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Giardia Lamblia Symptoms
Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the flagellated protozoan Giardia Lamblia, a one-celled, microscopic parasite that lives in the small intestine of people and animals. The parasite is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time. Giardiasis is very contagious.
Symptoms include diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, and upset stomach. These symptoms may lead to weight lose and dehydration. Some people have no symptoms. Symptoms generally begin 1-2 weeks after infected.
It is spread via contaminated food and water and by direct person-to-person contact. Giardiasis is the most frequent cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in North America. Normal illnesses last for 2 to 6 weeks' symptoms usually last longer. But there are cases of chronic infections lasting months to years.
Giardiasis has been associated with the consumption of contaminated water, food contaminations or by infection spread by infested food handlers, and contaminated vegetables that are eaten raw. Giardiasis may also by found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Giardiasis is not spread by contact with blood. Those at increased risk for giardiasis include child care workers; children who attend day care centers; including diaper-aged children; international travelers; hikers; campers; swimmers; and others who drink or accidentally swallow water from contaminated sources that is untreated.
It is also said that giardiasis survive in cool moist conditions. Giardiasis is most prevalent in children than adults because adults have a stronger immune system to fight the disease.
Those who are diagnosed with giardiasis demonstrate disaccharide intolerance and lactose intolerance during infection. Chronic infection leads to a malabsorption syndrome and severe weight lose.
How to prevent Giardiasis infection is to practice good hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food or eating food. Wash hands after every diaper change and avoid water that might be contaminated.
If you are unable to avoid drinking or using the water that might be contaminated, boil the water for at least 1 minute, or using a filter that has an absolute pore size of at least 1 micron or one that has been NSF rated for "cyst removal." Also See: Parasites.
Studies have shown that giardia infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, can reduce the production of lactase in the small intestine, resulting in lactose malabsorption and its resultant diarrhea. Therefore, minimizing consumption of lactose-containing dairy products may improve diarrhea and the abdominal bloating and pain commonly associated with giardiasis. Studies have shown that reducing the consumption of lactose-containing foods to less than 6gm of lactose in a single dose should relieve symptoms. A 100-150gm serving of yogurt (about 1/2 cup) contains 3.0-5.3gm of lactose, and thus should be a safe amount to consume.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Diarrhea and Dysentery: Caused by contaminated food or water. Experts say a great many people in whom colitis or crohn's disease is diagnosed and the cause seems to be unknown are actually infected with shigella, amoebas, salmonella, fungi, giardia lamblia or other parasites. Mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract in 5 oz. of water or juice 1-2 times daily. As a preventative measure mix (?) drops grapefruit seed extract per 5 oz of water or juice and drink each day.
