Giardia lamblia are a microscopic protozoa which can live in the digestive tract of humans and are one of the most commonly recognized intestinal parasitic infestations. These bacteria, although known for causing problems primarily related to diarrhea, can exist in the gut of some healthy people and display no symptoms whatsoever. However carriers of the parasite, whether they are symptomatic or not, can still infect other people who do produce symptoms once they have contracted the bacteria.

When someone starts to suffer the symptoms of a Giardia lamblia infection it is known as Giardiasis. In some regions the illness is more commonly referred to as Beaver Fever because the parasite is species specific and both humans and beavers can be affected by this particular one.

Signs and Symptoms of Giardia Lamblia

At best an infestation of Giardia lamblia can produce symptoms which are unpleasant, though in a very small number of cases the illness can be extremely serious and deaths have been recorded. Symptoms can manifest between three and 25 days after you have contracted the parasite although the average time is between seven and 14 days.

Symptoms, as would be expected, are generally those of gastric distress and they can range from quite mild to extremely severe and sometimes prolonged. Problems such as bloating, vomiting, general nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, pale greasy stools which often float in the toilet bowl and flatulence are normal symptomatic reactions. In other cases patients suffer from extreme weakness and weight loss. The symptoms usually last for between 7 – 14 days but in some cases can go on as long as 6 weeks. Explosive diarrhea is also another common finding but does not manifest in all cases. In a smaller number of people, fever, joint pain and a rash present but this is by no means the norm. Children in particular have to be watched carefully in respect of suffering from dehydration as a direct result of the fluid loss.

The normal duration for this illness is certainly less than 6 weeks, however it can go on for longer and as a direct result have more serious implications for the patient. Weight loss and dehydration are major issues due to the constant loss of fluids and malabsorption. In some people this weight loss can be so extreme that it progresses to malnutrition. The epithelial cells which line the intestine can also be damaged if the infestation is severe, which results in increased intestinal permeability. Some people also develop arthritis as a result of a prolonged infection.

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Causes of Giardia Lamblia

You can contract this bacteria in many different ways and particularly where hygiene is an issue. When this parasite resides in the gut of an infected person it produces what are known as cysts which are passed in the feces. If these cysts then get into a water supply or are allowed to contaminate any surface, including the hands, then they can be passed to a previously uninfected person by ingestion. Once in the intestine the cyst grows into the adult parasite and the whole cycle can begin again. Although one or two cysts are not thought to contribute toward illness, it has been noted that as few as ten cysts can produce symptoms.

Tests and Diagnosis for Giardia Lamblia

Analysis of stool samples is the only reliable method of diagnosing Giardiasis. Usually several samples need to be taken over the course of a few days and they will be checked either for Giardia cysts or antigens.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Giardia Lamblia

Obviously prevention is better than cure when it comes to this particular parasite especially considering it can be spread from person to person extremely easily. This means that paying attention to certain factors is important and more so when you are traveling abroad. When using water even to brush teeth or to wash dishes or clothes make sure that you boil it for at least three minutes if it is from sources which have not been previously treated. This is the best way to kill off the parasite because even water which has been treated with chlorine such as found in swimming pools will not destroy the cysts. Although the temptation in places with a hotter climate is to eat salads, where possible it is preferable to eat hot meals which have been well cooked. If you have any doubts about a particular restaurant then opt to eat elsewhere, or better still, at home. Although it might seem to be commonsense, remember to wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating. Washing hands both before and after changing diapers is also essential. If you or a member of your family has been infected, and particularly when they are displaying the symptom of diarrhea, it is probably best to stay away from the workplace or school.

Natural Treatment for Giardia Lamblia

The best natural treatment for Giardiasis often depends on whether or not a patient has been previously treated with conventional medicine and particularly antibiotics. As we are now becoming all too aware although antibiotics, may sometimes kill off a pathogenic bacteria they also eliminate the beneficial organisms which support digestive health. Also when it comes to treating Giardiasis it is recommended that all members of the household are treated at the same time. This is because the parasite spreads so easily it often affects more than one member.

Rehydration is especially important when it comes to this illness because fluids are consistently lost. Replacing fluids by drinking water is, although essential, often not sufficient and electrolyte fluids are required. These are simply salts and sugars which can be purchased over the counter and provide your body with the minerals it needs.

When it comes to natural remedies which are often preferable to contemporary drugs due to the side-effects, grapefruit is thought to be one of the most effective against this particular parasite. Grapefruit extract is one of the easiest ways in which to obtain this natural product that is noted for its efficacy not only against Giardia Lamblia but also other fungi. However this product does not, like other contemporary medicines, negatively affect beneficial microflora.

Probiotics are also essential when treating this condition because the healthy microflora are needed to give the

Garlic is also another excellent natural remedy for ridding the body of parasites. This herb has been proven to have over 300 medicinal properties which include increasing immunity to help the body fight infections. If you opt to take fresh garlic then remember to include probiotics in your diet at the same time.

Other foods which help rid the body of Giardia lamblia include onions, horseradish and beet, however rather than simply incorporating such foods into the diet I would highly recommend following my Candida Crusher program for 2-4 weeks. This would include taking Canxida Remove which is an all natural product containing both garlic and grapefruit extract in addition to many other ingredients which are helpful in ridding the body of pathogenic organisms and increasing the beneficial load which brings the body back to optimal function in the shortest possible time.

Best Diet for Giardia Lamblia

Interestingly suggestions have long been made regarding the links between Giardia lamblia and not only Candida but also a deficient immune system. This would be a very good reason for some people being symptomatic when carrying the parasite and others remaining healthy. Anecdotally too it would seem that patients report achieving a diagnosis of Giardia lamblia or Candida only to later find out they actually have both. Because these two infections often appear together, and although it is beneficial to have some treatments which are specific to each organism, it is also conducive to follow a dietary regimen which will negatively affect both pathogenic organisms while simultaneously restoring healthy microflora and supporting the immune system. This is why I highly recommend following the Candida Crusher program if you hare infected with Giardia lamblia or indeed if you have ever been affected by it.

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The basics of my program are simple and correspond with the information provided above with regard to treatment. Simple remove all sugars and alcohol from the diet while you are suffering from symptoms. Eat no processed foods and purchase fresh organic vegetables, meat and eggs. Dairy is only recommended in the form of probiotics which are essential particularly when you are taking garlic. If you wish to consider that Candida may be a corresponding infection then I highly recommend following the Candida Crusher program through to conclusion rather than simply the initial stages which will aid in ridding your body of the Giardia lamblia.