What Does It Mean?
Parasitic infections occur when an organism lives inside a host, drawing nutrients at the host’s expense. These infections can lead to gastrointestinal, immune, and systemic symptoms, often causing chronic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and gut dysbiosis. Functional medicine aims to eliminate parasites, restore microbial balance, and optimize gut health.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes
- Compromised Immune Function – A weakened immune system allows parasites to establish and persist.
- Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis – Imbalances in gut flora create an environment conducive to parasitic infections.
- Poor Detoxification & Nutrient Deficiencies – Impaired detox pathways reduce the body’s ability to eliminate parasites.
- Inflammatory & Autoimmune Triggers – Chronic inflammation weakens gut integrity, making the body more susceptible.
- Contaminated Food & Water Exposure – Ingestion of parasites through undercooked food, contaminated water, or poor hygiene practices.
Signs & Symptoms
- Persistent bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness due to nutrient malabsorption
- Unexplained weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
- Skin issues, including rashes or itching
- Sugar cravings and mood disturbances
- Increased food sensitivities or gastrointestinal discomfort
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and lab markers assessing inflammation, immune response, and gut function.
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach
The treatment approach focuses on eradicating parasites, restoring gut microbiome balance, and supporting immune and detoxification pathways.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Provides probiotic strains to restore gut microbiome balance and enhance immune response. | 1 capsule with food daily |
| Vita Microbe | Supports healthy microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract. | 3 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Pax | Supplies mitochondrial nutrients and adaptogenic herbs to support energy and immune function. | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita-Fightocide | Provides antimicrobial support to help eliminate pathogenic organisms. | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita-Crypto | Supports detoxification and microbial clearance for parasite infections. | 1 full dropper with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Reinforces gut microbiome stability and enhances immune defense. | 3 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Gut Healing & Microbial Support – Incorporate probiotics and fermented foods to repopulate beneficial bacteria.
- Nutrient-Dense Diet – Focus on whole foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-parasitic properties (e.g., garlic, pumpkin seeds, papaya).
- Hydration & Detox Support – Maintain proper hydration and support detox pathways with binders (e.g., activated charcoal) to remove toxins.
- Hygiene & Prevention – Avoid contaminated food and water sources, practice good hand hygiene, and properly wash produce.