10 Signs You Need a Parasite Cleanse

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Many people don’t realize how prevalent parasites really are. The truth is, if you breathe air, you could have a parasite. You can also get parasites from insect bites, swimming in natural water sources, eating unwashed produce, consuming undercooked meats, or even from public restrooms. If you travel frequently (especially internationally), eat sushi, or if you have pets, the chances you have a parasite are even greater. Read on to learn some of the signs you may need a parasite cleanse.

What are common parasites in humans?

Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the human digestive tract and cause damage to their host. They not only consume nutrients from the foods you eat, but they can also cause physical damage to the lining of the intestines. There are literally hundreds of types of parasites common to humans. Some are microscopic, while others can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

The most common parasites are either microscopic protozoa or worms, like tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and flatworms. Symptoms of parasitic infections vary depending on the type of parasite you have. Below are some common symptoms of parasites that may help you discover the culprit.

10 Signs You Need a Parasite Cleanse

1. Unexplained Digestive issues

Many parasites, especially worms, can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating. Left untreated, a parasitic infection can even lead to leaky gut, bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and dysbiosis.

2. Low Iron / Anemia

Tiny parasitic bloodsuckers may bite into the lining of your gut and even attach themselves. Over time, they can deplete red blood cells, leading to anemia.

3. Fatigue

As parasites deplete nutrients before they can be absorbed, you will experience unusual exhaustion. It is not uncommon for a person with a parasitic infection to become malnourished from this lack of nutrients.

4. Muscle and Joint Pain or Body Aches

Painful or aching muscles or joints can be symptoms of an intestinal parasite. That’s because intestinal parasites migrate to the joints via the bloodstream. Once there, they excrete toxins that cause inflammation that may resemble flu-like aches and pains.

5. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Just as parasites can affect the joints, they can cause grinding, gnashing, or clenching the teeth, especially at night. This results from parasitic waste toxins that can bring on anxiety and restlessness.

6. Changes in Appetite

You’ve heard about a pregnant mother eating for two. But have you ever thought about eating for thousands? As intestinal parasites rob your body of nutrients, you may not feel full after a meal or experience unusual hunger. On the other hand, some types of parasites cause bloating and a sensation of fullness, diminishing your appetite.

7. Insomnia or Restless Sleep

Parasites and their toxins can invade the central nervous system. There, they disrupt normal production and function of important neurotransmitters. This can disrupt your circadian rhythm and cause sleep disturbances.

8. Skin Irritations

The waste produced by parasites can lead to rashes, hives, eczema, itching, and even acne. Many parasites reside on the surface of the skin. Others secrete toxins that can trigger immune reactions and inflammation on the skin.

9. Sugar Cravings

Parasites need a steady supply of sugar to survive. In order to get the sugar they crave, they interfere with our neurotransmitters and hijack our serotonin, which controls cravings and appetite. This triggers cravings for sugar and carbs in the host.

10. Brain Fog or Poor Memory

Parasites release toxins through their waste and when they die off. These toxins can affect the brain and cause memory loss and forgetfulness, brain fog, decreased focus, headaches, depression, and anxiety.

So you think you have a parasite. . .

If you think you may need a parasite cleanse, I’ve got you. Come check out this post to learn about my favorite natural parasite cleanse to rid your body of unwanted freeloaders.

Want to learn more? Check out this episode of The Lindsey Elmore Show with Jaban Moore to learn about the main types of parasites that cause infections in humans, as well as symptoms and treatments for parasitic infections.

The Microbiome and Sex

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We know that a healthy microbiome is vital for wellbeing. Most people tend to think that the microbiome mostly affects digestion. While your body’s natural microbial environment does play a role in proper digestion, it actually does so much more. The microbiome is essential for immune system development and function, cognitive (brain) health, metabolism, mental health, and even reproductive health. It may come as a surprise that the multitude of microbes in your gut actually help with hormone regulation. This in turn, means that there is an intricate relationship between the microbiome and sex, and a healthy gut environment can actually lead to a healthier sex life, including improved libido and better orgasms.

What is the Microbiome?

Your microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. These microbes reside primarily in your intestines and constantly exchange chemical signals with the body’s cells. They also produce certain enzymes and aid in the synthesis and absorption of important nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. Proper function relies on a delicate balance of specific types of bacteria that the body needs. When this balance becomes disrupted, an increase in pathogenic bacteria can develop. This is called dysbiosis and can lead to various health issues.

Microbes, Sex Hormone Regulation, & Libido

In the body, hormones exist in both “bound” and “unbound” forms. Bound hormones are attached to something else that transports them through the bloodstream, such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Bound hormones are inactive until they are released. Once unbound, they become biologically active, or bioavailable. Here’s where microbes come in.

We know that estrogen is the major player in female libido, while testosterone drives male libido. Getting the right amount of these hormones into their bioavailable forms is key for proper hormone balance. Microbes secrete an enzyme called β-glucuronidase, which metabolizes estrogen into its active form (Baker). Similarly, studies show that increased microbiome diversity is related to increased free testosterone in men (Liu, et al).

So we see a direct relationship between microbial diversity and levels of primary sex hormones that control sex drive. It doesn’t stop there, however.

Microbes & Feel Good Hormones

The microbiome also affects the levels of other hormones that control sexual appetite and pleasure. In fact, many of the hormones produced by the microbiota also serve as neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. “For example, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the most important inhibitory transmitter in the brain is produced by several lactobacilli, whereas monoamines such as noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin are also produced by certain strains of bacteria” (Clarke, et al). Among other things, these hormones control arousal, pleasure, desire, and motivation in the brain.

Microbes & Orgasm

Ah, the orgasm: the culmination of the attraction, the anticipation, and the efforts of sex. It’s no wonder that a myriad of drugs and other interventions seek to improve sex for better orgasm. We all want that moment of divine release and the subsequent surge of hormones that allow us to feel a temporary surge of euphoria. And as if that alone is not enough, the proven benefits of orgasm go way beyond simple pleasure. (Learn about those in this post.)

Think of your endocrine system as a finely tuned orchestra. Every part of the system is an instrument and your hormones are the notes. Music is how you feel when every part of the orchestra is doing its job and working in sync with the others. However, when one part of the symphony falls short, it disrupts the entire system and the results are less than musical.

Hormones drive sexual pleasure and orgasm. And proper hormone balance depends on a healthy microbiome. This means that a healthy and diverse microbiome = a healthy endocrine system = better sex (Shin, et al).

Does your microbiome need a tune-up? Join me to learn how to engineer your microbiome to boost hormones and prevent and reverse physical and mental illness! The free Engineering Your Microbiome summit takes place September 26-October 22, 2022!

Looking to balance your microbiome and your hormones? Come check out my favorite all-natural sexual wellness supplement for arousal, desire, and vitality.

9 Ways to Enhance Detoxification

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There are so many different ways to cleanse and promote detoxification of your body. Cleanses range from eliminating foods and toxins to only juice or liquid diets to those that include an array of supplements or shakes and other drinks. There are benefits to each method, depending on your health situation and goals. But there are some things that you can do to enhance better overall detoxification, no matter which method you choose. Check out these 9 ways to enhance detoxification.

Focus on positive emotions

The mere word detox inspires fear and loathing for some people. Unfortunately, this can sabotage any effort of cleansing before it even begins. Instead of dreading the foods you will or will not eat during a cleanse, focus on loving your body and having an intentional desire to be healthy. Doing a detox is all about nurturing yourself and working towards a healthier you.

You may need an emotional detox as well. If there are emotions or issues that you feel are preventing you from moving forward in an area, take some time to consider if you need to address them.

Eat plenty of fiber

Toxins tend to stick to the colon and intestines. Consuming plenty of insoluble fiber helps to bulk up the stool and scrub away toxins inside the intestinal tract. On the other hand, soluble fiber slows down the emptying of your stomach, helping you to feel fuller longer and regulating glucose levels.

Sources of Insoluble Fiber

  • Whole grains
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Most vegetables, especially zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower
  • Potatoes

Sources of Soluble Fiber

  • Oats
  • Most fruits
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Beans
  • Seeds, such as flax and sunflower
  • Carrots

Drink lots of water

Water helps flush toxins and waste from the body in a few different ways. It lubricates and softens stool for better elimination. The kidneys filter copious amounts of blood every day, and they require water to help maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. They also depend on water to remove water-soluble toxins from the urine, liver, and bloodstream.

Water is important on a daily basis, but especially during a cleanse or detox, when the demand on your kidneys and liver is increased. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of pure, filtered water daily. Adding slices of lemon to your water not only adds a nice flavor, it also supports detoxification.

If you are in the habit of drinking iced water, I highly recommend that you start drinking it at room temperature. Digestion is a warm process. It requires heat to break down food and extract vital nutrients. Putting cold beverages into the stomach slows down and weakens digestive function.

Sauna treatments

Sweating does more for your body than just cool you off. When you sweat, small but significant amounts of stored toxins, including some heavy metals, are released. Sweating also eliminates hormone-disrupting chemicals, which accumulate in fat cells.

Exercise

Many toxins are fat-soluble, which means they are stored in our fat cells. Exercise is a great way to stimulate lipolysis, or the break down of fat tissue, thus releasing stored toxins. Exercising also improves circulation, providing more oxygen to your liver and kidneys so they can do their part for detoxing the body. 

Soak Up Some Sun

Vitamin D3, known as the sunshine vitamin, actually helps your body fight bacteria. In fact, just 20 minutes of sunshine a day goes a long way towards better health. In that short time, your body starts producing over 200 antimicrobials, which work to eliminate bad bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites throughout your body.

Dry brushing

Dry brushing is the practice of brushing dry skin with a soft, natural-bristle brush. Unlike the circulatory system, which relies on the heart to circulate blood, your lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump. Instead, it relies on muscle movement for circulation. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system to release waste from cells, environmental toxins, and pathogenic organisms.

Eliminate sugar

In addition to causing inflammation, and contributing to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and more, sugar taxes the liver. Sugar is made up of glucose and fructose, and both are metabolized in the liver. Because the liver is so vital for detoxification, eliminating sugar helps it work more effectively. Even if you are not specifically targeting sugar in your detox, it is good practice to limit, or better yet, eliminate, sugar during your cleanse.

Sleep

When we detox, we tend to focus on the cleansing part and forget all about the healing and repair work that our bodies need. During sleep, our bodies can focus so much more energy on the detoxification process. Heading to bed at 10 p.m. is best when cleansing, according to Chinese medicine. This helps us detox to the fullest extent possible.

Do you have tips for healthy detoxing? Comment and share below!

Check out this post for a couple great juice recipes to enhance your detox!

Detoxifying the Liver: 5 things to avoid and 5 things to consume

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Your liver is responsible for over 400 essential functions in your body. It sifts through literally everything that enters your body, so it’s important to make sure it’s operating in tip-top shape. Detoxifying the liver helps reduce toxins, which can improve overall health and often leads to weight loss.

The Role of the Liver

The liver’s primary function is filtering toxic substances to prevent them from passing into your bloodstream. It is your body’s first line of defense against harmful substances. For a more detailed explanation about the liver’s role in detoxification, check out How the Body Detoxifies.

Your liver is also responsible for converting nutrients in your diet into substances your body can use, as well as supplying cells what they need to function and reproduce. In essence, everything we eat or drink passes through the liver before it can be used by our cells.

Additionally, the liver plays a role in regulating blood sugar and breaking down damaged blood cells. Because of these important functions, a sluggish or diseased liver can take its toll on your overall health.

Signs of a Sluggish Liver

An occasional liver cleanse or detox is a good idea to keep it working smoothly. Certain symptoms can alert you to a sluggish liver:

  • Sluggishness & fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Dull headaches that improve with rest
  • Irregular digestion
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unusual negative emotions, anxiety, or depression
  • Brain Fog/Lethargy/Feeling Drained
  • Acne, especially cystic acne
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Bad breath
  • Food allergies/sensitivities
  • Gas/bloating
  • Feeling sick after eating fatty foods
  • Abnormal sweating

If you experience any of these symptoms —especially if you have many of them— you may want to consider detoxifying the liver. Many of the changes below are lifestyle changes that you may or may not choose to adopt long-term. But even if you just detox for a week, your liver will thank you. Decreasing the toxic load for a short period of time can perk up a sluggish liver.

Tips for Detoxifying the Liver

5 Things to Avoid

Booze

Your liver processes alcohol as a toxin. Inside the liver, enzymes break alcohol down into substances that are easier to metabolize. First, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol into acetaldehyde. Next, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes convert the acetaldehyde into acetate. Acetate is broken into carbon and dioxide, which can then be expelled by the body.

Although it sounds like a couple simple reactions, this process takes its toll on the liver. In fact, alcohol abuse destroys liver cells and can result in liver disease. This may include fatty liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), hepatitis and even liver cancer.

Keep in mind that this includes all forms of alcohol: liquor, beer, wine, spirits, etc. If you drink alcohol, consider giving your liver a break by forgoing the booze for a period of time. When you do drink, make sure you stay within your limits and avoid getting drunk.

Refined Sugars

Before sugar becomes an energy source to the body, it must be converted to glucose by the liver. When fructose enters the liver, it kicks off a series of complex chemical transformations. In a process called lipogenesis, the liver uses fructose to create fat. Give the liver enough fructose, and tiny fat droplets begin to accumulate in liver cells. This buildup is called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it looks just like what happens in the livers of people who drink too much alcohol.

So in essence, in the long run, sugar can damage your liver in very similar ways as alcohol. This is one reason why it’s so important to limit sugar intake and to give your body times to detox from it completely.

Fatty Foods

In addition to sugar, your liver plays an important role in the metabolism of fats. A high-fat diet can cause your liver to overproduce glucose and contribute to NAFLD. A small study evaluated glucose levels in men after a large fat intake. This “fat loading” caused subjects’ livers to produce 70% more glucose. Fat loading also caused liver cells to work harder, which places more stress on the liver and contributes to liver disease.

Dairy products, like cheese, milk, butter, and cream, are high in trans fats and sodium. The added sodium exerts extra pressure in your liver by causing inflammation and excess fluid buildup.

Fried foods and other sources of saturated and trans fats put added stress on your liver. Inflammatory oils include canola, corn, soybean, vegetable oil, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower.

Processed Foods

The more junk we put into our bodies, the more demand we place on our liver. During a cleanse, eliminate processed foods with chemical additives, pesticides, and artificial ingredients. Look for organic, non-GMO, whole foods instead. The more natural, plant-based foods you eat, the better.

Meat

Certain meats, including pork, beef, and turkey, are high in saturated fats and sodium. Animal fats are particularly hard on the liver. A plant-based diet is best, but if you must eat meat, select small portions of lean meats and fish. If you choose to indulge in poultry occasionally, go for a skinless option.

5 Things to Consume

Water. . .Lots of it

Water is essential for the liver to flush toxins from your body. The more toxins you consume, the more water your body needs. To avoid taking in more toxins, drink pure, filtered water. Tap water may contain chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals that can do your body more harm than good.

For an added boost, add fresh lemon juice to your drinking water. Lemons contain vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other bioactive compounds that fight oxidative damage to protect the liver. A recent study found that lemon juice reduced alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.

Some experts suggest drinking lemon water just before going to bed at night to support the liver as it detoxifies in your sleep.

Specific Fruits & Vegetables

The old adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is true when it comes to liver health. This is because apple polyphenol extract has hepatoprotective effects on liver oxidative stress. In addition to apples, many fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols that exhibit antioxidant activity, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and encourage detoxification. Some of the best ones include:

  • Artichoke
  • Beets
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, etc.)
  • Carrots
  • Greens (the darker the better)
  • Sweet potato
  • Radish
  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Cherry
  • Fig
  • Citrus fruits
  • Papaya
  • Pomegranate
  • Watermelon

Also, while detoxifying the liver it may be best to avoid plants in the nightshade family, as many of them cause hepatic toxicity. Common nightshades include eggplant, peppers (including spices made from peppers), potatoes, and tomatoes.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the primary compound in turmeric, provides so many healing properties. This polyphenol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrogenic properties to protect the liver. In addition, studies show that it increases detoxifying enzymes in the liver, while healing and repairing hepatic damage. Curcumin comes in capsules, or you can add turmeric powder to many foods.

Milk Thistle

According to research, the active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, can help the body regenerate liver tissue, decrease inflammation, eliminate toxins in the liver and protect the liver from oxidative damage by free radicals. Milk thistle extract is readily available in capsules.

Healthy Fats

Omega-3 fatty acids provide essential nutrients our bodies don’t produce. Therefore, they must be included in the diet to help protect against cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and liver disease. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce lipid accumulation and liver enzyme levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Conversely, depletion of omega-3 or increased omega-6:omega-3 (pro-inflammatory: anti-inflammatory) ratios contribute to the development of NAFLD.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

For a few more ideas to help improve liver health, check out Three Tips for a Healthy Liver.