Intestinal Parasites: Are parasites lurking in your digestive system and causing your gut symptoms?

Intestinal parasites are microscopic organisms that can be present in contaminated food, water or passed person to person. Parasites can infect your digestive tract, reproducing and causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal microbiome. This can cause a range of digestive symptoms and can lead to severe health issues if left untreated. While often overlooked, parasites are a common presentation in digestive dysfunction and parasite testing can be the first step to finding the root cause of your digestive symptoms. Whether you have been suffering from long-term digestive discomfort, or have had a recent onset of GIT symptoms, parasite testing should be one of the first investigations to get to the root cause.

Symptoms of Intestinal Parasite Infections

The symptoms of intestinal parasite infections can vary depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection. Your age and the condition of your microbiome and digestion before contracting parasites can also impact your level of symptoms. It is possible to have intestinal parasites without symptoms, but for many the common symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea and/or constipation

• Abdominal pain and cramps  

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bloating and gas

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Food intolerances

• Eczema, hives, or rashes

• Fatigue

• Sleep disturbances, especially in children

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Brain fog or poor concentration

• Rectal itching

• Respiratory symptoms including cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath

• Failure to thrive in children

More severe health concerns can arise from parasite infestations including infective arthritis, inflammation of the gallbladder, liver or pancreas, intestinal blockages, or pneumonia.

Common Intestinal Parasites

Some of the most common intestinal parasites found in Australia include:

• Giardia lamblia: Giardiasis can have both acute and chronic phases. Acute infection mimics food poisoning and causes watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, fever and chills and nausea. Chronic symptoms include bloating, heartburn, frequent burping, and foul-smelling diarrhoea.

• Blastocystis hominis: A common protozoa found in faecal samples in Australia, B. hominis has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, infective arthritis, and intestinal obstruction. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.

• Cryptosporidium: This parasite causes cryptosporidiosis, characterized by watery diarrhoea, sometimes followed by constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite and a low-grade fever. Acute infections of Cryptosporidium can mimic Crohn’s disease, and infestation can occur outside the gastrointestinal tract and cause respiratory symptoms, hepatitis, cholecystitis, or pancreatitis.

• Dientomoeba fragilis: D. fragilis is common in children and far more likely to be symptomatic than in adults. Fatigue, intermittent diarrhoea, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain can all be present with a Dientomoeba fragilis infection.

• Entamoeba histolytica: There are several strains of Entamoeba that are usually asymptomatic, but E. histolytica can cause severe illness. This parasite causes amebiasis, which can range from mild diarrhoea to severe, life-threatening infections. Some people experience symptoms that mimic ulcerative colitis with blood and mucous in stools and tenesmus (a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement even when your bowels are empty)

How do we get Intestinal Parasites?

Intestinal parasites are often contracted through the faecal-oral route. This means that they can be transmitted through:  

• Contaminated Food and Water: Consuming food or water that has been contaminated with faecal matter can lead to infection. This is particularly common in countries or areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

• Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or changing nappies, can facilitate the spread of parasites.

• Soil Contact: Some parasites, like hookworms, can penetrate the skin through bare feet, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

Why are children more susceptible to Parasites?

Children are more susceptible to intestinal parasite infections due to several factors:  

• Hand hygiene: Parasite transmission is common in early childhood situations where hand hygiene may not always be as thorough as in adult populations.

• Mouth-to-Hand Contact: Children often put their hands in their mouths or chew their fingernails, increasing the risk of ingesting parasite eggs.

• Playing in Contaminated Environments: Children are more likely play in soil or other environments that are contaminated with parasite eggs.

• Lowered Immune Systems: Children's immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections.

Testing for Intestinal Parasites

If you suspect you or your child may have an intestinal parasite infection, testing is relatively simple and inexpensive. A stool sample needs to be collected and sent for a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to check for DNA from parasites in your faeces. This can be combined with other microbiome or digestive function tests also when indicated. This test can be organised for your during your naturopathic consultation and is likely to be recommended if there are signs of digestive inflammation.

Why can’t you just do a DIY parasite cleanse?

While there is plenty of ‘advice’ available on the web about DIY parasite cleanses, it is important to approach it with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

1. Misdiagnosis: Symptoms of a parasite infection can often mimic other health conditions. Self-diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and delay proper medical care. A faecal DNA PCR is important to accurately diagnose which parasites are present, if any.

2. Ineffective Treatments: Over-the-counter parasite cleanses may not be effective against all types of parasites, and they may not address the underlying cause of your symptoms.

3. Harmful Side Effects: Some herbal remedies and supplements used in parasite cleanses can have serious side effects, especially when taken in high doses or for prolonged periods. Many are not suitable for children at all and should be used very carefully. A naturopath is the expert in potential side effects and safe herbal medicine prescribing in all ages.

4. Drug Interactions: Certain parasite cleanses can interact with medications you may be taking, leading to adverse reactions. A naturopath can check for interactions and safely prescribe treatment alongside prescription medications.

5. Microbiome Damage: Many natural treatments to reduce parasites also kill off your beneficial bacteria too! A parasite treatment regime will include support for your microbiome to help your recovery and return to long-term gut health.

Parasite Prevention

These guidelines can minimise risk of intestinal parasite infections:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing nappies, and before eating.

• Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked to the appropriate temperature to kill any parasites.

• Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables to remove any potential parasites.

• Avoid Contaminated Water: Drink only clean, filtered water and only bottled water when travelling overseas to high-risk countries

It is not always possible to completely clear all parasites from your digestive system. In many cases they are present in all members of the household and risk of reinfection is high. There is evidence that some strains can exist in the digestive tract without causing symptoms in all people. Instead, the focus is on reducing numbers and symptoms, supporting the health of the digestive tract to reduce inflammation, and promoting beneficial bacteria balance in your microbiome.

If you are ready to address your digestive health and are wondering if parasites might be the cause, book in for a free discovery call to find out more about testing and naturopathic treatment.

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