Pursuit of Wellness: Parasites 101 with Kim Rogers
Episode Release Date: December 16, 2024
In this enlightening episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of parasites with renowned expert Kim Rogers, also known as the "Worm Queen." Rogers brings over 18 years of experience in Western medicine, shedding light on the prevalence, symptoms, and effective strategies to combat parasitic infections.
Introduction to Parasites
Mari opens the discussion by highlighting the stealthy nature of parasites. She emphasizes their ability to remain undetected for decades, impacting various aspects of health.
Kim Rogers [00:00]: "They literally are stealthy, they're opportunist, and they will live in you for decades."
Rogers introduces herself as a wellness professional dedicated to educating the public about parasites, a topic rarely addressed in Western medicine.
Kim Rogers' Health Journey
Rogers shares her personal struggle with multiple health issues, including endometriosis and chronic Lyme disease, which led her to investigate parasitic infections.
Kim Rogers [03:09]: "I actually have two health care degrees, and I worked in western medicine since 2004... I was kind of circling the drain. I was swollen. I wasn't going to the bathroom. We didn't know what was wrong with me."
Her determination to find answers led her to explore natural remedies and eventually specialize in parasite cleansing, culminating in the creation of Rogers Hood Apothecary and the viral Parify parasite cleanse kit.
Understanding Parasites
Rogers explains that approximately 95% of people harbor parasites, which can reside not only in the gut but also in the blood, tissues, and muscles.
Kim Rogers [50:16]: "I believe it's about 95% of us have a parasite."
She categorizes common parasites, such as pinworms, liver flukes, and roundworms, discussing their symptoms and behaviors.
Symptoms of Parasitic Infections
Identifying parasitic infections can be challenging due to their subtle and diverse symptoms. Rogers outlines several key indicators:
-
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Often mistaken for TMJ disorders, parasites can disrupt the lymphatic and nervous systems, leading to teeth grinding.
Kim Rogers [08:52]: "Grinding the teeth... your nervous system is totally off balance and your body's trying to tell you something."
-
Gut Issues: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive problems are common due to parasites living in the gut.
-
Skin Problems: Persistent skin issues, such as cystic acne or unexplained sores, can signal a parasitic presence.
Kim Rogers [09:53]: "It's within the world of parasites because it's eating off of you... a parasite definition is, is living off the host."
Sources of Parasites
Rogers identifies several common sources of parasitic infections:
-
Contaminated Water: Parasites like Cryptosporidium parvum can contaminate water sources, as Rogers discovered in her own water supply.
-
Undercooked or Raw Food: Consumption of undercooked meat, especially pork and fish, exposes individuals to parasites like tapeworms and those found in sushi.
Kim Rogers [27:28]: "And Pike Market... all fish have worms closer to the belly. Kite has more parasites than further up."
-
Pets: Animals can be carriers of parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii from cats, leading to toxoplasmosis in humans.
Kim Rogers [21:28]: "Only cats can give toxoplasmosis to humans this way."
-
Environmental Exposure: Walking barefoot, contact with contaminated soil, and exposure to mold are additional risk factors.
Detection and Testing
Rogers emphasizes the importance of stool tests in identifying parasitic infections but notes the limitations within Western medical practices.
Kim Rogers [13:50]: "I believe that you should do at least one stool test to get an idea."
She highlights the inadequacies of standard laboratory procedures, where parasites often go undetected due to brief examination times and lack of specialized training.
Kim Rogers [16:07]: "No, they didn't catch it. And I do understand how labs work because I worked in training lab technicians, so I understand why they didn't catch it."
Rogers advocates for independent testing services like parasites.org, which offer more accurate results by focusing specifically on parasitic identification.
Effective Parasite Cleansing
Rogers introduces her Parify parasite cleanse kit, designed to guide individuals through a systematic cleanse three to four times a year. The kit includes a combination of herbs that target various parasites without relying on pharmaceuticals.
Kim Rogers [15:58]: "It's just helpful to get to a root cause of what could be going on."
Key components of the cleanse include:
-
Wormwood and Oregon Grape Root: Bitters that disrupt parasites' feeding and reproductive cycles.
Kim Rogers [41:54]: "Oregon grape root... helps curb your appetite, because as you're deworming, they're wanting to be fed to stay alive."
-
Biofilm Busters: Herbs like longwort lichen break down protective layers surrounding parasites, making them more susceptible to elimination.
Dietary Considerations During Cleansing
While a strict diet can enhance the effectiveness of a cleanse, Rogers suggests that even without dietary changes, the herb-based cleanse remains beneficial. However, adhering to a candida diet—restricting sugar, carbs, and certain meats—can further support the body's healing process.
Kim Rogers [45:00]: "I'm kind of rewriting some of... no alcohol. You're really just trying over the 30 days to just really hone in on is this your root cause?"
Impact on Mental Health
Parasites can significantly influence mental health by interacting with the nervous system and brain, potentially causing anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Kim Rogers [61:38]: "They can control your mind... it can cause you to have anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, split personality."
Rogers underscores the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, advocating for comprehensive approaches to health that address parasitic and environmental toxin exposures.
Additional Detox Practices
Beyond cleansing, Rogers incorporates various detoxification methods to maintain optimal health:
-
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Enhances oxygenation of cells, aiding in toxin removal.
-
Red Light Therapy: Penetrates deep into the skin to support cellular health and detoxification.
-
Castor Oil Packs: Applied to the abdomen to stimulate lymphatic drainage and facilitate toxin elimination.
Kim Rogers [55:35]: "Castor oil is the best... it's gonna flush your system entirely."
Preventative Measures and Lifestyle Tips
Rogers provides practical advice to minimize parasitic risks:
-
Proper Food Preparation: Thoroughly cooking meat and fish and using appropriate soaking methods for produce to eliminate parasites.
Kim Rogers [24:52]: "I do 2 cups of vinegar, half of a lime, 2 tablespoons of sea salt, and filtered or distilled water, and I soak it for five to 10 minutes."
-
Water Filtration: Investing in high-quality water filtration systems with appropriate micron ratings to remove parasites and contaminants.
Kim Rogers [35:58]: "It's about seven to eight filters before it gets to us."
-
Personal Hygiene: Avoiding contact with contaminated water sources and maintaining cleanliness in environments with pets.
Concluding Insights
Mari and Kim wrap up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of facing parasitic issues head-on and becoming proactive health advocates. Rogers encourages listeners to join her community for support and to utilize available resources to understand and address their health concerns effectively.
Kim Rogers [63:32]: "Your story could inspire someone else and heal and help someone else..."
Mari echoes the sentiment, highlighting the transformative power of acknowledging and addressing parasitic infections.
Mari Llewellyn [65:47]: "Wellness means knowing what's going on with your body and being your own advocate."
Key Takeaways:
-
High Prevalence: Nearly 95% of individuals may harbor parasites, often undetected.
-
Diverse Symptoms: Parasites can cause physical symptoms like teeth grinding and skin issues, as well as mental health challenges.
-
Effective Cleansing: Herbal parasite cleanses, such as Parify, offer a natural approach to eliminating infections.
-
Preventative Practices: Proper food preparation, water filtration, and personal hygiene are essential in preventing parasitic infections.
-
Holistic Health Advocacy: Taking charge of one's health involves proactive testing, embracing cleansing rituals, and supporting overall well-being through additional detox practices.
This episode serves as a critical reminder of the hidden threats parasites pose to our health and provides actionable strategies to combat them, empowering listeners to pursue genuine wellness from the inside out.