Hidden Hitchhikers: How Parasites Could Be Affecting Your Health (And What to Watch For!)

 

Hey friend! 👋🏽 It’s Marlisa, your Flight Attendant Nextdoor, here to talk about something nobody wants to think about — parasites.

Let me tell you what happened.

A few years ago, I took a beautiful vacation to Egypt. I thought I was being careful — I avoided the usual culprits, stayed hydrated, and practiced good hygiene. But… I couldn’t resist the offer of fresh-pressed sugarcane juice sold in local street stands. It was satisfyingly hydrating and delicious. So I had it multiple times during my stay.

Unfortunately, by the time I was flying home, I was hit with a rough case of traveler’s diarrhea. That issue eventually settled, but what stuck around was something sneakier: persistent bloating, digestive discomfort, and a feeling that my gut just wasn’t right for years to follow.

As a frequent flyer, wellness lover, and mom of three, I know firsthand how travel can expose us to unexpected little “hitchhikers” we didn’t plan for. Whether it’s a tropical vacation, a quick layover, or even your own backyard BBQ, parasites and gut health are something we can’t afford to ignore—especially if we want to stay glowing, energized, and mentally sharp.

Today, I’m breaking down how parasites sneak into our bodies, the real signs to watch for, and how they rob your body of the nutrients it needs to thrive. ✈️✨ Let’s get into it!

---

✈️ What Are Parasites (and How Do We Pick Them Up)?

Parasites are organisms that live inside or on a host (yep, that’s us!) and feed off of our nutrients to survive.

You don’t have to travel to a jungle to get one.

Here’s how parasites commonly enter our systems:

• Drinking untreated or unfiltered water

• Eating undercooked meat or raw fish (like sushi or ceviche)

• Poor hand hygiene — especially in airports, planes, or public restrooms

• Swimming in contaminated lakes, rivers, or hotel pools

• Handling pets or farm animals without washing hands

Even short-term travel can increase your exposure—especially if you’re a frequent flyer like me.

---

✈️ How Parasites Steal Nutrients (and Why That Matters)

Here’s the scary part: parasites don’t just live in you—they live off you.

They absorb the nutrients you eat before your body can use them, leaving you depleted even if your diet looks healthy on the surface.

This nutrient theft can:

• Block your body’s ability to absorb iron, zinc, B12, magnesium, and amino acids

• Lead to hair thinning, brittle nails, dry skin, and constant fatigue

• Slow down your metabolism

• Trigger cravings (especially for sugar, carbs, or even junk food)

🎯 Think of parasites as invisible freeloaders who steal your glow, energy, and resilience.

---

✈️ Symptoms of Parasites in the Gut

If your digestion feels "off" with no clear cause, it might be time to consider a deeper issue. Parasites often cause:

• Chronic bloating and gas

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

• Unexplained food sensitivities

• Weight changes (gain or loss)

👀 Trust your gut — literally. When something feels wrong, it usually is.

---

✈️ How Parasites Affect Mental Clarity & Mood

One thing I didn’t know until recently? Parasites release toxins that can impact your brain (Iunderstood that) and hormones (is a new one for me).

You might experience:

• Brain fog or confusion

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings

• Depression or feeling emotionally “off”

• Chronic fatigue or apathy

🧠 These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as “stress” or burnout—but may be rooted in gut toxicity caused by parasites.

---

✈️ Night Owls: Parasites and Your Sleep

Ever wake up between 2–3 AM, heart racing or unable to fall back asleep?

This could be more than jet lag. Parasites are most active at night and may cause:

• Restlessness or insomnia

• Night sweats

• Grinding your teeth (bruxism)

• Vivid, unsettling dreams

• Waking up hungry or anxious

😴 Parasites love the liver’s nighttime detox window—and they’re not shy about interrupting your rest. Check out my Spring Body Harmony post highlighting liver cleansing.

---

✈️ Appetite, Weight, and Parasite Cravings

Here’s another sneaky sign: your hunger cues may be hijacked. Parasites can:

• Trigger constant sugar or carb cravings

• Cause extreme hunger (they’re eating your nutrients!)

• Lead to sudden weight gain or unexplained weight loss

• Spike blood sugar unpredictably

If you’re feeding the bugs more than your body, it’s time to reset your system.

---

✈️ Parasites & Your Reproductive Health

This part often surprises people: parasites can mess with hormones, too. Some symptoms to watch for include:

• Irregular periods

• Hormonal acne

• Low libido

• Pelvic or urinary discomfort

• Fertility challenges

Your body runs on balance — and parasites are excellent at throwing that balance off track.

---

My Go to Routine

As for my routine, I spend at least one week per month managing my exposure risks by cleansing for 7 days and for maintenance ensuring I incorporate foods that keep them from over populating. 

For 7 days my cleanse looks like this

Take 1 tablespoon “food grade” diatomaceous earth in 1 cup liquid.

For a Binder: I make black lemonade with 1 activated charcoal capsule, Fresh lemon juice and Xylitol to sweeten if I have on hand or honey

I remove sugar from diet as much as possible and eat Keto style. Then I take probiotics and drink

clove tea throughout the week while staying hydrated will goal of 2 bowel movements per day.

So fiber is always a must!

✈️ Foods to Avoid When Preventing Parasites

If you’re traveling (or just being proactive), avoiding the following foods is key:

• Undercooked or raw meats and seafood

• Raw dairy (especially abroad)

• Unwashed produce

• Tap water or ice from unknown sources

• Excess sugar (parasites love it!)

🛫 Pro Tip: Boil it, cook it, peel it — or leave it. Explore supplements and binders to rid them from the body naturally.

---

✈️ Who’s Most at Risk?

Parasites don’t discriminate, but you’re more at risk if you:

• Travel internationally or to rural areas

• Swim in public lakes, rivers, or pools

• Eat sushi or raw salads frequently abroad

• Work with pets, animals, or children

• Have low stomach acid or take antacids regularly

• Drink unfiltered tap water

Even with our training and discipline, flight attendants and travelers are especially vulnerable. We see the world—and sometimes, it sees us back (in unwanted ways!).

---

✈️ Final Boarding Call: Protect Your Body, Protect Your Energy

Friend, your body is smart. If you’re feeling sluggish, foggy, bloated, or “not quite yourself” after traveling, don’t brush it off.

Parasites are real. But so is your ability to take charge, cleanse intentionally, and shine brighter than ever.

✨ Your energy, clarity, and glow are too precious to be stolen by freeloaders.

With the right care, a few adjustments to your food and hygiene routines, and a guided cleanse (if needed), you can kick the bugs and get back to being your best, flyest self. First consult your Dr if you feel you are struggling with these symptoms. if you are not satisfied with the finding consult a naturalpath.

See you in the skies (parasite-free!),
Marlisa 💛✈️