4 Indicators You Might Have a Parasitic Infection

Victoria Albina, FNP-c, MPH, a functional medicine practitioner who describes herself as 'gut-obsessed,' spent much of her teenage and adult years battling persistent gastrointestinal issues that doctors struggled to diagnose. 'I was told I had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after numerous tests failed to identify any other cause,' she explains.

Despite undergoing 10 standard stool tests that all returned 'normal' results, Albina was convinced her symptoms—ranging from gas and bloating to inconsistent bowel problems—were not IBS. Collaborating with a naturopath and pursuing extensive medical training to become a nurse practitioner, she eventually uncovered the truth. Using alternative diagnostic methods not employed by her gastroenterologist, Albina discovered she had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and a troublesome parasite known as Blastocystis hominis.

Also referred to as b. Hominis, this microscopic organism is a type of parasite capable of residing on or inside the body, causing significant disruption. With numerous parasite varieties, particularly those inhabiting the intestines—such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms—the resulting symptoms can vary widely, from sudden weight loss to intensely itchy skin. Although parasitic infections are more prevalent in developing nations, hundreds of thousands of Americans are affected annually. Exposure can occur through multiple sources, including animals, blood, food, insects, and water. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Collaborating with trusted healthcare providers can accelerate the path to an effective treatment plan.

After receiving a concrete diagnosis, Albina collaborated with her naturopath to address the issue using medications, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and stress management techniques like breathwork—all of which significantly contributed to her recovery. Today, as a New York City-based nurse practitioner, wellness coach, and podcast host, she assists others in resolving complex health issues, many of which originate in the gut but may also affect other areas.

"Parasites can be incredibly deceptive," Albina notes. "Sometimes, the only indicators might be skin issues (such as eczema or psoriasis), joint pain or discomfort (including the activation of rheumatoid arthritis by certain bacteria mimicking parasites), mood shifts, particularly when depression or anxiety resist therapy, sleep disruptions, or metabolic issues like unexplained weight changes and blood sugar irregularities."

If you sense something is amiss with your physical or mental health, Albina suggests a parasite could be to blame. Here are some key signs to look out for:

1. Unexplained Digestive Issues

It’s crucial to understand that many traditional gut specialists and dietitians recognize IBS as a valid diagnosis, defined by specific criteria such as recurring abdominal pain and inconsistent bowel habits. However, many also argue that IBS doesn’t account for all digestive issues, and some of its key symptoms overlap with other conditions, including parasitic infections. Below are some typical gut symptoms linked to parasites:

2. Experiencing Unpredictable Mood Swings and Energy Levels

"My initial symptoms of a parasitic infection included depression and anxiety, alongside more traditional signs like gas, bloating, indigestion, and changes in bowel movements," Albina explains. She adds that many of her patients with parasitic infections also report feelings of depression and anxiety. Experts also note that fatigue, exhaustion, and sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, are commonly linked to parasitic infections.

3. Unusual Skin Problems

"Many of my patients with parasites suffer from eczema, psoriasis, and histamine intolerance," Albina states. "This means migraines and menstrual issues could actually stem from parasites." While intestinal parasites are often linked to allergy-like symptoms and skin problems, it’s worth noting that not all parasites reside in the gut—some inhabit the skin directly, causing localized effects. Skin parasites like scabies mites and lice can lead to severe itching, inflammation, and redness on the skin, scalp, or hair.

4. Autoimmune Disorders or High Stress Levels

"There’s substantial scientific evidence and historical knowledge indicating that high stress levels and poor mental health management can degrade the quality, quantity, and diversity of beneficial gut bacteria," Albina explains. "A purely medication-based approach—such as prescribing Alinia for b. Hominis—won’t be effective unless the patient avoids gut-irritating foods and strengthens their immune system. Effective treatment hinges on enhancing immune function to help the body eliminate and resist parasites."

Preventing Parasites

Treating a parasitic infection doesn’t always guarantee permanent eradication. Albina emphasizes that to improve the chances of a parasite-free life, healthcare providers must adopt a broader perspective on health, and patients should become attuned to their bodies, advocating for themselves when something feels amiss.

"From my personal journey and my patients' stories, the reason individuals with parasites remain unwell even after treatment, and why parasitic and bacterial infections—often interconnected—can recur, is that conventional doctors often fail to consider the whole person within their environment," she explains. "They overlook factors like the balance of stomach hydrochloric acid, dietary habits affecting the gut microbiome, or whether the patient consumes enough prebiotics to combat infections."

Discover more about parasites in "This Is Your Brain on Parasites: How Tiny Creatures Manipulate Our Behavior and Shape Society" by Kathleen McAuliffe. Mytour selects related titles we believe you'll enjoy. If you decide to purchase, we receive a share of the sale.