A New Parasite Is Making Headlines. Here's How We're Preparing—Not Panicking. "Prepared, not scared."

Over the past several weeks, you've probably seen headlines about a parasite called Cyclospora making its way across the United States. Hundreds of cases have been reported in multiple states, and health officials are still working to identify the exact source. Fresh produce has been linked to previous outbreaks, but health officials are not recommending that people stop eating fruits and vegetables.

If you're anything like me, news like this can feel overwhelming.

But I don't want our family to live in fear.

I want us to be informed, prepared, and proactive.

This blog post is simply sharing the steps our family is taking. It is not medical advice, and if you suspect you have a parasite or are experiencing severe symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. Some people, especially those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have significant medical conditions, should work with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any cleanse.

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First: Don't Stop Eating Plants

One of the first questions people ask is:

"Should I stop eating salads and berries?"

For our family, the answer is no.

Leafy greens, herbs, berries, cruciferous vegetables, and colorful fruits are some of the most nutrient-dense foods we can eat. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds that support overall health.

Instead, we're focusing on good food-handling practices.

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Step 1: Wash Your Produce

Every piece of produce that comes into our home gets washed.

We typically soak produce in water with vinegar (and sometimes baking soda), then rinse it well under running water.

It's important to know that the CDC notes that washing fresh produce may not completely remove Cyclospora. Even so, washing fruits and vegetables is still recommended as a good food safety practice and may help reduce dirt and other contaminants.

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Step 2: Support Elimination

One thing we prioritize is making sure our detoxification and elimination pathways are working well.

For our family, that includes occasional use of activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal works by binding certain substances in the digestive tract so they can be eliminated in the stool rather than absorbed. It's commonly used in specific medical settings and is also used by some people as a dietary supplement. It can also bind medications and nutrients, so timing matters. 

We always take activated charcoal at least 2–3 hours away from supplements and medications since it can bind to them and reduce their absorption.

For our younger kids, we simply open a capsule and mix part of it into applesauce. It turns the applesauce black, but thankfully they think that's pretty fun.

Here is our Activated Charcoal: LINK HERE

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Step 3: Our Family's Parasite Cleanse

This is where I'll emphasize that this is simply our family's choice.

We personally keep a parasite cleanse on hand that includes herbs like:

• Wormwood
• Black Walnut
• Clove

One of the reasons we like The ParaFy Kit by RogersHood is because it includes both the herbal blend and a binder, making the process simple to follow. It also includes instructions for children over three years old.

Again, this is simply what our family chooses to use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

The ParaFy Kit - LINKED HERE

Discount Code: LABIE

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Step 4: Stay Hydrated

Because Cyclospora commonly causes watery diarrhea, staying hydrated is incredibly important if someone becomes ill.

Reverse osmosis is designed to significantly reduce many contaminants that may be found in drinking water, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, chlorine, PFAS ("forever chemicals"), microplastics, and many other impurities.

We focus on:

• Plenty of clean water (Reverse Osmosis water) LINKED HERE
• Mineral-rich fluids
• Electrolytes when needed (We use Just Ingredients electrolytes)

Hydration supports overall health and becomes especially important during gastrointestinal illnesses.

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Step 5: Coffee Enemas (For Adults)

Coffee enemas have been one of our family's personal wellness practices for years.

People use coffee enemas as part of detox routines because they believe they help support the body's natural detoxification processes by stimulating bile flow and supporting the liver and colon.

Coffee enemas have also been studied for their ability to increase the activity of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme involved in the body's natural detoxification pathways. Glutathione is often referred to as the body's "master antioxidant" because it helps protect cells from oxidative stress and assists the liver in processing and eliminating certain toxins.

That said, coffee enemas are not appropriate for everyone. Because the primary symptom of Cyclospora infection is diarrhea, dehydration can become a concern. If someone is experiencing active diarrhea or significant dehydration, increasing fluid loss could make that worse.

For our family, coffee enemas are part of our regular wellness routine—not something we would automatically do during an acute diarrheal illness.

This is the complete Coffee Enema Kit that we love because it comes with everything you need to get started. LINKED HERE

Discount Code: LABIE

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Step 6: Support Your Gut After Illness

After any gastrointestinal illness, we focus on rebuilding.

For us, that means:

• Plenty of fiber
• Fermented foods (if tolerated)
• Whole fruits and vegetables to help grow the good gut bacteria.
• Rest
• Adequate hydration
  

 

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Step 7: Support Your Immune System

While there's no supplement that can guarantee you won't get sick, supporting your immune system is something we prioritize every single day.

For our family, that includes:

• Eating plenty of whole foods

• Prioritizing sleep

• Getting outside for movement and sunshine

• Managing stress

• Taking BioDefense PLUS as part of our daily wellness routine

During Zach's healing journey, immune support became one of our highest priorities, and it's something we've continued long after treatment.

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Our Perspective

Headlines can create fear. We'd rather create a plan.

We can't control everything we're exposed to, but we can choose how we nourish our bodies, prepare our homes, and respond when challenges arise.

That's exactly what we're doing.

Prepared.

Not scared.

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Disclaimer: This blog reflects our family's personal wellness practices and is shared for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace guidance from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. If you think you may have a parasitic infection or have persistent diarrhea, fever, or signs of dehydration, seek medical care promptly.