Debunking Common Misconceptions About Parasites and Worms (Because Ignorance Isn’t Bliss When Something’s Living Rent-Free in Your Gut)

Parasites, worms, and candida overgrowth are often misunderstood. Let's be honest most people don’t even want to say the word “worm” out loud. But avoiding the conversation doesn’t make them any less real. In fact, pretending they only happen to “other people” is exactly how these little freeloaders keep crashing the party in the first place. Let's talk about common parasite misconceptions.

Here’s the truth: dealing with parasites can be isolating and confusing, especially if you don’t know where to turn. But you’re not alone (and not just because something microscopic might be tagging along inside you). Millions of people are quietly fighting the same battle and finding community, humor, and support makes all the difference.

Common Parasite Misconceptions (a.k.a. Lies We’ve All Believed)

Here are a few myths that desperately need busting:

• Parasites only exist in tropical areas. Nope. They don’t need a passport to get cozy in your gut.

• They’re only active in summer. Sorry, they don’t hibernate. They’re on the clock year-round.

• You’ll see worms in your stool if you’re infected. Not always. Some play hide-and-seek like professionals.

• Indoor pets are safe. Your cat may think she’s royalty, but parasites didn’t get the memo.

• New puppies are “clean.” Cute, yes. Parasite-free? Not guaranteed.

• Parasites only come from raw fish. As if sushi were the villain! (Nice try, beef tartare.)

• Only skinny people have parasites. Wrong. They’re equal-opportunity squatters.

• You have to have diarrhea to be infected. Nope! Sometimes it’s constipation, bloating, or just feeling like your gut hates you.

Sound familiar? Thought so. Truth bomb: the World Health Organization estimates 25% of the global population has intestinal parasites. And thanks to global travel, dodgy food handling, and the fact that people are terrible about washing their hands after using the restroom (you know who you are), exposure happens everywhere.

Wash your hands like you just chopped jalapeños and have contacts to put in. Parasites don’t stand a chance.

How Parasites Sneak Into Your Life

Spoiler: you don’t need to trek barefoot through the Amazon to catch them. Everyday life is plenty risky. Some top culprits:

• Not washing hands properly after bathroom trips (yes, we went there).

• Touching grocery cart handles, then touching your face (parasites love Costco too).

• Helping a toddler with potty training. Godspeed my friend.

• Eating unwashed produce or undercooked meat.

• Swimming in pools, rivers, or hot tubs (newsflash: chlorine doesn’t kill everything).

• Gardening or walking barefoot in soil. Parasites love your grounding practice.

• Dining out at sketchy restaurants (or sometimes even nice ones, parasites aren’t picky).

• Petting your dog, cat, or basically anything with fur.

• Traveling somewhere adventurous… or just drinking questionable tap water at your Airbnb.

Parasite eggs can survive on surfaces for ages, meaning you can pick them up just by living your life.

Yes, it’s gorgeous. Yes, you should absolutely jump in. Just remember…you’re not the only thing swimming in here. 🦠💦 (But hey, live a little!)

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets From Parasites (Without Becoming a Germaphobe)

Wash your hands (properly -not the five-second splash-and-go).

Keep your kitchen clean. Cross-contamination is how parasites RSVP “yes” to dinner.

Pets need care too. Even Fluffy, the “indoor-only” cat, is not immune. Keep dishes clean and waste picked up.

Boost your immune system. A strong body is less appealing to parasites. Think of it like making your “apartment” too expensive for them to rent. Herbs and good nutrition go a long way.

Parasites & Candida: The Takeaway

Parasites and candida overgrowth are way more common than we’ve been led to believe. Myths and stigmas make it easy to brush symptoms off, but being informed (and laughing a little along the way) is the first step toward actually doing something about it.

So next time someone says “Oh, parasites only happen in third-world countries,” feel free to roll your eyes so hard they nearly fall out. Then wash your hands, hug your pet (who also probably needs deworming), and stay tuned. In the next blog, we’ll talk about the foods, supplements, and natural remedies that starve parasites and candida.

Yes, you can fight back. And no, it doesn’t mean giving up sushi forever.

If you haven’t read the other blogs in my Parasite Blog Series, be sure to catch up on what you’ve missed. 

Why Parasites and Candida Are More Common Than You Think

My Journey with Parasites and Candida: What I Learned Along the Way

Could You Have Parasites or Candida? Recognizing the Signs

Ready to Kick Your Unwanted Roommates Out?

If any of this is hitting a little too close to home (like, “oh great, now I can’t stop wondering what’s living in my gut”), take a breath, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I help people just like you sort through the confusion, laugh through the cringe, and get real answers about their health. If you’re ready to evict your microscopic freeloaders and finally feel like yourself again, let’s chat.

👉 Schedule a free discovery call with me today because your bathroom habits should not be scarier than a horror movie.

In the next blog in this series, we will discuss how to build a strong immune system so your body can fight off parasites and other bad actors.