PARASITES

Parasites Q & A​

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What are parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live in or on the body and rely on a host for survival. They can enter the body through contaminated food or water, travel exposure, undercooked foods, environmental exposure, or contact with infected animals or individuals.

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Some parasites affect the digestive tract, while others can impact different systems throughout the body. In some cases, parasites may remain in the body for extended periods and contribute to chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and immune dysfunction.

 

What symptoms can parasites cause?

Parasites can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the type of organism and how the body responds to infection.

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Common symptoms may include:

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• Bloating and digestive discomfort

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Food sensitivities

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Skin rashes or irritation

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Sugar cravings

• Sleep disturbances

• Unexplained weight changes

• Joint or muscle pain

• Weakened immune function

• Anxiety or mood changes

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Because symptoms often overlap with other chronic conditions, parasite-related illness may be overlooked or misdiagnosed.

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How are parasites diagnosed?

Pamela Cipriano, DNP, APRN, uses a comprehensive functional medicine approach to evaluate possible parasite infections and related health imbalances.

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Your evaluation may include:

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• Detailed medical history

• Symptom review

• Travel and exposure history

• Functional stool testing

• Gut health analysis

• Nutritional assessment

• Inflammatory markers

• Immune system evaluation

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Functional testing can help identify parasites, digestive imbalances, inflammation, and other contributing factors that may be affecting your overall health.

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How are parasites treated?

Treatment focuses on eliminating parasites while supporting the body’s natural healing and detoxification processes.

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Personalized treatment plans may include:

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• Targeted herbal or medical therapies

• Gut healing support

• Nutritional guidance

• Detoxification support

• Immune system support

• Anti-inflammatory protocols

• Probiotics and digestive support

• Lifestyle recommendations

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Because every patient responds differently, treatment is tailored to your symptoms, health history, and testing results.

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Who may be at higher risk for parasites?

Certain factors may increase the risk of parasite exposure or chronic symptoms, including:

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• International travel

• Drinking contaminated water

• Exposure to mold or environmental toxins

• Chronic digestive issues

• Weakened immune system

• Eating undercooked meat or seafood

• Frequent exposure to animals

• Persistent unexplained symptoms

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Even patients without recent travel history can experience parasite-related illness.

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When should I seek help for possible parasites?

You should consider an evaluation if you experience:

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• Chronic digestive symptoms

• Ongoing bloating or abdominal discomfort

• Unexplained fatigue

• Brain fog

• Persistent inflammation

• Food sensitivities

• Symptoms that do not improve with conventional treatment

• Chronic gut health concerns

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Identifying and treating underlying infections may help improve digestion, energy levels, immune health, and overall wellness.

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What makes The Practice of Health and Wellness different?

At The Practice of Health and Wellness, Pamela Cipriano, DNP, APRN, takes a personalized and root-cause-focused approach to care. Instead of simply treating symptoms, she works to identify the underlying factors contributing to chronic illness and create individualized treatment plans designed to support long-term healing.

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Patients receive compassionate, comprehensive care focused on restoring balance, improving health, and helping the body function at its best.

If you are struggling with unexplained digestive symptoms, fatigue, or chronic health concerns, call The Practice of Health and Wellness or schedule a consultation online today.

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