You can get lab work and stool tests for parasites through:

1. Functional or Integrative Doctors. They often order comprehensive parasite testing like GI MAP, Genova Diagnostics, or Doctor’s Data.

2. Naturopaths or Holistic Practitioners. Many work with specialty labs and can guide you on sample collection.

3. Online Labs. Direct to consumer options like Parawellness, Vibrant Wellness, or Let's Get Checked offer stool tests you can order without a doctor.

4. Conventional Doctors. May order basic stool O&P (ova and parasites) tests, but these can miss many infections.

Choose based on the depth of results you want. Functional labs tend to be more thorough.

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host organism and get their food from or at the expense of the host.

Not all are harmful, but many can cause serious health issues if left untreated.

Through contaminated food, water, soil, insect bites, poor hygiene, or contact with infected animals or people.

Pinworms, roundworms, Giardia, tapeworms, hookworms, and Blastocystis hominis are among the most common.

Fatigue, digestive issues, skin rashes, itching, brain fog, and nutrient deficiencies.

Yes, parasites like Naegleria fowleri and Toxoplasma gondii can affect the brain.

A microscopic single-celled parasite, like Giardia or Entamoeba, that can cause intestinal and systemic infections.

A parasitic worm such as a roundworm, tapeworm, or fluke.

Protozoa are microscopic single-celled organisms, while helminths are larger, multicellular worms.

Some research suggests chronic parasitic infections may trigger autoimmune-like symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Testing stool samples, bloodwork, and identifying persistent unexplained symptoms can help.

Stool O&P test, PCR, antigen tests, and some blood tests like eosinophil count or antibody screens.

A protocol that includes antiparasitic herbs or drugs, binders, probiotics, and diet to eliminate parasites.

Yes, drugs like albendazole, ivermectin, praziquantel, and metronidazole are commonly used.

Wormwood, black walnut, clove, garlic, oregano oil, and neem are widely used.

Yes, many parasites thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Yes, some cause malabsorption and weight loss, others alter metabolism leading to weight gain.

Yes, especially from cats and dogs through saliva, feces, or fur. Your pets can also get parasites from you!

Yes, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings, especially if the gut-brain axis is affected.

Some are, especially pinworms and Giardia, through direct contact or surfaces.

Binders like activated charcoal or bentonite clay trap and remove parasite waste and toxins.

Yes, to support the gut microbiome and immune response.

Children may show more behavioral, skin, or sleep symptoms than adults.

Yes, from toxin release or immune reactions during infection or die-off.

Yes, they can trigger or worsen allergic reactions by disturbing immune regulation.

When parasites are killed and release toxins, causing temporary worsening of symptoms.

Yes, like Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) and Entamoeba histolytica.

Yes, certain parasites like Schistosoma haematobium and Opisthorchis are linked to specific cancers.

Some do, especially eggs and cysts that are resistant to low pH.

Yes, deep freezing can kill some parasites, especially in fish.

Yes, raw fish can carry Anisakis simplex and other parasites.

Some live days, others months or years if untreated.

Many are more active at night, especially pinworms and flukes.

Parasites can irritate the nervous system and disturb sleep patterns.

Pumpkin seeds, papaya seeds, garlic, coconut oil, and leafy greens.

Yes, they rob the body of iron, B12, and other essential nutrients.

Proper hygiene, clean drinking water, food safety, and pet care reduce risk.

Yes, Trichinella and Sparganum can migrate into muscles and connective tissue.

A healthy immune system helps recognize, attack, and eliminate parasites.

Flatworms like Fasciola or Clonorchis that infect the liver, lungs, or blood.

Yes, systemic inflammation or tissue migration can trigger joint pain.

Yes, blood-sucking parasites like hookworms and flukes often cause iron-deficiency anemia.

Yes, due to nervous system disruption and toxin release.

Yes, if not fully treated or if reinfection occurs through environment or diet.

Some can, but cycling and rotating herbs is often safer and more effective.

Some do seasonal cleanses, others do 2–4 times per year, depending on symptoms and lifestyle.

A low sugar, anti-inflammatory diet starves parasites and supports healing.

PCR testing and comprehensive stool analysis are more accurate than single-sample O&P.

Yes, many people are asymptomatic carriers or have subtle symptoms they do not link to parasites.

Many chronic issues are rooted in overlooked infections, and treating them can restore health.