Last Updated on 21 June 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Ready to Detox Safely and Effectively?
If you’re feeling run down, experiencing gut issues or fatigue, or wondering if toxins or parasites are affecting your health, you’re in the right place. Learn how Brisbane Livewell Clinic’s Naturopaths can guide you through a safe and effective detox, one step at a time, and why a heavy metal detox and parasite cleanse should not be done together.
Key Takeaways
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Heavy metal detox and parasite cleanses are two different therapies with different processes
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Doing both together can overload the liver, gut, and detox organs
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A qualified Naturopath can assess which detox to start first
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Functional testing is essential before starting either cleanse
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DIY detoxes often make symptoms worse or prolong recovery
Symptoms That May Indicate Toxicity
Signs of Heavy Metal Toxicity
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Brain fog
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Chronic fatigue
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Muscle or joint pain
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Tingling or numbness
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Mood changes or anxiety
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Poor concentration
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Skin rashes
Signs of Parasite Infection
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Bloating or excess gas
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Diarrhoea or constipation
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Cravings for sugar
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Itchy skin or rashes
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Teeth grinding
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Interrupted sleep
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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:
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Industrial pollution
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Contaminated water
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Dental amalgams
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Household products
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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.
A more heavy-duty form of chelation can also be carried out through IV drips, however this must be done under medical supervision and is not offered by Brisbane Livewell Clinic.
What Is a Parasite Cleanse?
A parasite cleanse helps eliminate parasites such as giardia, tapeworms or roundworms. These organisms often enter the body through:
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Poor food hygiene
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Contaminated water
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Undercooked meat or seafood
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Travel exposure
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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
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 which detox 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:
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Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to identify heavy metal retention
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Comprehensive Stool Analysis to detect parasites, gut flora and inflammation
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Blood Tests to check immune and liver function, and nutrient status
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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
- 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:
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A gut repair and preparation phase
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A heavy metal detox or parasite cleanse (not both at once)
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Practitioner-grade supplements and liquid herbs
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Adjustments to diet and lifestyle
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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 Detox
Here are some of the most effective Naturopathic methods for parasitic detox:
- 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.
- 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.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are crucial in restoring gut health after a parasite cleanse. They help rebalance the gut microbiome and strengthen the immune system.
- 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.
Supporting Your Body Through Detox
Here are some ways for you to support your body throughout the detox process:
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Hydration supports toxin clearance (helps flush toxins from the body) and supports kidney function
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Rest is important for nervous system balance and energy conservation
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Digestive function and Gut Health is supported with probiotics and digestive herbs
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Bowel health is managed with fibre, water and mild laxatives if needed
This support is part of every Wellness Plan our Naturopaths create for detox patients.
In Our Experience
In the Experience of Our Practitioner
“Detoxing the body from heavy metals and parasites is never a one-size-fits-all protocol. I assess each patient’s toxic load, gut health and readiness before tailoring a treatment plan. Doing both detoxes together is rarely advised. It puts unnecessary strain on detox organs and creates avoidable setbacks.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
In the Experience of Our Patients
“Many patients come to us after trying multiple off-the-shelf detoxes that made them feel worse. Once they follow a structured approach, one detox at a time, they start to feel clearer, experience fewer digestive issues and their energy gradually returns.”
Dominique Johanson, Naturopath“I had tried a parasite cleanse and felt awful, then a friend recommended Livewell. After proper testing and doing a heavy metal detox first, everything changed. I could finally think clearly and my bloating disappeared.”
Vanessa M., Patient
When to Book
If you’ve experienced long-term fatigue, gut symptoms, skin issues or cognitive fog that hasn’t responded to general care, it’s time for professional guidance. But it’s important not to attempt a heavy metal detox or a parasite cleanse (or both) without understanding what your body actually needs.
Book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths to start your personalised detox process. You’ll receive functional testing, a staged Wellness Plan and ongoing support whether you attend in person or via videoconference.
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 |
Useful Resources
Quiz: Do I Need a Heavy Metal Detox
Heavy Metal Toxicity -Strategies for Detoxing
Heavy Metal and Parasite Detox
Coriander Pesto Recipe for Heavy Metal Detox
Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
Improving Gut Health With A Parasite Cleanse
Anti-Parasitic Probiotic Pumpkin Seed Recipe
Other Sources
A guide on how to detox from heavy metals safely
The Impact of Heavy Metal Toxicity…. and How to Successfully Detox
Sears ME, Kerr KJ, Bray RI. (2012) Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat: a systematic review. J Environ Public Health. 2012:184745.
Sears ME. (2013) Chelation: harnessing and enhancing heavy metal detoxification–a review. Scientific World Journal. 2013:219840.
Alotaibi BS, Khan M, Shamim S. (2021) Unravelling the Underlying Heavy Metal Detoxification Mechanisms of Bacillus Species. Microorganisms. 9(8):1628.
Zhai Q, Narbad A, Chen W. (2015) Dietary strategies for the treatment of cadmium and lead toxicity. Nutrients. 7(1):552-71.
