What are Parasitic Infections Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Interventions Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial Recommended NaturalMeds Products for Parasitic Infections	Printable Version

What are Parasitic Infections

A parasite is an organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host. They refer to a huge class of micro-organisms that include worms, flukes and amoebas. A parasite can invade our body and interfere with the normal physiological processes. Parasitic infections can be quite debilitating and chronic. Many infections cause nutrient deficiencies due to poor digestion and malabsorption; as well as diarrhoea-- diarrhoeal diseases caused by parasites constitutes the single greatest world wide cause of illness and death.

Most infections are acquired through the ingestion of contaminated food and water; although some infections such as malaria can be acquired though insects. Many animals can be host to some organisms without manifesting a disease or any problems; but humans are the primary host

Several different organisms create infection, although for the purpose of this article we will focus on intestinal infections. Some organisms that can cause intestinal infections are Entamoeba histolytica (causes ambiasis), Giadia lambia (causes Giardisis), Enterobius (causes pinworm or threadworm infections), Necator americanus and Ancylostoma (both cause hookworm infections), Tricuris trichiura (causes whipworm infection) and Cryptosporidium (causes cryptosporidiosis). Giardia lamblia can cause acute or chronic diarrhoea and sometimes fat and vitamin malabsorption. It is now the commonest cause of water-borne diarrhea in the world with vast reservoirs in humans, wild and domestic animals and in rivers and water supplies. Although more common in third world countries with poor sanitation it is increasingly being found in developed countries including New Zealand. Cryptosporidium is now recognized as a cause of acute gastroenteritis, particularly in children.

Symptoms of Parasitic infections
The most common symptoms of parasitic infections are abdominal pain and moderate to severe diarrhoea, but there is a wide range of acute and chronic effects. The symptoms can range: mineral imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, intestinal gas, blood sugar imbalances, bloating, jaundice, fluid build-up, dizziness, fuzzy thinking, hunger pains, poor digestion, allergies, sensitivity to touch, weight changes, and symptoms of pernicious anaemia. Nausea, intestinal gas, lack of appetite and cramping can lead to fatigue and weakness. Amoebic infestation can occasionally involve problems with the liver, with right sided pain, weight loss, and fever with a risk of liver abscesses penetrating the lungs. Many infections of flukes and worms are without symptoms but some will experience anal itching and scratching, disturbed sleep, occasional bed-wetting in younger children. However, in some case if left untreated, humans infected with roundworm eggs or hookworm larvae from animals can develop "larva migrans" syndrome, which can have quite serious consequences such as epilepsy, spinal cord damage, liver disorders - even blindness
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Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Interventions

The assistance of a physician is required to help diagnose and treat any suspected intestinal parasite infection. Parasites must be isolated and identified for a correct diagnosis to be made. Testing of the stool is done via a parasitology test, sometimes called and O& P, which stands for Ovum and Parasite. It looks specifically for organisms and the eggs or ovum. It is more through when performed 3 times, as many parasites do not shed at even intervals- one days sample may produce negative results while the following days sample may be positive.

Pharmaceutical medications
Some common medications used that may be used for giardisis and ambiasis are metronidazole (flagyl), ornidazole (tiberal), and tinidazole (dyzole). Often they will need to be repeated to be effective. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, dry mouth, and a metallic taste. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal distress occasionally are experienced

For infestations caused by worms or flukes anthelmintics are prescribed e.g. mebendazole (vermox) or pyrantel (conbantrin). With using these drugs abdominal pain and diarrhoea can occur transiently during therapy. This reaction may be a response to expulsion of the worms following treatment.
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Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

When travelling in developing countries, people should avoid drinking tap water and eating uncooked foods, foods prepared by street vendors, ice, and fruits that cannot be peeled. All of these are potential sources of parasitic infection. People should not drink untreated stream water while camping, as it is frequently almost invariably contaminated with Giardia. Undercooked fish, meat and poultry can also contain parasites.

Children are more likely to get infected with several different types of parasites because of their close social interaction during play, playing with animals or in dirt and generally less personal hygiene (hand washing etc.) which contribute to rapid transfer of the infection. Keeping the space where animals live and use clean may reduce some transfer.
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Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial

Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem is an ayurvedic herb that also is very effective in treating infections of the digestive tract as well as skin conditions.
Dose: Neem 500 mg twice a day

Berberine containing herbs
Berberine is derived from several plants, including barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), goldenseal (Hydrasis Canadensis), and goldthread (Coptis chinensis). Some clinical trials have shown that berberine can be used successfully to treat giardia infections.
The amount required is approximately 200 mg TID for an adult—a level high enough to potentially cause side effects, such as diarrhoea. Therefore, berberine should not be used without consulting a healthcare provider.

ProBiotic supplementation
Supplementation of the friendly bacteria that normally live in the colon can help replenish the area, especially if it has been affected by a history of antibiotic use. Lactobacillis acidophilus, Lactobacillus GG, Bifidobacterium bifidus and Saccharomyces boulardii are examples of good bacteria that can be used therapeutically. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid.
Dose: One to two billion colony forming units (CFUs) per day of acidophilus is considered to be the minimum amount for the healthy maintenance of intestinal microflora.

Pau D’arco (Tabebuia impetiginos)
Pau D’arco has been used in South America for centuries for the treatment of infections and even cancers, and it is antiparasitic actions against various parasites.
Dose: 500 mg twice a day

Chinese wormwood or sweet Annie (Artemisa annua)
This herb has been are traditionally used for treatment of parasites, numerous case reports and preliminary studies from the late 1800s and early 1900s have used it with success.
Dose: 500 mg 3 times day

Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo)
The seeds of pumpkin have purported effects against tapeworms. Given their safety, they are often recommended as an addition to other, more reliable therapies. In Germany, 200–400 grams are commonly ground and taken with milk and honey, followed by castor oil two hours later.

Caution: Any herb potent enough to kill parasites could potentially harm the person taking it. Although some of these herbs have antiparasitic actions in vitro. Safe and proper use requires the skills of an experienced practitioner.
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Recommended NaturalMeds Products for Parasitic Infections

Pau D’Arco
Pau d'arco has been used widely in South America since ancient times. Pau d'arco supports the immune system and has anti-fungal properties. Here Pau d’arco is combined with beta carotene and vitamin C for a stronger immune system effect.
Dose: 2 tablets three times a day Pack size: 50 tablets

Acidophilus 300 mg
Acidophilus supports colon health by altering the microflora ecology to favour "friendly" flora. Acidophilus-Stabilized Culture contains 3 billion colony forming units.
Dose: 1-2 capsules a day away from meals Pack size: 60 caps

Oil of Oregano
Oregano oil is a powerful antimicrobial and antifungal herbal preparation. It is standardized to contain 70% carvacrol, the active constituent in the oil, and is one of the strongest on the market.
Dose: 1 to 3 capsules a day Pack size: 30 capsules
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