB)
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)

These beneficial microorganisms work synergistically with other treatments to enhance effectiveness.

4. Nutritional Support

Supporting your body’s resilience is key during and after treatment:

• Prebiotic-rich foods to nurture a healthy gut microbiome (berries, flaxseeds, oats, potatoes)
• Immune-supportive foods including fresh vegetables, sauerkraut, bone broth, and healthy fats

Practical Home Management

When dealing with a worm infestation, these practical steps are crucial:

• Wash all linen, towels, and clothes in hot water (50°C/122°F)
• Change and wash pyjamas and bed linen daily for several days
• Emphasise thorough handwashing with soap and hot water (remember that eggs are adhesive and stick to fingers and nails)
• Consider treating all household members (worm eggs can spread easily in shared living spaces)

The Importance of Complete Treatment

Addressing worm infestations requires patience and thoroughness. Treatments often span a three-month period to effectively target all stages of the worm lifecycle. Failing to address worm infestations completely can lead to ongoing issues affecting both digestive and reproductive health.

By aligning our treatments with nature’s rhythms and understanding the lifecycle of these parasites, we can optimise the effectiveness of natural remedies and support the body’s innate healing abilities.

Personalised Approach

While the information provided here offers a good starting point for addressing worms naturally, each person’s situation is unique. For a more thorough, personalised approach, please consider booking a consultation to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.