Do You Need a Parasite or Heavy Metal Cleanse?

You Most Likely Need Both

Eat sushi or use cosmetics? If so, you are susceptible to both parasites and heavy metal intoxication.

Up to 50 percent of the global population suffers from parasites, and 90 percent have detectable levels of heavy metals^1,2. According to Dr. Hadar Elbaz, a functional medicine practitioner and Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), anyone who breathes needs a parasite cleanse—and parasites hold onto heavy metals. Common sense tells us that if you do a parasite cleanse, you will also need a heavy metal cleanse.

You are at risk of parasitic infection if you:

• Unknowingly consume contaminated food or water, such as sushi or undercooked pork³.
• Are in close contact with animals, pets, or soil that may carry parasites³.
• Have unresolved digestive issues such as recurring diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain³.
• Experience unexplained symptoms like weight loss, bloating, intense fatigue, and headaches³.
• Travel to regions with endemic parasites or exposure to high-risk environments¹.

You are at risk for heavy metal intoxication if you:

• Work in environments exposing you to metals like lead, mercury, aluminum, or cadmium⁴.
• Have or use dental fillings, vaccines, or cosmetics containing heavy metals^5,6.
• Consume fish, rice, or water contaminated with heavy metals^3,4.
• Live near industrial, agricultural, or high-traffic zones⁴.

If Parasites Remain Untreated

• Digestive distress: diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, constipation⁷.
• Nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, dehydration, fatigue⁷.
• Chronic skin rashes, itching, headaches, insomnia, swollen lymph nodes⁹.
• Prolonged infections can suppress the immune system and damage organs.

Heavy Metal Toxicity

• May cause headaches, nausea, brain fog, mood changes, and muscle weakness⁹.
• Long-term exposure can cause damage to kidneys, liver, heart, brain, and may lead to cancer⁹.
• Without intervention, symptoms can be irreversible or life-threatening¹⁰.

Not Cleansing When Needed Has Consequences

Failure to address parasites or heavy metals can lead to persistent symptoms, worsening health, organ failure, irreversible neurological damage, or life-threatening disease progression. Early intervention and appropriate detox protocols are crucial for recovery and long-term health.

Always work with a qualified health practitioner when cleansing.

Once parasites are killed, they can release toxins and heavy metals, which require a binder to prevent reabsorption.

Check out these articles on binders:

• Do You Need a Binder During a Cleanse?
• Using Binders During a Detox

References

1. Cleveland Clinic (2024)
2. Goyer & Clarkson (2023)
3. Braseth AL, Elliott DE, Ince MN. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021; 50(2):361-381.
4. Bhagat & Tiwari (2024)
5. Arshad H, et al. Saudi Pharm J. 2020; 28(7):779-790.
6. JPRI. 2021; 33(49B): 45-54.
7. Ahmed M. Gastroenterology Res. 2023; 16(3):127-140.
8. Carpio A, et al. Expert Rev Neurother. 2016; 16(4):401-14.
9. Genuis SJ, Kelln KL. Behav Neurol. 2015; Article 620143.
10. Balali-Mood, et al. (2021)