Let’s Talk About Parasites: What’s Living In You and Why You Might Name It “Charlie”
But What If You’re Also Carrying… Charlie?
You think you’re carrying stress, but what if you’re also carrying… Charlie?
There are some things you expect to deal with in adulthood: taxes, creaky knees, forgetting why you walked into a room, and many others. However, I didn't know I could also be unintentionally housing microscopic organisms, which I named Charlie.
Yes, friends. We’re talking parasites. Some parasites are microbial. Others wear your name tags from twenty years ago and whisper old stories in your ear.
Those uninvited, ultra-rude squatters who crash your gut party, eat your snacks, mess with your moods, and refuse to pay rent.
“You Thought Parasites Were a Backpacker Problem?”
Same bestie.
I thought parasites only affected kids and those who drank Himalayan stream water or ate undercooked llamas in Peru. I’m not a child anymore, and I haven’t done any of those extreme exotic activities yet.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: you don’t have to travel far to pick Charlie up.
Contaminated food,
Sketchy water,
Sushi that’s just too fresh,
Pets
Even that shady bag of spring mix (yeah, you)
They are all suspects.
According to some experts, many of us will probably host a parasite at some point, particularly if we’ve experienced food poisoning, bloating, skin problems, tiredness, or that odd feeling of subtle possession.
Meet Charlie, My (Possibly Imaginary?) Intestinal Buddy
For a few months, I’ve been waking up with unexplained anxiety every night between 2 and 3 am. Also, a sudden craving for sour gummy worms and an odd obsession with sniffing vinegar. Perfectly ordinary, wouldn’t you say?
My understanding of the link between parasites and symptoms like weird cravings, brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue changed after reading an article. Then it hit me. Wait. Am I not just quirky?
Am I hosting a freeloading worm named Charlie who loves sugar and regrets nothing? Does Charlie have any relatives? Are they together, hanging out inside my body, singing Kumbaya?
I don’t know for sure if Charlie is real, but after a little herbal cleanse ( black walnut, wormwood, and clove for seven days), I suddenly had energy again, slept better, and stopped craving things that glow in the dark.
Coincidence? Maybe. But I’m not ruling out a breakup with Charlie.
Parasite Symptoms That Don’t Scream “Parasite”
Here’s the plot twist: the signs are often subtle and sneaky. Think:
Bloating (even if you just drank water).
Turns out your gut is home to more personalities than a dinner party in your 40s.
Mood swings or anxiety
Hello, cortisol disruption.
Unexplained fatigue
Naps sound good… always. Yet, you still feel tired.
Skin issues
Such as eczema, weird rashes, adult acne, Joy!
Food cravings
Especially sugar and carbs.
Grind-your-teeth-at-night sleep
Typical symptoms in kids. Parasites are night owls.
Yep—if your backside
It gets unusually itchy at night, which could be a sign.
Honestly, I thought these symptoms were just being in your 40s. Turns out, it could be an uninvited brunch guest in your belly.
What You Can Do (Besides Naming It Charlie)
Talk to a functional medicine doctor.
They can run tests (like stool tests, which are… well, intimate).
Try an herbal parasite cleanse
There are many options available. Do your homework. Some herbs can be intense.
Cut back on sugar.
You’ll cry, and Charlie will scream. Leafy greens in big amounts can help stop cravings.
Up your fiber.
Helps to sweep the house, if you know what I mean.
Wash your produce
Yes, wash it like it owes you money.
Conclusion: Charlie Gotta Go
Maybe Charlie isn’t just an invader, he’s a messenger. Whether you’ve got a literal parasite or love a good detox rabbit hole, one thing’s for sure: the gut is important. It’s where immunity, mood, and food decisions all happen. If something is not working right with it, it’s time to kick Charlie out.
(With love. And clove.)
Now tell me:
Have you ever done a gut cleanse or suspect you’re hosting something unexpected?
Let’s dish in the comments. (Just not while eating.)
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Disclaimer: This post is not medical advice. What works for me might not work for you. Always consult your physician or a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.
