PROTOZOA DISEASE

INTESTINAL PARASITES used to be considered a rare affliction in the United States. Typically, the only people tested for this problem were suffering from unexplained severe gastrointestinal symptoms or had just returned from an exotic trip where they were subjected to tainted water and food or unsanitary conditions that “civilized” people are never exposed to. But today there are enough parasite sources in your own neighborhood, including food and infected food handlers, to give anyone a nasty infection. One doctor has speculated that nearly seven million people in the United States alone are infected: He estimates that in the New York area 25 percent of the population is infected. Of these infected people 15 percent have no symptoms, 25 percent have symptoms that can be ignored, 55 percent have a compromised quality of life, and 5 percent are disabled.

I’m including protoza disease in this hook not because it can be successfully treated entirely by natural means but as a cross-reference for people who have unexplained lower intestinal problems. Protozoa disease can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, or a range of other intestinal problems. In addition, it can cause a constant feeling of being sick or unwell, confused memory, nightmares, blood-sugar swings, and musculoskeletal pains.

Protozoa disease can be detected by a stool sample test. Usually more than one stool exam is necessary-people have tested negative, but subsequent tests proved positive. I routinely do three tests before arriving at a final diagnosis. Many doctors never think of protozoa disease as being a possible cause of lower gastrointestinal problems. I now test all patients with unexplained lower intestinal problems including people with colitis and with inflammatory bowel disease.

There are three common parasites that usually cause symptoms: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Blastocystis hominis. Your doctor will prescribe medication for you if you test positive for any of these parasites. You should know, however, that treatment sometimes has to be repeated. I’ve had patients who have felt much better after a single round of treatment and others who have felt relief only after three rounds of treatment.

In addition to the drugs that are used to cure protozoa disease, there are natural steps you can take to ease your recovery and to help prevent symptoms.

Many people who have suffered from a parasitic infection will have subsequent difficulty in tolerating milk and grain products. I suggest that after drug treatment has been effective, patients avoid dairy foods including milk and cheese as well as grain products such as oats, rye, barley, and wheat.

A high-fiber diet has been shown to be helpful in fighting parasitic infections. There are speculations that the fiber in the diet promotes mucus production and thereby reduces the opportunity for parasites to form colonies on the intestinal walls.

There are herbal remedies that have been shown to be effective, though I think it is best to use them in conjunction with conventional drug therapy. Look in your health food store for remedies that contain the herbal bitter wormwood (Artemiffa absinthlure). The packages will give precise directions on how much to take and how often.

NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR PROTOZOA DISEASE

• If you have unexplained symptoms as described above, you should discuss the possibility of protozoa disease with your doctor. If you test positive for protozoa, you will be given medication that should relieve your symptoms; some people find that they must take as many as three courses.

IN ADDITION TO FOLLOWING YOUR DOCTOR’S MEDICATION RECOMMENDATIONS, FOLLOW THESE SUGGESTIONS FOR THREE MONTHS AFTER ALL SYMPTOMS HAVE CEASED:

• Eat a high-fiber diet, as tolerated.
• Avoid milk and dairy products including cheese if you find they irritate your digestive system.
• There are herbal preparations that have been shown to be helpful in fighting protozoa disease. Available in health food stores, they contain the herbal bitter wormwood (Artemisia absinthlure). Follow the directions on the package.