An infection of the small intestine by the parasite Giardia lamblia which is passed through food or water or direct hand or mouth contact. It is common in tropical countries and, more recently, in developed countries where it spreads among people in institutions, particularly pre-school children. Symptoms include violent, foul-smelling diarrhea and gas, abdominal discomfort and nausea. Children with giardiasis tend to eat poorly, are tired, miserable and lose weight. Stools will be loose and smelly.

Prevention

Always wash hands thoroughly before handling food or eating and dry hands on disposable towels, air blowers or personal towels. In tropical countries consume only well-cooked food and bottled or boiled water. Ensuring children have a good supply of healthy gut bacteria helps them resist infections such as giardiasis. Children under 5 1/2 stone can take 1/4 teaspoon of acidophilus 3 times daily, with 1/4 teaspoon of Bifidobacteria powder, in a glass of water.

Treatment

Antibiotics are required to rid the body of the parasite. The following self help measures complement orthodox treatment.

Dietary

To avoid dehydration (particularly important in children and the elderly), mix a teaspoon of salt with 1/2 litre of boiled water, and a desert spoon of sugar. Drink 1/2 litre hourly until symptoms subside. Grated apple left to brown helps settle the stomach.

Herbal

Golden seal infusion also helps settle the system: pour a cup of boiling water on 2 teaspoons of the dried root, infuse for 15 minutes and drink 3 times daily.
Caution: not to be used during pregnancy or by those with high blood pressure.

Homeopathy

One dose every 10 minutes for up to 6 doses and repeat if necessary:

Profuse diarrhea accompanied by burning and colicky stomach, restlessness, anxiety and chilliness: Arsenicum album 6c. Vomiting and diarrhea with profuse cold sweats: Veratrum album 6c. After stimulants (coffee, alcohol, spices) alternating with fruitless urging: Nux vomica 6c. Burning in the rectum and anus with uncontrollable diarrhea: Aloe 6c. Greenish painless diarrhea with gurgling and stomach cramps, worse early morning: Podophyllum 6c.

Orthodox

Antibiotics, such as metronidazole, are given either in a single dose or over 3 days. Sometimes a second or third dose is necessary to rid the body of the parasite. Ensure you eat plenty of ‘live’ yogurt during and after taking antibiotics, to restore healthy intestinal flora which may be impaired by antibiotics. It is also advisable to take high potency acidophilus powder: 1 teaspoonful, along with 1 teaspoon of Biffidobacteria powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (available from health shops) in a glass of spring water, 3 times daily.