One of the many causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is parasites within your gut. It is important to know parasites are not the only root cause of IBS. There are actually 7 root causes of IBS, so if you are experiencing IBS symptoms, contact us so we can work with you to determine the root cause, make changes in your health to stop the IBS from occurring, and finally start the steps to healing your gut.
Many patients assume they’d “know” if they had a parasite, but in reality, most of the parasites we detect are microscopic and stealthy. These organisms can linger in the gut for months or years, subtly causing symptoms like loose stools, bloating, or gas. Typically these symptoms are present in the morning. At PEAK, we utilize comprehensive stool testing to catch what traditional labs often miss. If your gut symptoms have persisted despite treatment, ruling out parasites is not just helpful; it’s essential to determining the root cause of your IBS.
Do Parasites Actually Cause IBS?
Parasites can be a root cause of IBS, but they do not cause every case of IBS. According to the IBS And Gut Health Clinic:
“A 2017 study found that 25% of those with IBS had Blastocystis present in their gut. While this was only detected in 9% of those without IBS. This parasite is highly prevalent in those with acute and chronic diarrhea. The study also detected Cryptosporidium in 12% of those with IBS.”
How Did I Get Parasites In My Gut?
Parasites can become rooted in your gut from a variety of sources. The more common sources are eating raw uncooked meat, contaminated fruits and vegetables, or simply drinking water that isn’t correctly cleaned. Additionally, poor hygiene, close exposure to a person who has parasites, or things like international travel to areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
All of these factors can contribute to you getting parasites in your gut:
- Unsanitary conditions (food and water)
- Bad personal cleanliness (poor hygiene)
- Your Age: Older people and children are more susceptible to parasites.
- Exposure to a person with parasites (child care facilities & elderly homes)
- Being located in or going to places where parasites are more common
- Traveling abroad
- Having a compromised immune system
- AIDS or HIV
What Are The Symptoms Of Parasites In Your Gut?
The most common symptoms of parasites in your gut are:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach cramps & abdominal pain
- Nutrition deficiencies (typically caused by nausea, vomiting, and the parasites consuming nutrients)
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Stomach tenderness
- Tiredness and exhaustions
- Dysentery (loose stools that contain blood or mucus)
- Weightloss
- Passing a worm in your stool
How to Get Rid of Gut Parasites Causing IBS?
There are a few ways you can get rid of gut parasites that may be contributing to your IBS. At PEAK we not only care about getting rid of stomach parasites but also determine the root cause of how you first acquired the parasites, as well as the gut’s overall health. This way we can guide you in making a lifestyle change that prevents the parasites from returning and increases your overall gut health and bodily wellness. There are both natural and direct ways to remove parasites from your gut.
Below are a few ways to get rid of parasites in your gut to promote a healthy gut:
1. Diet & Detox To Get Rid of Gut Parasites
There are so many different diets that help to get rid of parasites in your gut. While some are essential and can help improve your health, not every diet is best for your overall health or your own personal health. We work with our patients on a case by case basis. Below are some general diet ideas that are not medical advice but simply suggestions to help the health of your gut. For a personalized approach, you should work with us directly.
- Foods To Eat To Remove Parasites From Your Gut: Include anti-parasitic foods like coconut oil, papaya seeds, ginger, and garlic in your diet. These meals can aid in establishing an environment in your stomach that is inhospitable to parasites.
- Foods To Avoid When On A Parasite Cleanse: Sugar, processed meals, and dairy products can feed parasites and make the detox less successful.
- Foods To Eat To Restore Your Gut’s Health: Consume foods high in probiotics, such as kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt, to help your gut’s beneficial bacteria balance return.
2. Supplements To Stop Parasites That Cause IBS
Think about supplements with anti-parasitic qualities such as berberine, black walnut, and oregano oil. See us at PEAK Integrative Medicine before incorporating supplements into your regimen.
3. Medications That Get Rid of Parasites in Your Gut
We may suggest certain prescription drugs and medications to treat certain parasites. In certain health scenarios, medication is necessary to get rid of parasites in your gut and improve your gut health so you can heal from irritable bowel syndrome.
How Do I Prevent Parasites From Entering My Gut?
Look at the primary causes of parasites and consider which ones are in your life. If you keep yourself clean, prepare meat to a high temperature, and refrain from eating anything that is too raw or undercooked. When visiting places with inadequate sanitation, use caution and only consume safe, treated water.
These are all preventative measures to not get parasites that cause you IBS. One of the best ways to stop parasites is by having a healthy gut and a strong microbiome.
Following Up On Your IBS Caused By Parasites
In order to guarantee long-term success, it is crucial that you monitor your IBS management. Using a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, supplements, and medications as prescribed by PEAK Integrative Medicine is key to staying healthy and keeping parasites and IBS away. Additionally, focus on leading a healthy lifestyle, drinking plenty of water, and paying close attention to your food choices.
What This Article Does and Does Not Mean
When PEAK talks about IBS caused by parasites, we aren’t saying that every single case of IBS comes from a parasite. IBS can also have many different factors.
What we are saying is that parasites and gut infections could be a possible contributor to IBS-like symptoms in some patients. This is very important to know especially if symptoms occur after a stomach infection, foodborne illness, or other known contact with contamination.
This article is designed to help you understand the potential link between parasites and IBS symptoms and to guide you in asking better questions. It is not meant to diagnose a parasite, replace high-quality testing, or suggest that everyone with IBS needs anti-parasite treatment. The appropriate test depends on your symptoms, medical history, previous testing, and overall gut health.
At PEAK Integrative Medicine, we help our patients see the whole picture. If parasites appear to be a possible factor, we will take into account your symptoms and exposure history, along with a look at your stool, microbiome health, nutrition, and immune function to formulate a personalized treatment plan for you.
Contact PEAK Integrative Medicine To Find Out If Parasites Cause Your IBS
Speak with PEAK Integrative Medicine to help diagnose the root cause of your IBS. Parasites are just one of many causes of IBS. If your symptoms persist or if you think your IBS may be parasite-related, we can help determine the cause and help you get rid of gut parasites if that in the case. We will guide you in the best course of action for your particular circumstance.
Remember, controlling IBS is a continuous process, and taking charge of your health now will pay off in the long term by improving your stomach over time. Work with us to reach PEAK wellness.
IBS and Parasites FAQ
Does IBS come from parasites?
Yes, in some cases parasites may be a factor in irritable bowel syndrome. Parasites can interfere with the balance of your gut. They can cause inflammation in the gut and disrupt the microbiome in general.
What are the symptoms of a parasite in your bowel?
The symptoms of parasites in your bowel might include greasy or watery loose stool. Stomach cramps, nausea, and bloating are other signs. IBS caused by parasites can even cause excessive fatigue in some cases.
How did I get parasites in my gut?
Parasites come from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It can even occur from walking barefoot in infected soil or being exposed to animals, insects, or other people that carry parasites.
What foods can carry parasites?
Consuming undercooked meat may often be a source of parasites. This includes fish, crab, or other seafood. Parasites can also come from raw vegetables and plants that have been contaminated by feces.
What is PI-IBS?
Post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) usually happens shortly after an infection occurs. The stomach flu is a general example of an infection that can cause PI-IBS. The infection has the potential to alter your gut’s microbiome and disrupt homeostasis.
How do I know if my IBS is caused by parasites?
There is no way to know from symptoms alone if your IBS is caused by parasites. But if your symptoms began after some food or water contamination incident, then parasites might be an option to consider. Testing and health history can identify if it could be parasites or other gut issues in play.