Inflammation Foods - Anti Inflammatory Diet Nutritionist
Your body uses inflammation to fight off everything from infection, to allergies, to tissue injury.
But when any of those things goes undiagnosed or untreated, inflammation becomes chronic, exacerbating pain levels and other symptoms. And the foods you eat can either help or hurt your healing potential.
Inflammation Foods to Avoid
Inflammation hits in so many ways, but easily the most obvious manifestation of inflammation is pain. Whatever the cause of your pain symptoms, it’s important to recognize pain as your body’s alarm system. Your body uses inflammation to fight off everything from infection, to allergies, to tissue injury.
But when any of those things goes undiagnosed or untreated, inflammation becomes chronic, exacerbating pain levels and other symptoms. And the foods you eat can either help or hurt your healing potential.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying. Click here to read my Medical Disclaimer.
In this article, you’ll learn:
signs of inflammation
causes of systemic inflammation
when to seek help
foods that reduce inflammation
signs of inflammation
Ironically, and perhaps inspirationally, I am writing this blog from my bed as I keep my recently fractured ankle elevated. Needless to say, it got me thinking about the process of pain and healing. And since I love working with clients who have inflammatory conditions, I thought this a great time to share some tools that might help you.
To start, pain is not the only sign of inflammation, just as nutrition is not the only solution for it. Let’s talk about what defines inflammation.
An inflammatory response is when your body sends white blood cells (from the immune system) to a specific area, or systemically, in order to heal tissue or fight off foreign invaders like viruses, parasites, dysbiotic bacteria, or mold toxins.
Probably the easiest way to visualize inflammation that most of us can relate to is a cold or sinus infection. That snot you’re blowing out and that stuffs you up and keeps you from breathing? This is acute inflammation.
That’s your mucous membranes being activated due to an immune system response to an unwanted pathogen. And as miserable as you might feel in those times, it’s your body is doing what it’s supposed to.
However, when you have chronic sinus infections, seasonal allergies, or chronic “stuffy head” - this is chronic inflammation.
Inflammation plays an important role in healing and helping us to survive as a species. But what’s missing is the regulation of inflammation. Our modern lifestyle of processed foods, unaddressed complex trauma, and excess busyness, fosters chronic inflammation. And unfortunately our American healthcare system does very little to address root causes of inflammation, focusing only on treating the symptoms.
Keep reading so you can be better informed and advocate for your health at your next doctor’s visit.
SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION (acute or chronic):
pain
localized swelling
acne
eczema
sinus congestion
seasonal allergies or food allergies
fatigue
restless sleep or insomnia
digestive symptoms (bloat, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain)
brain fog
excess appetite
craving carbs or sweets
female reproductive hormone imbalance (irregular periods, infertility, painful periods, etc.)
causes of chronic inflammation
When the causes of acute inflammation go unaddressed, we get chronic inflammation.
The body is still trying to fight, but is running out of resources, so it tends to trickle in support, rather than offer a full-fledged army. Over time, your body does what it can to preserve energy, and so it activates the Cell Danger Response [1].
During Cell Danger Response, or CDR, your cell walls stiffen in an effort to prevent nutrients from entering the cell for energy production, they send out hormone signals to summon your immune system for additional support, and an enzyme called deiodinase 3 is activated, which deactivates thyroid hormone, converting it to its opposite, reverse T3. Click here to read more about thyroid conditions.
This chronic inflammatory response is commonly referred to as low-grade inflammation, or systemic inflammation. While it may have started in a specific area of the body, left unaddressed, it can become a low-grade inflammation throughout the body.
This is where we begin to see conditions like:
pain that will not go away
autoimmune disease activation
abnormal thyroid levels being misdiagnosed as a thyroid issue
treatment for symptoms without addressing underlying cause (acne, digestive symptoms, allergies)
chronic fatigue
COMMON CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION
So, what is behind all these symptoms? It’s true that chronic pain can come from a tissue injury that didn’t heal properly, excess scar tissue, nerve damage, or possibly more overlooked, your nervous system trying to protect you even after the tissue has healed.
In many cases, the chronic inflammation requires a multifaceted approach:
physical medicine (PT, chiropractic, massage, trigger point injections, Platelet-Rich-Plasma, etc.) to heal the injured tissue
nutritional support to reduce inflammatory foods
functional support to find and address root causes of inflammation that have previously gone unnoticed
mental health support for nervous system regulation. Chronic cortisol production from a constant, or nearly constant, state of fight or flight activation (excess busyness, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, etc.) increases inflammation.
Although much of my career was spent working in physical medicine, I cannot expertly speak to the physical tissue healing or mental health aspects of inflammation. You can find support for those aspects here:
But I can speak to functional and nutritional causes of inflammation. Addressing these types of inflammation requires more strategy than simply avoiding high inflammation foods, or following an anti inflammatory diet.
Let’s talk about nutritional and functional causes of inflammation before we get into the possible solutions.
nutritional and functional causes of inflammation
There can be many causes of systemic inflammation that contribute to chronic pain, skin conditions like acne or eczema, digestive symptoms, chronic fatigue, or seasonal allergies.
This list is certainly not exhaustive, but these are common issues I find in many of my clients. And when we work to address these underlying issues, we often find that their symptoms reduce or dissipate altogether.
COMMON NON-INJURY CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION:
pathogenic infection - I commonly find underlying infections that have previously gone unnoticed, undiagnosed, and thus, untreated, in my clients. Pathogens like parasites, mold, mold toxins, candida overgrowth, or dysbiotic bacteria. Left unchecked, these infections cause a constant stimulation of the immune system, and consequently, systemic inflammation.
food sensitivities - The ultimate chicken-and-egg scenario, food sensitivities are an immune response to foods that have not been properly broken down by the digestive system, and thus make it into the bloodstream, only to be responded to as a foreign invader - a threat. Food sensitivities are not to be confused with food allergies, and symptoms can often look like increased congestion, runny nose, achyness, stiffness, or increased pain, or reactive digestive symptoms like diarrhea.
poor digestive health - Sound too simple? Your digestive system is the first line of defense against pathogens that are ingested through foods. Poor digestion is one of the first things I address in clients with chronic inflammation for this very reason. Your body needs adequate stomach acid and digestive enzymes, a healthy mucosal lining, and good motility to prevent pathogens from getting into your system and to eliminate toxins. The overuse of antacids, eating on-the-go, and excess busyness inhibit your body’s ability to eliminate pathogens before they become a problem. Additionally, poor digestion is a common cause of food sensitivities. Addressing and optimizing digestive health is fundamental to reducing systemic inflammation.
poor quality diet - as we discussed, it’s not so much about following an anti inflammatory diet, but more about the quality of nutrition, and addressing gut health. If you are eating poor-quality foods, your body is getting poor-quality nutrients and overloading your liver.
A good example of this is fats:
Fats are broken down into fatty acids which are needed throughout the body for cell membrane structure, hormone production, vitamin D formation, bile production, and, yes, inflammation regulation. If you are eating poor quality fats, and if your body is not digesting fats well, of course your body is inflamed!
Fats are not the only culprit:
Refined grains, excess starches and sugars from plant-based meats and dairy products, food additives, emulsifiers, gums, even the cookware you choose, all contributes to inflammation by increasing toxic burden and oxidative stress. Learn more about how to choose quality foods here.
when to seek help
Addressing chronic inflammation requires more than just avoiding high inflammation foods, or following an anti inflammatory diet.
Yes, there are foods that can help lower inflammation, however, if you have sensitivities to those foods, or are not digesting them well, an anti inflammatory diet will not help you for very long.
You may notice some improvement initially, but it will likely be short-lived until you address underlying causes.
If you are already actively working with practitioners to address tissue injury, structure, nerve dysfunction, and your pain still persists, it’s possible there is an underlying cause that has gone unnoticed or unaddressed.
If you experience even a few of the symptoms below on a regular basis, it’s time to dig deeper into the root causes.
SIGNS OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION:
known food sensitivities or food allergies
suspected food sensitivities (you have noticed a pattern of symptoms within 24 hours of consuming specific foods). Click here to read more about symptoms of food sensitivities.
acne
eczema
chronic diarrhea or constipation (or alternating)
bloating after meals
excess hunger
craving carbs or sweets
pain that has been difficult to address, despite physical medicine efforts
chronic stuffy head or runny nose
seasonal allergies (while there may be an actual allergic reaction, seasonal allergies can also be an overreaction of the immune system due to overburden, and can be alleviated with proper support)
chronic fatigue
anxiety or other mood conditions
insomnia or other sleep issues
chronic heartburn or indigestion
abdominal pain or cramping
Working with a qualified practitioner to find and address root causes of inflammation can help alleviate chronic pain symptoms and may even reduce your need for pain medications.
foods that reduce inflammation
As I’ve pointed out, reducing systemic and chronic inflammation requires more than simply eating an anti inflammatory diet or avoiding high inflammation foods.
It requires intervention from a qualified practitioner trained to find and address root causes of dysfunction and gut health in your body. This process often requires a proper assessment of the individual, including symptoms, health history, food and lifestyle habits, and functional lab testing.
Following an anti inflammatory diet may not be the solution, but it certainly can help if it’s part of the equation!
Here are some tips for lowering inflammation using nutrition:
eat real food: Even foods that are marketed as being “healthy” can be heavily processed, and a burden on your detoxification system. Not sure what makes food “processed”? Click here to learn more about what to look for on the ingredients list.
pay attention to fats: Put briefly, omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, and omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory. The most bio-available (can actually be used by the body without interference) and nutrient-dense sources of omega 3 fatty acids are found in animal sources, such as grass-fed beef and wild caught salmon.
fish oil supplements: As with food, when it comes to supplements, quality matters. There are many fish oil supplements on the market, and most are garbage. They use irresponsible fishing methods, and use ethyl (alcohol) ethers of the fatty acids, which are far less absorbable than triglycerides. But there is one fish oil supplement I love and recommend often that is ethically sourced and highly bioavailable. Click here to view and purchase.
eat brightly-colored whole foods: Brightly-colored vegetables, such as in-season tomatoes, red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, and purple cabbage, are loaded with antioxidants, such as bioflavonoids and polyphenols. While it’s important to find and address the root causes of oxidative stress (free radical damage), consuming lots of antioxidants can help mitigate the damage and lower inflammation.
eat better protein: While every body’s needs are different, my clients who are navigating inflammation, hormone imbalance, and digestive issues, get better results when they focus on getting enough good quality protein.
Getting adequate bio-available protein each meal helps reduce snacking, supports mood regulation, and reduces reliance on carby snacks, which lowers inflammation. Animal sources of protein are far more bio-available than plant-based (click here to learn more about that). Personally, I aim for 30 grams of protein in every meal, mostly animal-based.
hydrate: Yes, really! Good hydration promotes healthy lymphatic flow, which serves, in part, to transport components of your immune system and carry debris and waste to elimination sites. Hydration can also lower blood pressure and is important for liver function.
How much water should you drink? It varies from person to person. For the average active adult with no kidney problems, I typically recommend half your body weight, in fluid ounces of water, every day. It’s also important to minimize dehydrating factors, such as alcohol or caffeine. If you are someone who deals with chronic diarrhea symptoms, this may also be dehydrating you.
other supplements to lower inflammation: Taking supplements is a waste of your resources if you are not also doing the work to address the root cause. But symptomatically, there are some supplements that can help lower inflammation and help reduce pain symptoms. Here are some of my favorites.
boswelia - from the bark of a boswelia tree, this extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
pycnogenol - another park extract, from the French Maritime Pine tree, this nutrient is loaded with polyphenols and bioflavonoids to combat oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
Oxicell-SE (Apex Energetics) - one of my favorite topical products from working in pain management, this product supports mitochondrial function at the site of pain, which helps to heal tissue faster and reduce inflammation.
curcumin - Curcumin is the active anti-inflammatory component of turmeric. It is widely known to be very effective at reducing inflammation [4], and because it is fat-soluble, it’s absorption significantly increases when taken with healthy fats [5].
was this helpful?
What has helped you address root causes of pain and inflammation?
Please share your thoughts and questions below!
NUTRITION SERVICES
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
BLOG REFERENCES
Naviaux, Robert K. “Metabolic Features of the Cell Danger Response.” Mitochondrion, Elsevier, 24 Aug. 2013, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567724913002390.
Astrup, Arne, et al. “Dietary Saturated Fats and Health: Are the U.S. Guidelines Evidence-Based?” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Sept. 2021, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8541481/.
Di Grigoli, Antonino, et al. “Effects of Grazing on the Behaviour, Oxidative and Immune Status, and Production of Organic Dairy Cows.” Animals : An Open Access Journal from MDPI, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 June 2019, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6617352/.
Zeng, Liuting, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma Longa Extract in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.” Frontiers in Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 July 2022, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9353077/.
Stohs, Sidney J, et al. “Highly Bioavailable Forms of Curcumin and Promising Avenues for Curcumin-Based Research and Application: A Review.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 19 Mar. 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144558/#:~:text=The%20various%20formulations%20designed%20to,a%20fatty%20meal%20enhances%20absorption.
Intermittent Fasting for Metabolic Rate and Weight Loss
If you get the majority of your health information from fitness and wellness influencers on Instagram or TikTok, you might be getting misinformation about intermittent fasting benefits.
When done properly, fasting and intermittent fasting will improve insulin resistance, metabolic rate, and metabolic flexibility, regardless of the number of calories consumed before and after fasting. If you think of fasting as an easy way to achieve a calorie deficit, think again.
Fasting benefits for insulin resistance and metabolic rate - not calorie restriction
If you get the majority of your health information from fitness and wellness influencers on Instagram or TikTok, you might be getting misinformation about intermittent fasting benefits.
When done properly, fasting and intermittent fasting will improve insulin resistance, metabolic rate, and metabolic flexibility, regardless of the number of calories consumed before and after fasting. If you think of fasting as an easy way to achieve a calorie deficit, think again.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying. Click here to read my Medical Disclaimer.
In this article, you’ll learn:
the difference between calorie deficit and intermittent fasting
physiological effects of fasting
different types of fasting
what should you eat to break your fast?
who should not practice fasting?
isn’t fasting just another way to restrict calories?
Yes and no.
The research behind fasting and metabolic rate tells us two main key points:
chronic calorie restriction (dieting) slows metabolism over time [1,2], and
the chronic presence of insulin slows metabolism, causes weight gain, and increases insulin resistance [3,4]
And since insulin is released in times of feeding, especially carbohydrates (fibers, starches, and sugars), it can be said that calorie restriction is a part of the world of fasting benefits - but not for the sake of achieving a calorie deficit.
EXAMPLES OF CALORIE RESTRICTION V. FASTING FOR INSULIN RESISTANCE
SCENARIO #1: Using the Calorie Restriction (Dieting) Method for Weight Loss
You decide to use the calorie deficit method for weight loss, meaning, the calories you burn must be more than the calories you consume. This requires avid tracking on your part, a constant attention to calorie count and scale numbers, and even then you are missing important data - your total energy expenditure, which varies widely from person to person, and requires a very specialized type of testing.
You increase calorie burn at the gym, and decrease calorie consumption. You track it meticulously using calorie deficit calculators and apps, and find you lose weight for the first 3-4 weeks of doing it. Then you plateau - even when in a calorie deficit, you find the weight is not shedding as easily as it once was. You become discouraged and irritable, and decide to “give in” when things aren’t working any longer.
SCENARIO #2: Intermittent Fasting for Metabolic Rate and Insulin Resistance
You decide to use intermittent fasting (we’ll talk about terminology and semantics later in the post) as a weight loss tool, applying a method commonly known as “16/8”, wherein you consume all your calories within an 8-hour window of time, with nothing but water for the remaining 16 hours of a 24-hour day. You don’t necessarily consume fewer calories, but find that your weight sheds at a slower, more consistent rate, and doesn’t plateau like it does with calorie restriction. You enjoy foods more because you’re eating the calories your body needs, and not restricting food types. You’re not tracking calories, not obsessively looking at numbers on an app or nutrition label. This feels sustainable.
The two main talking points we’ll return to throughout this article are:
the quality of the calorie matters
the timing of calorie consumption matters
your body’s long-term metabolic response to fasting requires time and consistency - one day of fasting is not enough to magically boost your body’s metabolic rate, even if you begin to see weight loss results
how fasting works
In a nutshell, when fasting is done well, the intention of fasting is to reduce the amount of insulin being released into your bloodstream by eliminating food intake for a period of time.
With time and consistency, this method can help improve insulin sensitivity (more on this) and improve your body’s ability to use fat stores when glucose is not readily available. Put differently, proper fasting increases metabolism and improves your body’s ability to burn fat.
To understand how this works, we need to look at how metabolism works. Take a look at the diagram below.
Here are a few key points to understand before we move on to different types of fasting:
WHAT IS METABOLISM?: Metabolism, specifically glucose metabolism, is a cascade of events that converts glucose into energy (ATP or Adenosine TriPhosphate). The process occurs inside of cells, and heavily involves the mitochondria, known as the “powerhouse of the cell” for this very reason - it very literally supplies the power that your cells and body need to function. Your body prioritizes carbohydrates for metabolism, but can also use proteins or fats when resources are present. Because converting fats and protein into ATP requires more energy, the body prioritizes carbohydrate sources of glucose.
WHAT IS GLUCOSE?: Glucose is the molecular form of sugar. Put differently, glucose is sugar in its most broken-down form. Glucose comes primarily from carbohydrates, including starches, sugars, and fiber.
WHAT IS INSULIN?: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas when glucose is present. Insulin acts as a keyholder to cells - when glucose is present, insulin binds to the glucose molecule, shuttles it to the cell, and unlocks the proverbial door, allowing the glucose to enter and be converted to ATP by the mitochondria.
WHAT IS INSULIN RESISTANCE?: When your cells are consistently exposed to more glucose than they can handle, they begin deactivating insulin receptors - if insulin is a key holder, and insulin receptors are the doors to the cell, picture the insulin receptors being boarded up with signs that say “KEEP OUT!”.
Insulin resistance is typically the long-term result of diets low in whole food fiber, high in refined carbohydrates, and snacking or grazing often.
Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS, hence the belly weight, sugar cravings, and “hangry” symptoms.
In the case of insulin resistance, glucose cannot enter cells to create fuel. The body produces even more insulin in an effort to get the glucose into cells (which does not work).
With or without insulin resistance, any remaining glucose after cells have had their fill gets converted into glycogen (liver storage of glucose) and triglycerides, which get stored as fat tissue.
Improving insulin sensitivity helps your body metabolize glucose more effectively and improves your ability to use fat as a secondary fuel source when glucose is not present. Proper fasting helps improve insulin sensitivity.
types of fasting
As we’ve discussed, fasting is not merely calorie restriction. What you eat before and after fasting, and the timing and quality of your daily meals, are also important factors when it comes to fasting for insulin resistance.
But let’s talk about different fasting terms first, so you can be on the same page as your health practitioners. You can see my earlier writings on fasting benefits here.
INTERMITTENT FASTING: This term is commonly used incorrectly to refer to Time-Restricted Feeding. Here is the correct use of this term: Intermittent Fasting, also known as Alternate-Day Fasting, refers to a water-only fast for 24-72 hours, with careful attention to refeeding after each fast.
TIME-RESTRICTED FEEDING: Again, often mistaken for Intermittent Fasting, but they are two different fasting methods. Time-Restricted Feeding allows you to eat daily, consuming all your calories within a set window of time. Sometimes referred to using the number of hours chosen to consume calories, such as “16/8”, meaning you’d consume all your calories within an 8-hour window, while taking in nothing but water for 16 hours.
EXTENDED FASTING: Water-only fasting that lasts longer than 72 hours.
what should you eat after fasting?
There’s an abundance of poorly researched papers written regarding the long-term effects of fasting. But there’s some really great ones, too, and from credible sources. Many of these studies are discussed in Jason Fung’s The Obesity Code [5].
Some practitioners and influencers across the internet are touting that fasting benefits don’t last once you stop. Here’s why they have it wrong:
Studies that suggest this conclusion also do not disclose the eating and activity habits of the subjects. A study that observes this outcome, but does not provide clear data on all related factors (I would argue that what and when the subject eats is an important determining factor), is not a credible resource.
That said, a regular diet of starches, sugars, and processed foods is bound to undo any work you do with fasting, but the research on fasting benefits is clear:
Water fasting improves insulin sensitivity, increases growth hormone (which also protects from protein degradation), and increases metabolism. You can’t expect to stay healthy on a diet of processed foods, no matter how frequently you fast.
Below are my generally recommended food guidelines for post-fasting, but it’s important to remember that every individual has unique food and macronutrient needs, based on their biochemical composition and unique health goals.
WHAT TO EAT AFTER FASTING:
choose whole foods
prioritize fat, protein, and fiber
avoid highly marketed “health food” labels, like “gluten-free”, “plant-based”, or “[number] essential vitamins” - these are not health foods, and are often highly processed (click here to learn how to spot health scams and confidently read food labels)
don’t be afraid to consume more calories in your fast-break meal than you would typically, but use these techniques to help you avoid overeating:
eat while seated
take a few long, deep breaths through your nose before taking your first bite
take small bites and chew thoroughly (read why this matters)
mindfully eating improves digestion and helps you to listen to when your body is satisfied
MEAL IDEAS FOR POST-FASTING:
Mediterranean Scramble - 3 scrambled eggs, 4-5 olives, 3 ounces plain whole-milk yogurt, and crumbled feta over a handful of chopped, sauteed greens (dandelion, chard, kale, broccolini, beet greens).
Broiled Salmon and Green Vegetable - 5-ounce salmon filet cooked and seasoned to your liking, paired with roasted broccoli, stir-fried asparagus, or sautéed greens. Top with sauerkraut, yogurt, or avocado.
Avocado “Toast” with Poached Eggs and Shredded Beef - Two thin slices of sweet potato baked until tender. Top with mashed avocado, sprouts, 2 poached eggs, and a generous scoop of leftover shredded beef.
While the health benefits of fasting are meaningful, fasting should not be practiced by everyone, and should always be practiced under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
If you want to explore fasting for weight loss or metabolic health, click here to book a free consultation so we can talk about it.
was this helpful?
What’s your experience with fasting? Have you found any benefit from fasting?
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
NUTRITION SERVICES
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
BLOG REFERENCES
Zauner, C., Schneeweiss, B., Kranz, A., Madl, C., Ratheiser, K., Kramer, L., Roth, E., Schneider, B., & Lenz, K. (2000). Resting energy expenditure in short-term starvation is increased as a result of an increase in serum norepinephrine. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 71(6), 1511–1515. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/71.6.1511
Most, J., & Redman, L. M. (2020). Impact of calorie restriction on energy metabolism in humans. Experimental gerontology, 133, 110875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.110875
Kolb, Hubert, et al. “Insulin Translates Unfavourable Lifestyle into Obesity - BMC Medicine.” BioMed Central, BioMed Central, 13 Dec. 2018, bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-018-1225-1.
Kahn, B. B., & Flier, J. S. (2000). Obesity and insulin resistance. The Journal of clinical investigation, 106(4), 473–481. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI10842
Fung, J. (2016). The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss. Greystone Books.
Treatment for SIBO Symptoms - What’s Missing From Your SIBO Treatment Plan?
Antibiotics are only one piece of the SIBO treatment puzzle. Specialists are missing some key factors in addressing your SIBO and candida symptoms. In this article, I will share my SIBO treatment techniques for long-term results.
You’ve completed a SIBO treatment, so why do your SIBO symptoms keep returning?
I see you, friend. For many years, you’ve had the IBS symptoms, the stomach bloating, the excess fullness, the sugar cravings, and the farts and burps.
You finally saw the doctor when you couldn’t bear it any longer, they sent you to a GI specialist, and you were put on a SIBO treatment with antibiotics.
Problem solved! - but not for long. Your SIBO symptoms have returned, and you are dreading another round of antibiotics, and wondering what it means that they came back. Did the SIBO antibiotics work?
Here’s the thing:
Antibiotics are only one piece of the SIBO treatment puzzle. Specialists are missing some important key factors in addressing your SIBO and candida symptoms. In this article, I will share my SIBO treatment techniques for long-term results.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying.
In this article, you’ll learn:
how to know if you have SIBO
conditions that can develop as a result of unaddressed SIBO
5 steps of SIBO treatment
what is SIBO?
SIBO is an acronym that stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Many clients who seek my help have digestive symptoms. Some refer to their symptoms as IBS symptoms or IBD. Some have even received a diagnosis of SIBO or IBS. Some might not think their digestive symptoms are of any consequence.
But all digestive symptoms are caused by some underlying issue, and when left unaddressed, have the potential to become something more severe than room-clearing farts a couple nights a week.
The problem starts when you tell your doctor you have IBS symptoms, and rather than digging for the root cause, they only tell you how to manage your SIBO symptoms.
SIBO symptoms often overlap with other pathogenic infections and are difficult to confirm without functional lab testing. I commonly find candida (a parasitic yeast) overgrowth, mold exposure, parasites, bacterial overgrowth, and viral infections when digging into root causes for clients’ symptoms.
And their symptoms improve when we eradicate these pathogens… However, as I mentioned earlier, SIBO treatment with antibiotics is not enough to improve your symptoms in the long term. In fact, this approach may leave your body more susceptible to other types of infection, leading to repeated use of antibiotics over the years.
EXAMPLES OF SIBO SYMPTOMS (AND OTHER PATHOGEN TYPES) INCLUDE:
bloating 1-2 hours after meals (bloating >2 hours may indicate a large intestine issue)
excess fullness after meals
craving carbs or sugar
excess appetite or need to snack throughout the day
chronic constipation or diarrhea (or alternating)
heartburn
“hangry” when meals are delayed
sleepy after meals
foul-smelling gas
skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema
conditions related to SIBO
When left unaddressed, SIBO and other pathogenic infections become prolonged chronic stress, which triggers an inflammatory response from cells called a Cell Danger Response. The Cell Danger Response perpetuates the infection and causes your fight or flight response to be chronically activated as your body works to address the threat.
DISCLAIMER: Symptoms of pathogenic infection don’t look the same for everyone, and this article should not be construed as a diagnosis or medical advice. If you think you have SIBO or have similar symptoms, consult with a trusted physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes. Read my full medical disclaimer here.
WHAT IS THE CELL DANGER RESPONSE?:
When the body detects a threat like candida, mitochondria initially ramp up energy and chemical production to fight it off. If the threat persists, energy production slows to conserve resources, digestion is deprioritized, and fatigue increases. Meanwhile, cells stiffen, immune signals are released, and the sympathetic nervous system stays activated—potentially long-term—if the issue remains unresolved.
Your body is doing what it is supposed to in this scenario. Your seemingly inconsequential digestive symptoms of bloating and burps are signs that something is not right in your gut.
This is an important reminder to trust your symptoms and not take them lightly - your farts contain wisdom (yep, I went there).
Once the Cell Danger Response is activated, the threat is already considered chronic. This constant flow of cortisol and immune signals causes systemic inflammation, which can activate autoimmune diseases and cause chronic pain and fatigue.
EXAMPLES OF WAYS CELL DANGER RESPONSE CAN SHOW UP IN YOUR BODY INCLUDE:
Alzheimer’s
fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
colitis
depression
PMS symptoms and irregular periods
Hashimotos thyroiditis
Multiple Sclerosis
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS symptoms
Cancer
5 steps to a successful SIBO treatment
As I mentioned earlier, many practitioners really miss the mark when treating SIBO symptoms. If you have a bacterial overgrowth, as you would with SIBO, it makes sense that we need to kill the bacteria, right?
Right. And this goes for other types of microbial pathogens as well, including fungi or yeast, mold, parasites, and viruses.
Your body has mechanisms for fighting these pathogens off before they become overgrown - if those mechanisms are working properly. If said systems are not working properly, and especially if the antibiotics remove part of that functionality (they will), using antibiotics alone for SIBO treatment is a recipe for future (and chronic) infections.
As part of my medical disclaimer referred to earlier in this post, please remember the following SIBO treatment methods are meant for informational use only, and treatment for SIBO or any other pathogenic infection should only be provided by a qualified healthcare practitioner, and based on proper assessment of the individual.
That said, my holistic techniques for a successful SIBO treatment typically include:
Address upper digestion
Optimize elimination pathways
Eradicate the pathogens, including
eradication agents (such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, antifungals, etc., specific to the type of pathogens found in lab testing)
biofilm disrupters
binders (specific to the pathogens being targeted)
Re-test to confirm eradication
If eradication is confirmed, rebuild the microbiome
Let’s get into the specifics of each of these below.
HOLISTIC METHODS FOR TREATING SIBO SYMPTOMS AND SIMILAR PATHOGENS:
#1 ADDRESS UPPER DIGESTION
Digestion is the first mechanism your body has to fighting off pathogens that are ingested through food or water. The very first thing I address in clients with pathogenic infections is to optimize their digestive health, including digestive enzymes production, stomach acid (known as HCl) production, motility, and restoration and healing to damaged and inflamed mucosal tissue that lines the digestive tract. Addressing digestion is pertinent to making sure you get long-lasting results without having to repeat antibiotics.
Techniques for supporting digestive health may include mindful eating practices (really!), chewing your food adequately (again, really!), nervous system regulation, minimizing beverages with meals, and temporary supplemental support for bile flow, digestive juices, and tissue healing. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MY FREE DIGESTION TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.
#2 OPTIMIZE ELIMINATION PATHWAYS
Elimination pathways, also known as drainage pathways, refers to your body’s mechanisms for eliminating waste and toxins. If your elimination pathways are not clear, the toxic byproducts from live and dead pathogens will be reabsorbed by your body, continuing the cycle and effects of chronic stress.
In order to effectively remove toxins and die-off as you work to kill the pathogens, it’s important to get your elimination pathways working well before you start the eradication process. Skipping this step ensures you will feel like garbage during the eradication phase.
Elimination pathways include:
skin (through sweat)
urine
feces
lymph
lungs
Supporting elimination pathways may entail a focus on optimal hydration, sauna use, nutrient support for constipation relief, and intentional movement throughout the day.
#3 ERADICATE PATHOGENS
In addition to eradication agents, such as antibiotics, two important eradication factors are often missed by many practitioners:
biofilm disrupters, and
binders
BIOFILM DISRUPTERS: Just as important as the antibiotics themselves, biofilm disrupters are needed to destroy the sticky film that many pathogens build for themselves in your body tissues. This sticky film allows them to evade the immune system, as well as create a symbiotic relationship with other microbes, allowing them to survive and multiply. Biofilm is also used by “good” bacteria, but in order to effectively kill off harmful microbes, we must destroy their home (don’t worry, we’ll build it back up later).
BINDERS: Binders used must be specific to the type of pathogen being targeted (binders for bacteria are different than those used for mold toxins, for instance). They generally consist of specific types of clay, algae, or fibers, and bind to die-off debris in order to be escorted from the body (through your elimination pathways). Without binders, your body cannot eliminate the die-off.
In many cases, it is also essential to remove or minimize starches, sugars, and other carbohydrates from the diet, as this is what many pathogens feed off of. By eliminating these foods, you essentially “starve” the pathogens, increasing the efficacy of the eradication treatment.
#4 RE-TEST TO CONFIRM ERADICATION
Functional lab testing (and a practitioner trained to interpret the results) is essential to knowing what type of eradication agents and binders are needed for the most effective SIBO treatment. Without functional lab testing, you might as well throw spaghetti at the wall while blindfolded.
The duration for the kill-off (eradication) phase looks different for every individual. Sometimes it can be as little as two weeks, other times it takes 6 months - it depends on the severity of infection, the digestive health and elimination pathways of the individual, as well as their lifestyle.
I recommend re-testing as symptoms begin to improve steadily for at least 4 weeks. Before moving on to the next step in SIBO treatment, it’s important to confirm that you’ve successfully killed off everything you want to.
#5 REBUILD THE MICROBIOME
You’ve just killed off those harmful pathogens that were causing so many SIBO symptoms and IBS symptoms - but chances are, you’ve also killed all the “good” bacteria that are supposed to live in your gut, as well. It’s difficult not to during that process.
Your body needs those “good” bacteria to act as a defense against future infections, and so it is crucial to rebuild your microbiome after a treatment like this. Effectively rebuilding a healthy microbiome entails the use of a variety of high-potency probiotic supplements, adding more prebiotic foods or supplements to the diet (specific types of fiber that feed “good” bacteria), and continuing with your digestive health tools.
It’s not enough to just “eat more probiotic foods” during this phase. Without a healthy microbiome, you may find yourself repeating the treatment again in the next 1-2 years.
was this helpful?
Have you completed a SIBO treatment or other type of pathogenic infection (yeast, candida, H. pylori, mold, parasites) in the past? How did it go?
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Thyroid Symptoms Are Not Caused by Your Thyroid Gland
Why are your thyroid numbers off in the first place? Without understanding and addressing the root cause of your thyroid symptoms, you’re likely to stay on thyroid medication for years, even decades (I’ve seen it happen!).
Being prescribed a thyroid medication doesn’t have to be a life sentence. This article will help you avoid that scenario and know which questions to ask at your next check-up.
Thyroid symptoms are not caused by the thyroid gland
I see you, dear reader…
You got your annual bloodwork results back from your doc. They say you’ve got high TSH and low T3, and that you need to be put on thyroid medication to fix it.
No one asked about your stress levels. No one questioned your energy, sleep, or diet. No one asked about your digestive health or work life.
You take the medication as instructed for several months, and your thyroid levels improve, but you still feel like garbage.
But, why?
Why are your thyroid numbers off in the first place? Without understanding and addressing the root cause of your thyroid symptoms, you’re likely to stay on thyroid medication for years, even decades (I’ve seen it happen!).
Being prescribed a thyroid medication doesn’t have to be a life sentence. This article will help you avoid that scenario and know which questions to ask at your next check-up.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying.
In this article, you’ll learn:
what thyroid symptoms can look like
how the thyroid gland works
what affects thyroid hormones throughout the body
what to ask for on your thyroid blood panels
thyroid symptoms
What do thyroid symptoms look like?
Throughout my life and career, I’ve learned something very important: Everything is a spectrum.
Thyroid symptoms don’t look the same for everyone, and this article should not be construed as a diagnosis or medical advice. If you think you have thyroid symptoms or other medical conditions, consult with a trusted physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes. Read my medical disclaimer here.
**Much of the information in this article has been referenced from the Thyroid Debacle, although additional research has also been linked where applicable.**
HYPO-THYROID (slow or sluggish thyroid) SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE:
weight gain, difficulty losing weight
brain fog
poor circulation
constipation
depression
fatigue (frequently tired for no apparent reason)
dry skin
coarse hair
reduced libido (low sex drive)
HYPER-THYROID (overactive thyroid) SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE:
unexplained weight loss
irritability
anxiety
excess sweating or heat intolerance
nervousness
insomnia
increased appetite
increased heart rate
heart palpitations
tremors
fatigue
how the thyroid works
To understand the cause of your thyroid symptoms, we first need to understand what the thyroid is and does.
The thyroid gland is small and butterfly-shaped, and is located on the front (anterior) side of the neck. Its main function is to regulate cellular metabolism, which is the chemical processes cells undergo to create energy.
The thyroid gland acts in response to stimulation from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, collectively known as the HPT axis.
Here’s a brief overview of how this works:
Hypothalamus (brain) senses the need for energy, releases TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone)
TRH tells the Pituitary to release TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
TSH stimulates the production of T4 (thyroxine, the inactive form of thyroid hormone) by the thyroid gland
Some T4 is converted to T3 (triiodothyronine, the active form of thyroid hormone) within the thyroid, but mostly this conversion happens within the tissues and cells where it is used
Most T3 and T4 are bound to a protein called thyroglobulin and circulate throughout the body until needed. Unbound, or free, T3 and T4 are able to bind to receptors and be used when needed.
T3 is required for many functions, but regarding your metabolism, it is required for the transport of glucose into a cell in order to make ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate: the energy our cells use to function).
But it first has to be converted from T4, and avoid being converted to reverse T3 in cells (we’ll get to that).
3 things that affect thyroid hormones
#1 - high estrogen:
Tyrosine and iodine are two main components of thyroid hormones. Elevated estrogen stops iodine (iodide) from entering the thyroid gland.
Elevated estrogen increases circulating thyroxine-binding-globulin (TBG), decreasing the amount of FREE (usable) thyroid hormone in the body.
Elevated estrogen increases the activity of deiodinase 3, the enzyme responsible for deactivating thyroid hormone in cells in an effort to preserve energy. The hormone produced in this process is called reverse T3 (rT3).
#2 - high oxalates:
Oxalates, or oxalic acid, is found in many foods (including soy, leafy greens, rhubarb, parsley, and cassava), but is also produced by certain strains of fungus, including aspergillus, penicillium, and candida. Exposure to mold, mold toxicity, or candida overgrowth are common causes of high oxalates.
Oxalates have been found to cause tissue damage in the brain, nerves, kidneys, and thyroid gland, and elevations have been strongly correlated with autism cases.
When oxalates are elevated, they can bind to calcium to form oxalate crystals, which have a strong affinity for the kidneys and the thyroid gland. These crystals damage the gland tissues and interfere with their function. If you’ve ever had kidney stones, these are oxalic crystals.
#3 - prolonged chronic stress:
Any kind of stress activates your fight or flight system, which signals your adrenal glands to release cortisol in order to shift energy and blood flow to tissues and organs essential to fight or flight. Elevated cortisol levels signal the thyroid gland to produce more TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and stop the conversion of T4 to T3.
This same stress response is modulated by the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal). Chronic stress means a chronic activation of the HPA axis, which interferes with the HPT[hyroid] axis we discussed earlier.
Unaddressed chronic stress causes cells to activate the Cell Danger Response (CDR) in order to preserve energy. CDR causes cells to stiffen cell walls to prevent nutrient transfer, release deiodinase 3 to deactivate thyroid hormone, and send out signaling hormones to summon immune cells to help. It’s your cells’ version of texting 9-1-1.
Examples of chronic stressors that often go unaddressed include:
what should be included in your thyroid labs?
When you have thyroid symptoms, testing for TSH and T4 are typically the only two things Western Medicine practitioners will test for. Occasionally, you might find a provider willing to also test for T3, free T4, and free T3.
Why so stingy with the testing? Because in the United States, most insurances require TSH to be elevated, and T4 to be low in order to diagnose hypothyroidism. Because these are the only two factors they require for diagnosis, insurance companies in the U.S. may not cover additional factors to be tested.
Being put on thyroid medication should not be a life sentence. Finding a practitioner who is willing to look for root causes of your thyroid symptoms is important. TSH and T4 are not enough to get a clear picture of the thyroid gland.
Here are some additional factors to request with your thyroid bloodwork:
TSH
T4, fT4
T3, fT3
rT3
thyroid antibodies
vitamin D (25OH and 1,25OH) - a high 125OH:25OH ratio suppresses thyroid antibody production. If this ratio is elevated, the thyroid antibody levels on your bloodwork may not be accurate.
estrogen (estradiol) - high estrogen affects thyroid function (as we discussed earlier). Estrogen levels are supposed to vary throughout your menstrual cycle. When testing for estrogen levels, it’s important to know which part of your cycle you’re in.
free iron (UIBC on labs) - elevated free iron levels may indicate increased cellular stress, and help you narrow the root causes of your thyroid symptoms.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) - Elevated levels indicate increased inflammation, and may be indicative of cellular stress, pathogenic infection, or other internal stressors.
homocysteine - similar to CRP, elevated homocysteine may indicate increased inflammation due to tissue damage in the blood vessels. Elevated levels may also indicate a vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
B12
folate
In addition to bloodwork, functional lab testing is essential to finding pathogenic infections that may be at the root of your thyroid symptoms.
I use functional lab testing to help my clients find parasites, overgrown bacteria, viruses, mold, and candida overgrowth. These are common pathogens that can contribute to cellular stress, inflammation, and thyroid symptoms.
Want to know more about how to support thyroid health? Read this article.
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My Parasite Cleanse - A Nutritionist’s Story
For the sake of this parasite cleanse article, I will only be focusing on the most common parasites found in human intestines.
These types of parasites are commonly found in lake water, cats and dogs, contaminated or undercooked meat or dairy, contaminated water, and raw fish.
A parasite cleanse may be recommended for anyone who has consumed any contaminated foods or water, swims in lakes or standing water, or allows pets to sleep in their beds or lick their face.
Should you do a parasite cleanse?
It’s easy to think that we are past the days of parasite infections in our modern American world, complete with indoor plumbing, clean water and food choices, and advanced medical technology.
But parasites are more common than you might think, and parasite symptoms can be subtle.
I’m going to share some (non-graphic) details from my recent parasite cleanse with you in this article. Although I will not include many graphic details, if you have a queasy stomach, this post may not be suitable for you.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying.
In this article, you’ll learn:
where parasites can be found
more about parasites’ life cycle
common parasite symptoms
does the full moon really impact parasite activity?
my parasite cleanse story
what to do if you think you have a parasite
what is a parasite?
By definition, a parasite is any organism that lives in or on another species and takes their nutrients and resources for their own use.
Things like fleas, ticks, or lice might come to mind when thinking about parasites you are familiar with. But when it comes to parasites that live in your intestines, there’s a whole other world of parasitic creatures that mostly consist of single-cell parasites called protozoa, in addition to various types of worms, which are multi-cell organisms.
For the sake of this parasite cleanse article, I will only be focusing on the most common parasites found in human intestines.
These types of parasites are commonly found in lake water, cats and dogs, contaminated or undercooked meat or dairy, contaminated water, and raw fish.
A parasite cleanse may be recommended for anyone who has consumed any contaminated foods or water, swims in lakes or standing water, or allows pets to sleep in their beds or lick their face.
Parasites can also be transmitted through sexual contact if one partner is infected.
are parasites contagious?
Speaking specifically of protozoa and worms known to infect the human body, some of these parasites can live an alarming number of years when using your body as a host. It’s possible you currently have parasites that were transmitted decades ago.
Here is a list of some of the more common parasites that live in human intestines, how they are transmitted, and their respective lifespans:
Cryptosporidium (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid
Lifespan: up to 3 years in humans.
Entamoeba histolytica (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, pets, and sexual contact.
Lifespan: Weeks-to-years in humans.
Giardia (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted by ingesting or direct contact with standing water, and can get past many filtration systems. Giardia can also be carried and transmitted by animals, and is commonly found in childcare centers.
Lifespan: Up to 3 months in cold water, 6 months in soil, and can live on surfaces for up to 2 weeks. They can live from weeks to months in humans.
Blastocystis hominis (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: weeks, months, or years in humans.
Chilomastix mesnili (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Considered non-pathogenic (does not cause disease), and is common in the large intestine.
Lifespan: Unknown
Cyclospora cayetanensis (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, Does not spread from person-to-person, except through fecal exposure. Commonly found on imported produce.
Lifespan: (unable to locate information)
Dientamoeba fragilis (protozoa)
It is not well understood how this parasite spreads, but experts speculate it is transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: Unknown
Endolimax nana (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: Unknown
Entameoba coli (protozoa)
Not to be confused with e. coli, this organism is commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, and is considered to be non-pathogenic.
Lifespan: Days-to-weeks inside the host’s body, although their larvae can survive up to 3-4 months outside the host. Mature Entameoba coli will not survive outside its host.
Pentatrichomonas hominis (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, and is carried by cats and dogs.
Lifespan: Unknown within the human body, however when outside the host’s body, this parasite is known to survive for several days.
Ancylostoma duodenale and Necatur americanus (hookworms)
Transmitted by skin contact with, or ingestion of, contaminated soil.
Can also be transmitted by cats and dogs.
Lifespan: Ancylostoma duodenale can survive inside humans for up to 1 year. Necatur americanus typically survives up to 5 years in humans, but has been recorded as surviving 15 years.
Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: 1-2 years in humans.
Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated produce, and person-to-person contact.
Lifespan: 1-2 years in humans.
Taenia species (tapeworm)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated and undercooked pork (known as taenia solium) and beef (taenia saginata).
Lifespan: Taenia solium can survive in humans for 10-20 years, while taenia saginata can survive up to 25 years!
why parasites are harmful
It’s important to remember that for the sake of this parasite cleanse article, we are discussing parasites that commonly live in human intestines. This does not include parasite symptoms for external parasites, such as ticks, fleas, or lice.
For starters, among many other parasite symptoms, intestinal parasites are known to release toxins that can cause anxiety and interfere with neurotransmitters [1]. They are also known to release inflammatory toxins into tissues and joints, causing increased pain.
PARASITE INFECTIONS ARE ALSO KNOWN TO CAUSE:
sugar cravings - parasites leech off your nutrients, and because of that, your body will crave sugar in order to satisfy its need for fuel. This can lead to more serious conditions like insulin resistance, weight gain, and diabetes.
chronic fatigue - as good as parasites are at evading the immune system, their presence can activate your fight or flight response. This can be exhausting for a body that’s not getting the nutrients it needs.
digestive issues - parasite symptoms are often confused with IBS symptoms, because there is so much crossover. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IBS.
anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders - parasites are known to release toxins that interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. In addition to increased fight or flight response, this can lead to anxiety symptoms in many people.
skin conditions (rash, inflammation, eczema) - parasites can stimulate the release of immunoglobulins (antibodies) called IgE, which interact with mast cells that live in the lungs, digestive tract, and skin, and are responsible for allergic reactions. So, whether or not you have a true allergy, parasites can cause your body to react as though it does.
anemia - if you’ve been told you have anemia that is not being resolved with medical or dietary intervention, consider you may have a parasite.
malnutrition - parasites use your body’s resources to survive and replicate, including nutrients from food. If you have intestinal parasites, you may not be getting the nutrients you need for optimal health.
But some experts would argue that parasites are actually beneficial for treating certain types of diseases [2]. This theory carries a lot of weight because intestinal parasites are known to manipulate the immune system [3, 4] to prevent themselves from being found, but more research is needed to understand this better.
That said, this manipulation of the immune system has its downsides, too - and plenty of them.
common parasite symptoms
How do you know if a parasite cleanse is right for you?
COMMON PARASITE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
restless sleep or insomnia
increased anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
itchiness
chronic diarrhea or loose stools
alternating constipation and diarrhea
mucus in stool
bloat or gasiness
IBS symptoms
abdominal cramps
intestinal ulcers
headache or migraine
hyperactivity or nervousness
food allergies or food sensitivities
been diagnosed with anemia
unexplained vomiting
sugar or processed-food cravings
loss of appetite
frequent cold, flu, or sore throat
menstrual problems
blurry vision
fatigue or lethargy
does the full moon really increase parasite activity?
It’s hard to say just yet.
Scientists and researchers seem super excited to learn more about this, but so far the research is pretty limited.
Generally speaking, scientists speculate that adopting the rhythm of the host allows parasites to exploit the host’s resources more effectively. And as humans, our circadian rhythm is largely modulated by light exposure and moon phases.
Which does lead to a credible hypothesis that a full moon would increase parasite activity. Take that with a grain of salt, but we have yet to see any concrete evidence of it just yet [5, 6, 7].
my parasite cleanse story
I eliminated two visible parasites (that I know of) when doing a recent parasite cleanse, and as I write this post, I am currently undergoing a second parasite cleanse to make sure I got everything.
Typically, I would recommend lab testing for clients who suspect they have parasites before doing a parasite cleanse. But not everyone needs that.
In my case, symptoms were incredibly subtle, which shows you just how sneaky parasites can be. Even the parasite screening questionnaire I use with clients showed a low-to-moderate likelihood that I would have parasites.
My parasite symptoms included:
blurry vision
depression, anxiety
restless sleep
(mild) sugar cravings
more frequent colds in the last year
fatigue
Since many parasite symptoms can cross over with other conditions, I decided to try a parasite cleanse as part of my efforts to find underlying causes of stress and anxiety, despite my subtle symptoms and low questionnaire score.
And I found parasites! I plan to follow up with lab testing once I complete this second round of parasite cleanse. (Want to hear updates on this? Subscribe to my email feed)
Because my parasite symptoms were relatively subtle, it’s difficult to see any drastic changes, although I have seen a huge (positive) shift in my mood since the initial cleanse. I’m looking forward to seeing more long-term effects as I go through the next few months.
should you do a parasite cleanse?
Before you go jumping into a parasite cleanse, let’s talk about your parasite symptoms and health history. These pieces are essential to understanding the whole picture before you go spending your resources on something you don’t need.
Stop throwing spaghetti at the wall. Let’s talk about it first.
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BLOG REFERENCES
Khodadadian, Dr. Shawn. “10 Signs You May Have a Parasite - NYC Gastroenterologist: Manhattan Gastroenterology.” NYC Gastroenterologist | Manhattan Gastroenterology, 4 Feb. 2025, www.manhattangastroenterology.com/10-signs-you-may-have-a-parasite/#:~:text=Parasites%20can%20invade%20the%20joint,suffering%20from%20a%20parasitical%20infection.
Król G;Tomaszewska A;Wróbel G;Paprocka P;Durnaś B;Piktel E;Bucki R; “Toxicity of Parasites and Their Unconventional Use in Medicine.” Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31885223/. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
Hewitson, James P, et al. “Helminth Immunoregulation: The Role of Parasite Secreted Proteins in Modulating Host Immunity.” Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2706953/#:~:text=Abundant%20proteins%20secreted%20by%20adult,GAL%2D1%20%5B29%5D.
Shea-Donohue, T, et al. “Parasites, Nutrition, Immune Responses and Biology of Metabolic Tissues.” Parasite Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5863236/.
Gebresilassie, Araya, et al. “The Influence of Moonlight and Lunar Periodicity on the Efficacy of CDC Light Trap in Sampling Phlebotomus (Larroussius) Orientalis Parrot, 1936 and Other Phlebotomus Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Ethiopia - Parasites & Vectors.” BioMed Central, BioMed Central, 15 Feb. 2015, parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-015-0723-7.
Motta FC;McGoff K;Moseley RC;Cho CY;Kelliher CM;Smith LM;Ortiz MS;Leman AR;Campione SA;Devos N;Chaorattanakawee S;Uthaimongkol N;Kuntawunginn W;Thongpiam C;Thamnurak C;Arsanok M;Wojnarski M;Vanchayangkul P;Boonyalai N;Smith PL;Spring MD;Jongsakul K;Chuang. “The Parasite Intraerythrocytic Cycle and Human Circadian Cycle Are Coupled during Malaria Infection.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37279274/. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
Reece, Sarah E, et al. “The Life and Times of Parasites: Rhythms in Strategies for within-Host Survival and between-Host Transmission.” Journal of Biological Rhythms, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5734377/.