Parasite Cleanse

A parasite cleanse cleared my brain fog and bloating - much to my surprise

Writer Daisy Carrington tried a parasite cleanse for clearer skin, mental clarity and digestive health

Parasite cleanses have been popping up all over my Instagram lately, with people sharing their intense journeys – from dark-stained teeth after grape juice shots to up-close shots of tapeworms in their stools.

Though the images can be a bit much, I decided to give a parasite cleanse a shot, hoping to tackle my fatigue, low energy, brain fog, and persistent digestive issues.

Here's a quick rundown on parasites, the benefits of parasite cleanses, and my experience with Despara's 30-day detox.

The parasite cleanse was a multi-step procedure

What is a parasite?

A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside its host – whether human or animal – feeding on the host's nutrients and potentially harming their health.

Parasites come in different forms, including Protozoa (single-celled organisms), Helminths (worms), and Ectoparasites (like lice and ticks), as described by parasite cleanse brand Despara.

 

While not everyone has a parasite, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 25% of the global population is affected by parasitic infections.

 

These infections are more common in tropical regions or areas with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation, but they can also be transmitted through insect bites, close contact with infected individuals or animals, and poor hygiene.

The benefits of a parasite cleanse

When I was a kid, my family used to warn me that biting my nails could lead to worms. I brushed it off as just another old wives' tale – turns out, I was wrong. A Despara expert explains, "Parasitic eggs can get trapped under your nails, and you end up ingesting them."

Symptoms of a parasite

Parasites can drain the body of vital nutrients and release toxins, leading to inflammation and various health problems.

 

Parasitic infections can also disturb the balance of gut bacteria, potentially triggering digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, skin problems, and even more serious health concerns.

 

As a Despara expert points out, "Symptoms like low energy, IBS, mood swings, difficulty losing weight, feelings of overwhelm, depression, anxiety, fungal infections, and acne may all indicate a possible parasitic infection."

What is a parasite cleanse?

A parasite cleanse is a natural detox designed to flush out parasites, heavy metals, and toxins from the body, while supporting gut health, cognitive function, and overall wellness.

 

According to a top nutritionist and naturopath, nearly anyone can benefit from a parasite cleanse, especially those with known parasitic infections or frequent travelers to regions with a higher risk of exposure.

The parasite cleanse

The cleanse isn’t just for those hosting parasites; it can also act as a preventative measure or a way to reset both mind and body.
 An expert explained, “Parasites, fungi, and candida are all part of the normal human microbiome, but problems arise when they multiply excessively and compromise your health.”
 However, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions are advised to avoid undergoing a cleanse.
 A typical parasite cleanse includes eliminating gluten, dairy, and both raw and processed meats from the diet, while adding anti-inflammatory foods such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and pumpkin seeds.
 These dietary changes, along with natural supplements, stress management, proper hydration, and good sleep hygiene, help support the detox process.
 Timing the cleanse to coincide with the full moon is also important for targeting parasites and their eggs. The nutritionist noted, “During a full moon, the body produces less melatonin and more serotonin, which stimulates parasites to reproduce, so aligning the cleanse with the lunar cycle ensures a more effective detox.”

Benefits of a parasite cleanse

Completing a parasite cleanse offers a wide range of health benefits.

 

An expert explained, "A cleanse enhances nutrient absorption and gut health, lowers both general and neuroinflammation, improves brain function and mental clarity, supports the gut-brain axis, and increases key neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. It also alleviates digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements, while boosting immune function and energy levels."

 

However, during the initial stages of the cleanse, some individuals may experience temporary side effects, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea as the parasites die off.

During a parasite cleanse we might feel gut issues

How long should you do a parasite cleanse?

The expert recommends a 30-day cleanse to break old habits and effectively eliminate parasites. For those with chronic gut problems, a longer 100-day cleanse or repeating the detox twice a year may be more beneficial.

 

She explained, "Resetting your gut usually requires around 30 days. This period allows for meaningful changes in the gut microbiota and supports the repair of the gut lining, which renews approximately every three to five days. However, if the gut lining has been damaged by chronic inflammation, full healing takes considerably longer."

My parasite cleanse experience

For years, I struggled with digestive problems and was even prescribed laxatives by my GP for an entire year. Lately, my overwhelmed mind has wandered more often than I do into Selfridges' bag department.

 

I always blamed my symptoms on a hectic career and poor eating habits, never once suspecting that parasites might be the cause. However, a Despara expert told me that my symptoms made me an ideal candidate for a parasite cleanse.

 

I decided to start the 30-day detox with the Despara Kit (Full Moon Parasite Cleanse) — developed by a parasite specialist — and timed it to align with July’s full moon, which I easily tracked using the weather app on my iPhone. Who knew?

 

The Despara Kit contains supplements like Parasite Cleanse, Candida Cleanse, Heavy Metal Detox, and Microplastic Detox, along with a Binder powder. These products are formulated with natural ingredients known for their antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties to support the detox process and promote gut healing.

The parasite cleanse included lots of supplements

I want to emphasize that my goal wasn’t weight loss, so I didn’t weigh or measure myself before or after the detox. My main focus was to ease IBS symptoms, reduce persistent bloating, lift my mood and energy, enhance concentration, and clear up brain fog.

 

I also hoped to improve my dermatitis, which is thought to be connected to candida overgrowth.

 

I began my parasite cleanse on July 15, a week ahead of the Buck Moon on July 21. However, the expert advised starting about two weeks before the full moon “to ensure a thorough parasite cleanse and to eliminate all three generations — adults, larvae, and eggs.”

Eating while on a parasite cleanse

Preparation was crucial for me. Since I work from home, my fridge constantly tempts me with unhealthy snacks throughout the day. However, this cleanse demanded a major dietary shift to starve the parasites. I stocked up on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and carefully washed all fruits and vegetables in a mixture of water and cider vinegar—a simple but important step to avoid “ingesting microscopic eggs that can hatch inside the gut,” as the expert warned.

 

I swapped my usual morning coffee for alternatives like fresh mint water, hot lemon, a homemade electrolyte drink called ‘Wellness Water’ made with lemon juice, ginger, and Celtic salt, or celery and cucumber juice. I also drank two to three liters of water daily to help flush out toxins.

 

For breakfast, I had chia pudding with berries and almond milk—free from gut-irritating emulsifiers or rapeseed oils—while lunches and dinners included dishes such as chicken or tuna avocado salads, vegetable curries, fish with roasted vegetables, and courgetti with homemade pesto and prawns.

Client found herself with migraines at the start of the cleanse

Admittedly, the first few days were challenging. I experienced constant migraines, had difficulty concentrating because of the headaches, felt exhausted, and battled strong cravings. To be completely honest, if I hadn’t prepared healthy meals in advance, I probably would have given up on day one.

 

Concerned by these intense symptoms but determined not to quit, I reached out to the gut expert for guidance. She reassured me that these reactions were normal and part of the body’s healing process.

 

She explained, “Initial effects can appear within a few days, and some people feel worse before they start feeling better due to parasite and candida die-off. After two to four weeks, clients typically feel great. Feeling flat or emotional during this phase is normal.”

 

Although the cleanse usually avoids carbs and sugar, the expert adjusted my diet to include brown rice to prevent extreme weight loss and help manage the die-off safely — which is why following a guided cleanse is so important.

 

By the end of the first week, my migraines disappeared, and my bloating significantly decreased. My digestion became more regular, my focus improved, I began adopting healthier diet and lifestyle habits, and I felt more energetic overall.

 

I’m not usually one for routines, but this cleanse motivated me to establish new habits. My mornings started with a refreshing glass of ice-cold ginger and lemon water, which felt more energizing than a B12 vitamin and a double espresso at 7 a.m.—the latter only making me jittery rather than clear-headed.

 

I also found healthier ways to satisfy my sweet tooth, like apples sprinkled with cinnamon or fresh berries with a splash of citrus for a sharp, tangy kick reminiscent of Haribo Tangfastics.

 

I’m no Gillian McKeith, but during this cleanse, I made a conscious effort to check my stool for any signs of parasites being expelled. Despite the intense die-off symptoms, I didn’t see the visible evidence of parasites that some people report on social media, which left me feeling a bit disappointed.

 

However, the expert explained that parasites aren’t always visible: “Often, parasites are protozoa, so you pass them without seeing anything, even though you experience all the symptoms.”

 

The week after the full moon coincided with my period, which usually brings bloating, constipation, and sugar cravings. Yet, this time, I experienced minimal discomfort or symptoms.

 

In recent years, I’ve been prone to hormonal breakouts, despite having clear skin during my teens and twenties. This cleanse noticeably improved my complexion, reducing both blemishes and puffiness.

Client's skin improved after her parasite cleanse

Midway through the cleanse, I had an important meeting coming up. Usually, I would be overwhelmed with anxiety days in advance and struggle with sleepless nights, but this time I experienced a surprising mental clarity; I felt calm, confident, and focused.

 

As the final week approached, with the August full moon on the horizon, I considered extending the parasite cleanse because I felt completely refreshed and revitalized.

 

Even though I occasionally indulged, my bloating was noticeably milder and easier to manage. Wanting to avoid falling back into old habits, I sought advice from Dr. Simoné, who recommended WelleCo’s ‘The Super Elixir’ for ongoing maintenance, along with following an 80:20 lifestyle: “Mostly eat clean, but allow yourself one day a week to enjoy fun foods if you wish. Don’t slip back into unhealthy eating or bingeing. This isn’t a battle against parasites, but good housekeeping to ensure your beneficial microbes outnumber the harmful ones.”

My parasite cleanse verdict

I’m not one to jump on fads or follow extreme diets, so I was initially sceptical about trying a parasite cleanse. However, I ended up achieving everything I hoped for and felt better in my skin than I have in a long time.

 

The cleanse brought noticeable improvements across many aspects of my life almost immediately — from enhanced mental clarity and productivity to reduced bloating, better gut and skin health, and more balanced hormones. It helped me break unhealthy habits and inspired me to establish healthier ones.

Client is feeling good after her parasite cleanse

The parasite cleanse also gave me valuable insights into my body—what helps me perform at my best, and what triggers physical, mental, and emotional responses. It made me much more conscious of the ingredients I consume.

 

While it’s possible to “fast-track” the cleanse over two weeks during a full moon—a method I might consider in the future to avoid disrupting plans—I now understand why the expert recommended the longer duration for a thorough reset of both body and mind.