Conditions

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are those organisms that invade the digestive tract, particularly protozoa and different types of multicellular worms. Protozoa are simple single-celled organisms. Worms are elongated round or flat, flexible multicellular organisms that can be as small as several millimeters or as long as thirty feet, depending on the species. Regardless of size or type, all parasitic organisms survive by feeding on the cells and tissues of the infected host. Parasitic infestations are more common among children, people who live in institutional settings, and those with immune-system dysfunction.

Giardiasis is an infestation with the protozoan Giardia lamblia. It can be transmitted through contaminated food or water as well as by direct or indirect contact with body fluids of an infected person. If infestation is severe, it can lead to problems with the absorption of nutrients.

Cyptosporidia are tiny protozoal organisms that are spread primarily through contaminated water and food, though they can also be spread from person to person. Most municipal water supplies are tested to make sure they contain no more than "acceptable" levels of these parasites (levels not likely to make a healthy person sick). However, they may very well cause illness in a person with low immune function.

Entamoebas is a more chronic problem that can recur for life and lead to nutritional deficiencies if not treated.

Infestation of any of the various worms most often is a result of contaminated or improperly prepared food. Hookworms, however, are contracted when worm larvae from contaminated soil penetrate the skin. Whatever the point of entry, the organisms eventually migrate to the intestines and attach themselves to the intestinal wall. If the infestation is severe enough, weight loss and malnutrition may occur. In severe cases, the worms can grow to such a size that they cause blockage of the digestive tract.

Signs and Symptoms:

There are a wide variety of symptoms attributed to intestinal parasites, including:

• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Gas
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Skin rashes
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Joint pains

Intestinal parasites may figure into the following illnesses as well: allergies, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, ADHD, heart disease, and cancer.

The specific symptoms for entamoebas (a chronic problem) include:

• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Diarrhea alternating with constipation
• Blood or mucus in the stools
• Abdomen may be tender to the touch.

Diagnosis:

After a complete physical examination, symptom review and risk analysis your doctor may order fecal testing to identify the infestation.

Treatment Options:

Treatment involves medication and diet/personal hygiene education to avoid reinfestation.

Traditional Treatments:

• Giardiais may be treated with the antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl, Metric, Protostat), furazolidone (Furoxone), or quinacrine (Atabrine). The success of these treatments varies as does the possible side effects. Read all inserts carefully before taking these medications.
• There is no reliable treatment for cyptosporidiosis. Fortunately, it usually goes away by itself. If dehydration becomes severe, intravenous fluids may be necessary.
• Amoebic infection is usually treated with metronidazole. Sometimes, and additional drug ­ iodoquinol (Yodoxin) or paromomycin (Humatin) ­ may be added. Metronidazole interacts badly with many other drugs. If you must take it, you should avoid all alcohol.
• Roundworm infections are usually treated with the anthelmintic (anti-worm) drug pyrantel pamoate (Antiminth) or mebendazole (Vermox). Pyrantel pamoate is often effective in just one dose and is generally well tolerated, causing only mild side effects.
• Threadworm requires a longer course of treament than other types of roundworms do, at least five days in many cases.
• Thiabendazole (Mintezol), the best-known treatment, often causes side effects.
• Tapeworm infestations are usually treated with one of two drugs, niclosamide (Nicklocide) and praziquantel (Biltricied). Both are generally well tolerated and have few side effects.
• With any type of parasitic infection, it is wise to have a follow-up examination at the interval recommended by your doctor to be sure that the treatment has been effective.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Identification of the organism is imperative before initiating any therapy. The following nutritional guidelines will help to inhibit organism growth. Many of the herbs suggested have toxic side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It is important to maintain good bowel elimination during treatment.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Glutamine is an amino acid that helps to repair the cells of the intestinal tract. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg of L-glutamine three times daily for two months.
• The treatments for parasitic organisms have a tendency to disturb the normal intestinal flora, which can lead to an overgrowth of yeast. Take a probiotic supplement for two months, as recommended on the product label, before breakfast and at bedtime.
• Vitamin C can be an excellent intestinal cleanser. Start by taking 2,000 to 4,000 mg of vitamin-C powder or capsules. Each hour thereafter, take more vitamin C, increasing the dose gradually until you develop gas, then diarrhea. Then decrease the dose to the greatest amount that does not cause these symptoms, and continue taking it three or four times a day for a day or two. Make sure to drink plenty of quality water throughout this process.
• Digestive enzymes will help to normalize digestion and restore the local environment to its normal state, which is inhospitable to parasites. Papain taken 30 minutes before and after meals helps to kill worms.

Alternative Therapies:

• Garlic contains allicin, which is known to work against invading organisms.
• Thyme is useful in fighting off parasitic infestations.
• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum) may be used as a tea or tincture to help fight parasites.
• Quassia (Picrasma excelsor) is specifically treats for threadworms.
• Black walnut (Juglans nigra) may be used as a tea or tincture to restore normal digestive functions.
• Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is specifically targeted for tapeworm.
  Warning: Large doses of male fern are extremely poisonous and may induce toxic liver damage.
• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) may be used in combination with wormwood for treatment of roundworm and threadworm.
  Warning: Large doses of tansy can be highly toxic.
• Barberry, Oregon grape, goldenseal, and wormseed are all considered anti-parasitic herbs.
• Ginger root can help relieve nausea associated with some parasitic infections, such as roundworm. .

General Recommendations:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Do not eat raw seafood.
• Clean food processors thoroughly.
• Be careful about pets. Do not let them lick you on the mouth. Do your best to keep your pet free of fleas, which can carry the larvae of different types of worms.

Warnings:

• Large doses of male fern are extremely poisonous and may induce toxic liver damage.
• Large doses of tansy can be highly toxic.