Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia duodenalisis, a flagellated protozoan parasite. It lives and reproduces in the intestine, causing an infection of the small intestine known as giardiasis. When it takes up residence in a human’s gut, it results in inflammation and other damage, reducing the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients and causes diarrhoea.
The parasite is highly resistant to water treatment and is known to exist in drinking water. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in public water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas.
Ground and surface water can become infected with giardia from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge or animal faeces. It is also found in the faeces of infected people and can spread through contaminated water sources, food, surfaces and objects.
There are around 4,000 cases reported each year in the UK. While many cases are likely acquired locally, some are linked to international travel, particularly to areas with poor sanitation and water quality.
After a person is exposed to the parasite, it usually takes seven to 10 days for the infection to develop, but it can take from three to 25 days or longer.
Symptoms of giardiasis
- Abdominal cramps and bloating.
- Diarrhoea, watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhoea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools
- Fatigue or malaise
- Fever
- Gas or flatulence
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Pain in the calves and weakness in the legs.
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
NOTE: Cryptosporidium and giardia have similar symptoms, so a test is required to determine which one is the culprit. It may take submission of several stool samples collected over several days because they can be difficult to detect.
Natural remedies for giardiasis
- Coconut: A tablespoon of the freshly ground coconut should be taken at breakfast followed by a dose of castor oil after three hours. The process may be repeated till the cure is complete.
- Wormwood: This can be taken as a tea. Do not take the pure wormwood oil as it is considered to be toxic.
WARNING: Castor oil should not be given to children below five years of age.
For more natural remedies see: Parasites
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