
10/16/2025
When we talk about gut health, most people think only of bacteria.
But the gut microbiome is actually made up of:
🦠 Bacteria
🦠 Viruses
🍄 Fungi
🪱 Parasites
Yep - parasites are part of the picture.
Here’s the important part:
Some parasites can cause uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss.
But many people carry parasites without any symptoms at all. This is called asymptomatic carriage, and it’s much more common than most realize.
⚠️ Parasites are more of a concern in people with weakened immune systems.
For many otherwise healthy people, the body and microbiome keep them in check.
👉 Because of this, “parasite cleanses” aren’t always the answer. There’s little evidence that cleanses are effective, and they can sometimes disrupt the balance of beneficial microbes.
If you’re concerned about parasites:
👉Talk with your healthcare provider
👉Ask about stool testing before doing anything extreme
👉Support the gut daily with whole foods, fiber, hydration, sleep, and stress care
🌱 Remember: a strong, balanced microbiome is the best defense.