362: Best Test Options for Gut Parasites (As A Trigger For Skin Rash Flares) w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS

The Healthy Skin Show

Gut parasites can be so frustratingly tricky to get a clear answer whether you have them or not.
The topic of and how they impact chronic skin issues is a fascinating once, especially since it’s entirely possible to have parasites, but have NO gut symptoms.
Additionally, it can be quite difficult to get accurate test results.
So yes, it’s worth exploring a parasite and skin rash connection, even if you live in what’s considered a “first world country”.
Certain skin symptoms (like hives) can be a significant clue, while other signs of gut parasites infection are sneakier (like certain nutrient deficiencies).
Joining me to discuss all things gut parasites testing related is Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS. She’s a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child’s Rashes™.
In This Episode:

• Are functional stool tests an effective parasite test?
• Is microscopic stool testing a better for gut parasites?
• Pros + cons of blood testing for parasites
• How to test for pinworms + are they contagious?
• Crazy relationship between allergen cross-reactivity + parasites
• How to know if you have parasites (these are surprising!)
• Do babies always have GI issues if they have gut parasites?
• Could adults have a parasite and skin rash but NO GI issues?
• Relationship between biofilms + gut parasites

Quotes
“Often, if there is an H. pylori finding and it doesn't necessarily have to be flagged as high, if it's even detected, I consider that a problem. H. pylori often comes along with something parasitic happening.” – Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
“Parasites move. They don't necessarily all stay in one spot. Some do live in the GI tract and just hang out there, but others can go to other organ systems.” – Jennifer Fugo, MS, LDN, CNS
Links
Find Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
LISTEN TO PART 1 OF THIS CONVERSATION → Surprising Skin Signs Of A Hidden Parasites-Gut Problem w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
GOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand’s free training – http://www.ConquerYourChildsRashes.com
Healthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do’s + Don’t’s For Skin Rashes
Healthy Skin Show ep. 306: Parasites, Worms + Skin Rashes w/ Robin Foroutan, RD
Healthy Skin Show ep. 337: New Research On Gut Trigger For Chronic Urticaria Hives (And What I See In Clients)
Healthy Skin Show ep. 329: Crazy Eye Rash Trigger! Demodex Mites Treatment + Triggers w/ Dr. Carly Rose

Luvut

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Are PCR stool tests an effective parasite test? (00:01:47)

3. Is microscopic testing a better option to find gut parasites? (00:05:36)

4. How to test for pinworms + are they contagious? (00:16:32)

5. Allergen cross-reactivity + parasites (00:18:23)

6. How to know if you have parasites (these are surprising!) (00:23:00)

7. Do babies always have GI issues if they have gut parasites? (00:24:17)

8. Could adults have a parasite-skin rash but NO GI issues? (00:25:37)

9. Relationship between biofilms + gut parasites (00:29:51)

10. Final thoughts (00:35:00)