Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, and may have come into the body from ingesting contaminated food or water, or directly through touching and from the hand to the mouth. As a disorder, it is a very common condition in the tropical countries and the developing world; however, giardiasis has made some recent strides into the developed countries, spreading easily amongst people in institutions, especially among children in preschool. The giardia organism has infected and is multiplying in many seemingly clean rivers, thus this organism is being spread and transmitted by grazing animals into all areas and throughout the United States. Some of the symptoms that are associated with the disease include the appearance of a violent diarrhea and the production of a foul smelling gas when breaking wind, there can be nausea and a lot of abdominal discomfort. Weight is normally lost rapidly by kids with giardiasis in general the appetite drops; they may also appear tired and miserable. A lot of smelly and loose stools are produced.

Supplements and herbs

The body may be aided in recovering by using an infusion made from the golden seal herb, this infusion can be prepared by pouring a cup of boiling water onto two teaspoons of the dried root, the herb must be allowed to infuse well into the water by leaving it in for about a quarter of an hour and this infusion can then be drunk thrice a day for effective results.

Homeopathy

All the homeopathic remedies that have been suggested below can be taken in single doses every 10 minutes, to a total of 6 doses, this can be repeated if the symptoms persist or if necessary. Arsenicum album can be used at a dosage level of 6c if the symptoms include the presence of a profuse diarrhea accompanied by a burning and colicky sensation in the stomach, if there is restlessness, and anxiety, and if the patient feels cold. For symptoms like vomiting with the presence of diarrhea, and a lot of profuse cold sweats, the Veratrum album can be used at a dosage level of 6c, per dose. If there is the appearance of an intense urge to pass motion with no stools forthcoming, and if this happens especially after the taking of stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and spices, Nux vomica can be used at a dosage level of 6c.
For all sensations which include a burning sensation in the rectum and the anus, that come along with involuntary evacuations of stools, the Aloe can be used also at a dosage of 6c. If the patient gets worsens in the mornings and if there is the production of a greenish stool, and a painless diarrhea is present along with gurgling abdominal sounds and stomach cramps, Podophyllum can be used at 6c dosage.

What else you can do

Good sanitary practices can help avoid the onset of giardiasis; simple steps such as cleaning the hands and fingers well with soap and water before touching foodstuffs or before meals are a very effective way to counteract the possibility of giardiasis. Other sanitary steps can also be taken. While washing and drying oneself, a simple option is to use a single dedicated towel as a personal toilet item without sharing it with anyone else. The other option may be to utilize disposable towels made of paper, hands can also be dried using a hot air blower; minimizing the chances of contact and contamination from external sources. Special care must be taken in the consumption of food and drink if one is in a tropical country, food should always be well cooked and water must preferably be bottled or if piped it should be boiled. All water from river sources and intended for consumption must be boiled. A healthy population of intestinal bacteria can bolster the immune system of children and their ability to resist infections such as giardiasis. Supplements of these bacteria can be used in dosages of a quarter of a teaspoon of Lactobacillus acidophilus thrice daily, combined with a quarter of a teaspoon of Bifidobacteria powder, mixed in a glass of water for children under 77 pounds. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiled water, and 2 scant teaspoons of sugar to prevent dehydration especially in children and the aged. Until the symptoms abate, a pint of the mixture can be consumed every hour. The stomach is also eased and settled by consuming some grated apple that has been exposed to air and allowed to turn brown.