What are Heavy Metal and Parasite Detox | Why Heavy Metal Detox and Parasite Cleanse Should Not Be Combined

Detoxing your body from heavy metals and parasites can improve your health, but it's important to approach each process carefully. Doing both detoxes at the same time can be harmful.

Last updated on 9 February 2026 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team

Many people try to combine a heavy metal detox and parasite cleanse, hoping for faster results. In reality, doing both at once can strain your body and make detox symptoms worse. Understanding how each process works helps you plan your detox and parasite cleanse safely and effectively.

Key Takeaways

Heavy metal detox and parasite cleanses are two different therapies with different processes
Doing both together can overload the liver, gut, and detox organs
A qualified Naturopath can assess which detox to start first
Functional testing is essential before starting either cleanse
DIY detoxes often make symptoms worse or prolong recovery

Symptoms That May Indicate Toxicity

Signs of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Brain fog
Chronic fatigue
Muscle or joint pain
Tingling or numbness
Mood changes or anxiety
Poor concentration
Skin rashes

Take our Quiz on Do I Need a Heavy Metal Detox?

Signs of Parasite Infection

Bloating or excess gas
Diarrhoea or constipation
Cravings for sugar
Itchy skin or rashes
Teeth grinding
Interrupted sleep
Undiagnosed nutrient deficiencies

What Is a Heavy Metal Detox?

A heavy metal detox focuses on removing toxic metals like mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic that can accumulate from:

Industrial pollution
Contaminated water
Dental amalgams
Household products
Non-organic food

The process typically includes dietary changes, practitioner-prescribed supplements, natural chelators such as chlorella or cilantro, and binders like activated charcoal. It may also include the use of infrared sauna, antioxidant support and gut support.

What Is a Parasite Cleanse?

A parasite cleanse helps eliminate parasites such as giardia, tapeworms or roundworms. These organisms often enter the body through:

Poor food hygiene
Contaminated water
Undercooked meat or seafood
Travel exposure
Close contact with infected people or animals

Treatment may include herbal remedies such as wormwood, black walnut and cloves, as well as dietary protocols, probiotics and antiparasitic medications if required.

Why Detoxes Should Not Be Done Together

According to our degree-qualified Naturopaths, a heavy metal detox and parasite cleanse should not be done together.

Both types of detoxes place a load on the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and gut. Trying to do them simultaneously increases the risk of side effects like headaches, fatigue, nausea, skin flares or sluggish digestion. This is why our Naturopaths usually recommend that one detox is carried out at a time.

Each protocol requires different support and monitoring. Combining them can overwhelm your body’s ability to eliminate waste and reduce the effectiveness of both.

Our Naturopath will determine whether heavy metal detox and parasite cleanse (or both) is appropriate based on your symptom profile, testing results and current health status. They will recommend a method of treatment that takes into account your own health and physical needs.

Functional Testing That Guides Detox Therapy

To safely detox, it’s essential to understand your toxic load and digestive health. Brisbane Livewell Clinic’s Naturopaths use targeted tests including:

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to identify heavy metal retention
Comprehensive Stool Analysis to detect parasites, gut flora and inflammation
Blood Tests to check immune and liver function, and nutrient status
Urine Testing to assess detoxification markers and mineral balance

These results shape your detox plan, ensuring it’s tailored to your body’s needs and capacity.

Testing for Heavy Metals and Parasites

Accurate testing is essential to develop a targeted detox plan. The Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic conduct thorough assessments to ensure you receive the right treatment based on your test results, whether you need a heavy metal detox cleanse or a parasite cleanse.

Heavy Metal Testing

Specific testing used for heavy metals includes:

Blood Tests: Measures current levels of heavy metals in the bloodstream. Our Naturopaths can refer you to a private testing laboratory.
Hair Analysis: Provides insight into long-term metal exposure.
Urine Tests: Measures the amount of heavy metals being excreted from the body.

Parasite Testing

Specific testing used for parasites includes:

Stool Tests: Identifies parasitic infections by analysing fecal samples.
Blood Tests: Detects antibodies or parasites in the bloodstream.
Antibody Screening: Identifies immune responses to parasitic infections.

What to Expect During a Naturopath-Guided Detox

Once testing is complete, your Naturopath will design a clear, staged Wellness Plan. This may include:

A gut repair and preparation phase
A heavy metal detox or parasite cleanse (not both at once)
Practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs
Adjustments to diet and lifestyle
Follow-up appointments to monitor your progress

Throughout, your Naturopath will focus on minimising side effects and supporting daily toxin elimination.

Effective Methods for Heavy Metal Detox

Here are some of the most effective Naturopathic methods for heavy metal detox:

Chelation Therapy

Chelating agents bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream, allowing the body to excrete them through urine. Chelation therapy should always be done under Naturopath supervision to prevent potential side effects such as nutrient depletion.

Dietary Changes Foods

rich in sulfur (e.g., garlic, onions) and antioxidants (e.g., berries, leafy greens) support the body’s natural detoxification pathways by binding to heavy metals and facilitating their removal.

Natural Supplements

Chlorella, spirulina, and cilantro are natural chelating agents that can help remove heavy metals from the body. These supplements should be taken under the guidance of a Naturopath to ensure safe and effective detoxification.

Infrared Saunas

Sweating helps release heavy metals through the skin, and infrared saunas are an effective way to promote deep sweating and enhance the detox process.

Effective Methods for Parasite Cleanse

Here are some of the most effective Naturopathic methods for parasitic detox:

1. Herbal Remedies Herbs

Like wormwood, black walnut, and clove are traditionally used to target and expel parasites from the body. These herbs can be taken in supplement form and should be prescribed by a Naturopath to ensure the right dosage and safety.

2. Dietary Support Foods

Such as garlic, pumpkin seeds, and papaya seeds have anti-parasitic properties and can help create an inhospitable environment for parasites. Adjusting your diet is an essential part of a parasite cleanse.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are crucial in restoring gut health after a parasite cleanse. They help rebalance the gut microbiome and strengthen the immune system.

4. Antiparasitic Medication

In severe cases, a Naturopath may recommend pharmaceutical antiparasitic treatments alongside herbal remedies. Medications are used when natural remedies alone are not sufficient to eradicate the infection. Your Naturopath will often refer you to a GP or a Specialist in this instance.

5. Supporting Your Body Through Detox

Here are some ways for you to support your body throughout the detox process:

Hydration supports toxin clearance (helps flush toxins from the body) and supports kidney function
Rest is important for nervous system balance and energy conservation
Digestive function and Gut Health is supported with probiotics and digestive herbs
Bowel health is managed with fibre, water and mild laxatives if needed

Table: Comparing Heavy Metal and Parasite Detox

Issue	Heavy Metal Detox	Parasite Detox
Focus	Removing toxic metals (e.g., mercury, lead, cadmium)	Eliminating parasites (e.g., tapeworms, giardia, roundworms)
Symptoms	Fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, digestive issues	Bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, skin irritations
Methods	Chelation therapy, dietary changes, supplements, infrared saunas	Herbal remedies, dietary changes, probiotics, antiparasitic medication
Testing	Hair analysis, blood tests, urine tests	Stool tests, blood tests, antibody screening
Duration	Several weeks to months	10–30 days
Professional Support from your Naturopath at Brisbane Livewell Clinic	Necessary to avoid side effects and nutrient imbalances	Needed to ensure complete eradication and restore gut health

About This Article

Detoxing your body from heavy metals and parasites can improve your health, but it's important to consult with a Naturopath and approach each process carefully and at different times.