Cyclospora: What You Need to Know, How to Protect Your Family, and Natural Ways to Support Your Body
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
If you’ve been hearing about the recent Cyclospora outbreak and wondering whether it’s still safe to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, you’re not alone.
Over the past several weeks, thousands of people across the United States have become ill with a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis. Health officials continue to investigate the source while encouraging consumers to take extra precautions with fresh produce.
The good news? There are practical steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk while continuing to enjoy the wholesome foods God created for us.
At Kingdom Come Home, we believe in preparation, not panic. By making a few simple changes, supporting your immune system, and practicing good food safety, you can confidently care for yourself and your family.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. The parasite spreads through what is known as the fecal-to-oral route. This means that microscopic amounts of human fecal matter containing the parasite contaminate food or water, and a person becomes infected after consuming that contaminated food or drink.
Unlike many stomach viruses, Cyclospora is not usually spread directly from person to person. Instead, people typically become infected by consuming contaminated fresh produce or water. Because the parasite must mature outside the body before it becomes infectious, direct transmission between people is considered very unlikely.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 14 days after exposure, with about one week being the most common timeframe.
Common symptoms include:
Profuse watery diarrhea
Explosive diarrhea
Severe stomach cramps
Nausea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Excessive gas and bloating
Low-grade fever
Vomiting (less common)
One unique feature of Cyclospora is that symptoms often seem to improve for a few days before returning again.
This illness can linger for several weeks.
Fresh Produce That Deserves Extra Caution Right Now
One question we’ve received repeatedly is:
“What foods should I avoid?”
The truth is, investigators have not yet identified one nationwide food responsible for the current outbreak. However, health officials have noted several fresh foods that have either been linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks or are being investigated during the current outbreak.
These include:
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Bagged lettuce
• Bagged salad mixes
• Mesclun greens
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh basil
• Green onions (scallions)
• Snow peas and sugar snap peas
This does not mean these foods are unsafe.
Fresh fruits and vegetables remain some of the healthiest foods we can eat.
Instead, this is simply a reminder to be especially diligent about where your produce comes from and how it’s cleaned before eating.
By Local Whenever Possible
One of the easiest ways to shorten the food supply chain is to purchase produce from local farmers whenever possible.
Local produce often changes hands fewer times before reaching your kitchen, allowing you to know exactly where your food came from while supporting local families and small farms.
Be Extra Careful with Bagged Salads
Bagged salads are incredibly convenient.
Unfortunately, they’re also handled much more before reaching your table.
Whenever possible, purchase whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged mixes.
Remove the outer leaves and thoroughly wash the remaining leaves before eating.
Wash Every Piece of Produce
Even fruits and vegetables with peels should be washed.
Why?
Because your knife can transfer contaminants from the outside directly into the edible portion when cutting.
We recommend thoroughly washing:
Apples
Grapes
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Melons
Herbs
Berries
Lettuce
Firm produce can also be gently scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
One of Our Favorite Kitchen Tools: The TheraSage Produce Bubbler
At Kingdom Come Home, one kitchen appliance we absolutely love is the TheraSage Produce Bubbler.
While no produce cleaning method can guarantee the complete removal of every parasite or microorganism, ozone bubbling offers an additional cleaning step beyond simply rinsing produce under tap water.
It’s become one of those appliances we simply don’t like living without.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is one of the most overlooked parts of protecting your body.
If you become sick with Cyclospora, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration.
Aim to drink plenty of:
Distilled or Spring Water
Add Fulvic Humic and a pinch of sea salt
Coconut water (without added sugars)
Bone broth if tolerated
Your body heals best when properly hydrated.
Naturally Support Your Immune System
Although no herb can prevent or cure Cyclospora, maintaining a healthy immune system helps your body respond more effectively to illness.
Some of our favorite Kingdom Come Home tinctures include:
Oil of Oregano Tincture
Oregano has been traditionally used to support healthy immune function and digestive health.
Elderberry Tincture
Rich in antioxidants and long valued for seasonal immune support.
Four-Fold Fungi
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to help support normal immune function and resilience.
Garlic Tincture
Garlic has a long history of use for supporting the immune system and maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body.
Supporting your body before illness is always easier than trying to rebuild after becoming sick.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Cyclospora?
If you develop symptoms consistent with Cyclospora, don’t panic.
Instead, focus on supporting your body. We recommend:
Begin hydrating immediately.
Severe diarrhea can quickly deplete both fluids and electrolytes.
Drink plenty of filtered water, electrolyte beverages, coconut water, or broth.
Eat gentle foods.
Choose foods that are easy on your digestive system, such as:
Bananas
Applesauce
White rice
Toast
Bone broth
Plain potatoes
Steamed carrots
As you begin feeling better, gradually return to your regular whole-food diet.
Rest.
Your immune system works best when your body has adequate sleep and rest.
Continue supporting your immune system.
Our favorite tinctures during recovery include:
Oil of Oregano
Elderberry
Four-Fold Fungi
Garlic
These herbs are intended to support overall wellness and immune health. They are not treatments for Cyclospora, but many people appreciate using them as part of their broader wellness routine.
When Should You See Your Healthcare Provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
Signs of extreme dehydration
Blood in your stool
High fever
Inability to keep fluids down
Symptoms lasting more than several days
There is a time and a place for doctors. Use wisdom.
Our Final Thoughts
Fresh fruits and vegetables are still some of the most nourishing foods you can put into your body. This outbreak shouldn’t cause fear. Instead, let it encourage wisdom.
• Wash your produce.
• Support local farmers whenever possible.
• Stay hydrated.
• Support your immune system.
• Take simple, practical precautions.
Most importantly, remember that caring for our bodies is part of faithfully stewarding the gift God has given us. Preparation is always more powerful than panic.
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” - Proverbs 22:3 (NIV)
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you believe you have Cyclospora or are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, please seek evaluation from your healthcare provider promptly.
Blessings,
Heidi Davis
Co-Founder with Holy Spirit
Kingdom Come Home
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