Want to share this article? Visit our re-post guidelines.
Dealing with Lyme Disease and Parasite Die Off
Article Summary:
- Getting rid of Lyme and Parasites holistically is an important way to regain full health. Unfortunately, a parasite or Lyme-based cleanse can often lead to uncomfortable side-effects, as banishing unwanted substances from your body is a difficult and exhausting process.
- Many people who undergo cleanse treatments experience “die off” symptoms, or “Herxheimer” symptoms that can be so severe that they struggle to carry on with their lives as normal. These symptoms can range all the way from crawling sensations, to feelings of pain, fatigue, emotional instability, and more.
- Often, the more potent your cleansing solution is, and the faster you try to rid your body of a parasitic infection, the stronger your side effects will be. Some people will feel as though they are simply suffering from the flu, whereas others will experience digestive problems, bruising, and emotional discomfort.
- Although it may be impossible to prevent all the die-off symptoms that can occur as a result of a parasitic or Lyme cleanse, steps can be taken to reduce your discomfort. For instance, it’s important to keep the bowels moving to prevent toxins from being re-absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Other solutions for managing die-off symptoms may include staying hydrated, consuming the right supplements and herbs, adding activated charcoal to the diet, using Epsom baths to remove toxins from the skin, and getting plenty of rest.
- Join my At-Home Program for more tips on parasite cleansing and eradicating Lyme disease with natural herbs and supplements, not antibiotics.
Dealing with Parasites
If you’ve recently discovered that you’re playing host to an uninvited visitor, then you may be considering undergoing a parasite cleanse. If you’ve never had to engage in a parasite cleanse before, it’s important to understand not only what kinds of foods and substances you’re going to have to eat and avoid – but also the side-effects that you might experience as your body begins to heal. After all, taking control of your body back from a parasite can be an uncomfortable and difficult experience. In other words, as essential as it may be to conduct a cleanse, it’s crucial to prepare yourself for a taxing, and often overwhelming experience.
Those who undergo a parasitic or Lyme disease cleanse will often experience something known as “die-off” effect. Otherwise known as the “Herxheimer” reaction (named after the German dermatologist credited with its discovery), die-off refers to the discomfort that you are bound to feel as the body attempts to rid itself of the parasites and infections within. The more potent your treatment methods are, and the faster you work to remove parasites or Lyme from your body, the more likely you are to experience this reaction.
Some people even feel as though they catch a cold the week after they begin treating a yeast, fungal, or parasitic infection. This is actually just a mild form of Herxheimer reaction, as many of the symptoms involved with die-off can include fatigue, pain, weakness, and emotional instability. Additionally, you may find that some of the discomfort you feel can be linked to the fact that the parasites become restless and begin to move around in the body when they feel threatened.

Symptoms Commonly Associated with Die-Off
Parasite or Lyme disease die-off symptoms can vary drastically from one patient to the next. Most commonly, the symptoms are similar to those that we experience when we’re suffering from the flu, and sometimes they can become so overwhelming that it’s difficult to push yourself to continue with the cleansing program. Needless to say, it’s crucial to complete the cleanse if you want your body to heal.
Regardless of the type of cleanse you undergo, it’s important to note that the process of ridding your body of Lyme and parasites is an exhausting one. You will need to get a lot of rest – particularly if the infection is severe. If you can take the time off work for the course of the cleanse, this might be a good idea, and if not, you might need to consider using a gentler cleanse which works up to a tougher cleanse after your body has become accustomed to the initial discomfort.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most common symptoms associated with die-off. If you experience any of these symptoms yourself, it’s important not to be alarmed. Usually, these signs simply indicate that the healing process is in motion.
1. Crawling Sensations
It’s probably not surprising to learn that a parasite cleanse is an uncomfortable experience for the parasites in your system. When worms or other sources of infection begin to realize that they are under attack, they may start to move around. Though this can happen in most cases, the truth is that most people suffering from die-off symptoms will not be able to feel the movement – though some convince themselves that they can.
If your parasites are located close to the skin or within the digestive tract, you may be able to feel them. Additionally, it is possible to feel parasites moving around the tongue, throat, and cheek areas of the face.
2. Headaches and Pain
Headaches and pain throughout the body are a common symptom of Lyme and parasite die-off. Headaches can occur as a result of the dietary changes that you have made to promote the healing process – such as avoiding processed foods and eating more fruit and vegetables. These types of headaches are known as “detox” pain, which arise when the body is cleansing itself, and can disappear when the cleansing is complete. To avoid these headaches, it can be a good idea to begin changing your diet slowly when you are preparing for a cleanse.
Headaches can also be a result of parasites moving around inside the head. In these circumstances, pain may be located behind or inside of the eyes, around the ears, or all over. Hot baths and gentle massaging can assist to reduce the pain.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
When you consider the fact that parasites like Giardiasis can be responsible for causing chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s easier to accept that you might feel some fatigue temporarily during the process of eliminating parasites from your system. It’s worth noting that it takes a great deal of energy for your body to rid itself from parasites. Once most of the Lyme or parasites in your system have been eliminated, you will begin to regain your energy and strength. However, to speed the healing process, it may be best to avoid excessive activity and exercise, and get plenty of sleep.
4. Skin Sores
Skin sores are yet another common symptom of die-off. These sores can occur when the body tries to eliminate toxins at a quicker pace than is typically possible. The skin is one of the organs that can be used to get rid of toxins, and if too many toxins attempt to leave the skin at once, this can lead to breakages and sores. Toxins that leave the body by breaking through the skin might include eggs, parasite waste, or the parasites themselves.
5. Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are issues that can start to arise when the parasite is still living within your body, but in some cases, these issues may appear to get worse when you begin your parasite or Lyme cleanse. Depending on the severity of the Lyme in your body, or the type of parasite you are trying to remove, you could experience instances of bloating and diarrhea as your body attempts to eliminate all dangerous substances within. Some people feel strange knots or lumps develop around the belly button too.
6. Emotional Instability
Parasites survive by consuming the nutrients that you need to thrive. Because of this, a parasite could easily rob your body of the various important nutrients that you not only need to feel strong and healthy, but mentally fit too. The result of such deficiencies is often periods of anxiety, depression, and confusion. Additionally, the other symptoms that you are exposed to during die off can lead to overwhelming emotional results as well. The best thing to do in this situation is look around you for support, and remember that you need to go through the negative parts in order to remove the parasite or Lyme from your body entirely. After all, you don’t want to live with a parasite, or chronic Lyme disease forever.
7. Easy or more Frequent Bruising
As we mentioned above, when the parasites in your system feel threatened, they will start to become more restless. The result of this restlessness means that you will begin to feel the creatures moving around inside of your body – potentially looking for a new place to live. Whatever the reason for the movement inside of your body, when parasites move too close to the skin, the result can be easier bruising. You might find yourself covered in marks though you haven’t had any reason to bruise.
8. Cravings
Parasites and Lyme disease feed on specific foods within your body more avidly than others. For instance, the most important thing you will do when conducting a Lyme disease cleanse is to remove grains and sugars from your diet. It’s also a good idea to avoid animal-based foods because they can slow down digestion and make it harder for the body to eliminate parasites. Because you will be cutting certain foods out of your diet – specifically the ones that your parasites prefer- it’s common to feel cravings during the first few days as your body adjusts. Make sure that you don’t give into these cravings if you want the cleanse to work.
9. Respiratory Effects
Finally, the destruction of parasites in your body may cause your body to take drastic measures to remove the foreign invaders as quickly as possible. Since increasing the flow of mucous is often seen as an effective way to rid the body of other contaminants, the chances are that you will experience several respiratory symptoms like those of the common cold, including sneezing, coughing, and a runny or stuffy nose.

Dealing with the Die-Off Symptoms
Managing the die-off symptoms associated with removing Lyme and parasites from your body can be a difficult process. The chances are that by the time the healing is done you will feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but ready to begin the path to recovery. When you’re dealing with die-off symptoms and reactions, there are steps that you can take to make your body as comfortable as possible, and potentially speed up the process too. For instance:
1. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your body has the strength and resources it needs to heal, is to stay hydrated. You should be drinking plenty of water every hour throughout the day. You might find that it’s easier to drink warm water, rather than cold water which can be jarring on a sensitive stomach.
2. Keep your Bowels moving
Many people can use magnesium supplements to help flush the bowel during a Lyme or parasite cleanse. This is very important, as it helps to flush the critters out of your system for good. Importantly, if your bowels are not moving properly, then your die-off reactions will last for longer because the toxins will be absorbed from the bowel into the bloodstream and lymph nodes.
3. Rest as Much as Possible
It is absolutely essential to rest when you are experiencing the symptoms of Lyme and parasitic die-off. Usually, between eight and ten hours a night is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to sleep more during the day if you need to. Remember that killing off parasites is an exhausting process for your body.
4. Get Warm Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom baths can be very useful when it comes to ridding the body of the symptoms associated with parasite and Lyme die off. Epsom salts help to eliminate toxins through the skin, and the warmth of the bath could also help to soothe the aches and pains you feel as die-off occurs.
5. Add Activated Charcoal to your Diet
During the night when die-off symptoms may be at their strongest, activated charcoal can be ideal for absorbing toxins in the gut. Remember to be careful with the amount that you take as sometimes activated charcoal can lead to constipation.
6. Green Smoothies and Juices
When your stomach is struggling to absorb the nutrients that you need to thrive, a smoothie or green juice blend can give you the boost of antioxidants and minerals that you need, particularly when you feel too uncomfortable to eat normally. Greens like parsley are excellent for detoxification.
7. Use Enemas
When it comes to flushing toxins out of your system, enemas are one of the best solutions available for speeding the process along – no matter how uncomfortable they may seem. Organic coffee enemas, apple cider vinegar enemas, or plain water enemas will all help to keep the colon clean and therefore prevent the re-absorption of toxins and chemicals into the bloodstream.
8. Gentle Exercise
When you are recovering from a parasitic infection or Lyme disease, then one of the best things you can do is help your body to thrive by reducing the amount of physical activity you do each day. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should stay completely still during the cleansing process. Walking, stretching, and yoga can all help to keep you feeling energetic and powerful as you move through the symptoms of die-off.
9. Add Cultured Foods to your Plate
Fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria that can help to reduce the signs of inflammation in your stomach and digestive system, while restoring the natural balance of flora that leads to better intestinal health.
10. Use Herbal Supplements
Just like peppermint tea can help to reduce pain and discomfort when you’re suffering from migraines or nausea during die-off, substances like red root can help with lymph drainage. Herbs and vitamins can give your body additional resources to turn to when recovering from a serious infection – regardless of whether you were exposed to Lyme, or parasites.
11. Support your Liver
Remember, when you are undergoing a parasite or Lyme cleanse, your liver is the organ that is responsible for transforming waste products into a substance that can be eliminated. Antioxidants are the way to protect and support your liver from the countless negative substances it will be tackling. Make sure that you consume plenty of cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, watercress, and cabbage.
12. Practice techniques for Relaxation
Finally, make sure that you allow your body to relax and rest as much as possible. Be careful and cautious with how much you move, and make sure that you practice deep breathing techniques to increase the amount of oxygen that enters your cells, stimulating and boosting the immune system.
Managing Lyme Disease and Parasite Die Off
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re dealing with the side effects that come from killing off Lyme disease and parasites in your body. However, it’s important to go easy on yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal. Remember, no matter how difficult things get, the process will eventually be over, and you will be well on your way to healing your gut and ensuring that you’re ready for a healthier future.
I have an At-Home Program designed to guide and support you through parasite cleansing and Lyme disease.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the newsletter here so you don’t miss out on the new ones!
RELATED VIDEOS
Research Validates Acupuncture
A Million New Genes Found in Parasites
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos like this!
In 1990, after dealing with increased diarrhea, I was diagnosed with a giardia infection and also celiac disease. Antibiotics were given, but never retested. The celiac diet did not help with still having diarhhea. After an Alcat test and removing intolerant foods, still deal with many food intolerances and trying to heal an IBS diagnosis and leaky gut. I have done a grain based tincture parasite treatment in 2004 after a CEDSA test showed I had a parasite infection. The tincture aggravated my diarrhea and had to stop. Later tried a treatment through TriLight. I have read that parasites can settle into organs and mimic other autoimmune diseases. I eat very clean but continue with more issues like histamine intolerance, and not improving from all the food intolerances. How can I find an effective way to know if I am still having consequences from parasites? Would kinesiology be a tool? What treatments are the most effective and does it make sense to work with the full moon cycle and how to stop the eggs from contiuing the infestation?
Hi Connie,
It sounds like parasites are still a major issue from your short description. They are notorious for causing histamine issues and food intolerances. We coach individuals one on one on how to clear the parasites out that they are affected with.
There are tictures from a place called called Consolidated Solutions. We’ve used them.
Severe parasite in my Lg Intes and C5 vertebral body that was hell to get rid off. Got it in Bora Bora…(We’ve used many to change our health including getting my son of all asthma allergy meds in 6w!and my husbands Gulf War syndrome)An electrodermal provider has to screen you fornaplropriate tincture. Also called Xylem/Discovery Systems in some places. Many in TX, ours is in Camas, WA
I’ve has parasite infection for which the standard treatment seemed to have helped. However, the damage it did to my system requires more attention. For me, I felt a lot better when I eat more organic foods that have not been processed. I buy carrots from whole foods with the root and dirt still on. I simply give it a five second wash before eating it raw without peeling it. It even helped my gluten intolerance and glucose issues caused by the parasite. Anywhere that offered me natural bacteria seemed to help. If I’m not able to get my gut replenished I’ll try to have my GI replenish my gi tract surgically.
I have been unable to treat lyme due to MCAD which causes horrific herxes. I get so full of inflammation when I herx that it causes joint damage. I am unable to tolerate anything that kills bacteria, boosts the immune system or disrupts biofilm. I have tried 25 mg of minocycline every second day and it caused joint damage. I also have had joint damage from magnesium, TADS (adrenal support), moducare, xylitol, herbals, etc. I am lactose intolerant and recently have developed fructose intolerance. ( I am gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free-including no fruits) I had a flare from a 50c of LDI which is an extremely low dose of immunotherapy. How can I ever treat Lyme when I can’t take abx, herbals or most supplements? Any suggestions? Thanks
My doctors and I coach and help individuals in situations like this. There is definitely not a one size fits all for these cases. I recommend to reach out to us so I can chat with you about this. 844-443-7529 or info@drjaydavidson.com
Dr. Jay
I have invested in a far infrared sauna for my home and will be using it one to two times per day for approx 30-45 minutes. This is great for Lyme, parasites, bacteria, viruses as they do not like the heat. I have been using a BioMat for many months up until now. If you cannot afford a far infrared sauna in your home, I would encourage you to look around your town close by and see if you can locate a spa who does have one that you can use daily. Also having regular colon hydrotherapy (colonic) sessions have been most helpful to me, especially when done two days in a row. I have documented all the parasites and biofilm that have been expelled from my body and it is just truly amazing how terribly wonderful I feel and think after these are no longer in my body.
I am preparing to do a parasite cleanse for my son who has developed hives and itching every time he gets warm. This started not long after he had flu like symptoms over the summer. He worked with ponies where he was bitten by a lot of horse flies and mosquitoes. I am certain it is Lyme Disease because his anti thryroglobulin was very high. Do you know what kind of doctor would accurately test for Lyme Disease?
Western blot test is a joke, as Lyme is cyclical! look up providers who do electrodermal… they can screen for anything! Gave me answers no doctor could… the other reliable screening methods are all over the internet. My friend ordered a kit from Viome. I’ll pray for son! God heals!
I have been suffering from parasites I feel it in my skin in my hair and I head I’ve been suffering for 2 years and I have all the symptoms I’ve Ben to the ER more than I can count I am bruising I have sores but nobody will look at me I have 3 kids I got them taken away because people think that I am crazy people think it’s all in my head I have and taken in to a mental hospital because I freak out when I feel the parasites move at night can somebody please help I’m at the point where I am taking worm parasite stuff from PetSmart I know my kids have it but nobody will listen to me I can barely see them because I got them taken away because people think I’m crazy cuz of these parasites please Help
I understand what you are going through. I went through hell trying to get my doctor to figure out what was happening with me. After six months of suffering I found a doctor on the internet that evaluated my blood and made a diagnosis. My doctor then treated me based on that diagnosis. It killed off the parasite and now I’m rebuilding my body which is a whole other project.
Germaine – Can you give the doctor’s name or website info? Thanks!
What meds were used to kill off parasites
Hello, what type of doctor did you use to evaluate your blood and get a diagnosis. I have been going to the dr and they just want to treat the symtoms. I was told you can’t get parasites in the Unites States.
Try taking Scram supplements to get rid of them..
Hi
Sorry for what you are going through , I’ve encountered parasites and the doc just want to give me antibiotics , so far the best treatment that has worked for me in oregano oil mixed with olive oil 5 drops in two capsules with the olive oil and lots of water this has been killing my parasites and yeast that I’ve had in my body .. I could feel them crawling around for 3 months thought I was going crazy too.. once they start to die you won’t feel well .. you can also get in the sauna they hate heat … there’s also a oil called thieves and u can put in the capsules too they are warming oils so don’t be alarmed if u are burning inside that’s ok …. hope this helps good luck and God bless you …
Yes, Dr. Jason West of the West Clinic in Pocatello, ID, uses a dark-field microscope from Germany. He can see the Lyme and what form it has taken within a minute of pricking your finger with blood. He also found five co-infections I had that other testing completely missed. I am currently being treated there — I came from Vermont to do so, and he has saved my life.
This was the most reassuring, well written article I have come across yet! Thank you so much for the reiteration throughout. Push forward and make it past! The cold, flu like symptoms are nothing compared to my mental state currently. I feel beyind myself. But! The encouragement to keep pushing through and the fact that I know it’s not all in my head 😉 sure is relieving. The fact you wrote that some struggle to just do life- that’s real. I feel that. And to know this is absolutely proof that I’m on the right road- BRING IT!!
Thanks again!
Try blackseed oil. It kills off all the bad bugs. Look it up on youtube and hear all the amazing stories.
I am going through parasite die-off currently and have just about every one of these side-effects. I am treated by a BIE practitioner (Bioenergetic Intolerance Elimination). I am using Black Walnut Extract and Wormwood capsules. Right now my torso looks like I have chicken pox. I went through the being so tired I could barely break a cracker and the mental angst. I feel as though I’m on the mend and will be retested (BIE) in another week or so to see if I’m strong. This article has been extremely helpful to me – explained everything I’m feeling and going through. I have signed up for the newsletter and look forward to receiving it.
Dr. Jay…how long can one expect the die-off effects? I tested “no living parasites” on Saturday. But the itching. YIKES.
I found round worm parasites in my stool Wednesday evening. Thursday morning i went to the nearest ER for treatment i got sent home with a prescription my insurance wouldn’t cover. The next morning first thing went to my doctor with worm stool in hand, he wouldn’t even test it, sent me home with an over the counter drug that only kills adult worms. It is now Saturday evening, i have gone to the store bought everything herbal remedy sites suggest, i have gone to my local whole food store and gotten everything that will help, i just ordered everything online that will help. I’m really freaking out because I wont not only adult worms inside me gone but also eggs and larvae. Last night after taking the over the counter med the doc gave me i threw up and felt chills feverish, achy, sneezing, severe headache, can swear i feel creepy crawling under skin, bloated and diarrhea. This morning i woke up feeling a little better i actually was able to sleep, which was amazing all in itself. Im still suffering the anxiety, panicking about every aspect of this horrible thing, mostly just want to get everything out making sure it all stays out, i have no idea he time frame im looking at, i have no idea how many weeks, months, or even years its going to take to be 100% again. But when my doc wont even send a stool into the lab, it makes me shutter all over at the thought of how long i have to go. Please help any info helps im so terrified of whats on my insides I’m on a liquid diet. Please help me……
This is what my wife is using along with coffee enema’s, infra red saunas, ozone treatment and lots of supplements.
https://drjockers.com/mimosa-pudica-parasites/
Hi there. Really good writing. I must say I found something very useful for myself.
I hope it’s more. Thanks.