Medical Questions » Stomach Questions » Question No. 1270
Question:How can intestinal parasites, probably picked up while travelling abroad, be eliminated?
Answer:Some one in four people in Britain carry parasites in their digestive tracts. These parasites can cause no symptoms at all, or all sorts of problems, from bloating, abdominal pain and digestive upset to constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and analirritation. If you suspect you' ve got a parasitic infection it' s a good idea to find out which one it is by having a stool parasitology test, which a nutritional therapist can arrange for you. The most common parasites are Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba species and Giardia.

Once you know which kind you have, you can target that species with either natural anti-parasitic herbs such as garlic, wormwood, fenugreek and gold-enseal, or strong antibiotics. There are different types and dosages depending on the parasite. In my experience, and I don' t usually recommend taking them, antibiotics are most effective and get the job done quickly. Afterwards, however, you' ll need to replenish the beneficial gut flora felled by the antiobiotics with high-strength probiotics like acidophilus. Whichever approach you take, heal the gut lining with glutamine (2 to 4g a day) and aloe vera juice (as directed). An anti-parasitic programme should be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner.

       
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