Ayurvedic Treatment For Giardiasis : Symptoms, Causes & Herbal Supplements

ABSTRACT

Parasitic diseases, mainly the parasites causing intestinal infections, are a global health concern. The overall affected population from intestinal parasitic infections is around 3.5 billion with almost 2,00,000 deaths annually. One of the major waterborne intestinal infections is Giardiasis. The worldwide prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections is about 52.9%, with about 4-42% due to giardiasis. This infection can affect both humans and animals and it is transmitted primarily through contaminated water or food, or directly through person-to-person contact. Giardiasis is more commonly seen in younger children.

Introduction

Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine. This parasitic infection is prevalent across both developed and developing countries, especially where sanitation practices are suboptimal. The parasite’s ability to form cysts as they are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, boosts its transmission and makes it difficult to control. Giardiasis manifests in a variety of ways. For many individuals, symptoms are self-limiting and mild, while others may experience more severe or chronic symptoms that can lead to mal-absorption, weight loss, and dehydration. Giardiasis presents with a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe chronic conditions, affecting the quality of life.

Causes

The causative agent here is Giardia lamblia, which is transmitted due to several reasons. It infects the gastrointestinal tract. The transmission mainly occurs through ingestion of water or food, which is already contaminated with Giardia cysts. Ingesting as few as 10 cysts can lead to infection, which explains the high transmissibility of the parasite. Transmission can be through the following routes:

1. Waterborne Transmission: Through contaminated drinking water, often in areas where water treatment or sanitation are inadequate. Contaminated water bodies like lakes, swimming pools, or any stagnant water can also be a source of infection.
2. Food-borne Transmission: Ingestion of contaminated food, especially raw vegetables or fruits.
3. Person-to-person Transmission: Direct contact with an infected individual in common places like daycare centers, nursing homes, or a hospital.

TRIGGERS

1. Poor hygiene practices: Such as insufficient hand washing after using the washroom or before eating, and not following proper hygiene practices.
2. Contaminated water supply
3. Contact with infected animals: Exposure to infected livestock, which acts as a carrier of this parasite.
4. Immuno-compromised states: Like HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Symptoms

1. Diarrhea: The hallmark symptom of giardiasis is watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, which may occur intermittently.
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Indicate gastrointestinal distress.
3. Fatigue: Chronic giardiasis can lead to fatigue, especially if the infection leads to mal-absorption of nutrients.
4. Unintentional weight loss
5. Smelly burps: Smell like rotten eggs.
6. Abdominal Pain, Cramps and bloating.
7. Greasy Stool: Stools may appear pale, greasy, and float due to the mal-absorption of fat.
8. Dehydration: Can lead to symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urine output.
9. Flatulence: Often present along with bloating and distension.

TYPES

1. Acute Giardiasis

Here, symptoms last from a few days to a few weeks. It is characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, etc.

2. Chronic Giardiasis

When acute giardiasis is not treated properly, it can increase its chronicity. The prolonged infection can cause mal-absorption, weight loss, and other nutritional deficiencies. This can last from several months to a few years.

3. Subclinical Giardiasis

These cases are positive for Giardia lamblia but do not show any symptoms. These cases are contagious as the ova of this protozoan parasite are present in the feces of these cases.

DIAGNOSIS

1. Clinical evaluation : A thorough clinical history and evaluation are essential, especially for individuals who may have traveled to endemic areas or consumed untreated water.
2. Stool examination : The primary diagnostic method is stool examination, where microscopic examination of stool samples can identify Giardia cysts or trophozoites. Multiple stool samples may be needed, as Giardia cysts are intermittently shed.

Treatment / Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Medications: Anti-parasitic medications such as metronidazole, tinidazole, etc., are advised.
2. Symptomatic treatment For nausea, flatulence, fever, and abdominal pain can be given if necessary.
3. Improve hygiene practices Wash your vegetables & fruits, avoid unclean water sources, and drink only safe and boiled water.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In ayurveda, there is no direct correlation of giardiasis but it can be understood as Aguntaja rogas. Aguntaja rogas in ayurveda are the diseases which are caused by any external factor like trauma, infection, poison, or toxins, etc. In these diseases, there is no initial involvement of doshas but doshas do get involved as the disease manifests. Here in case of Giardiasis, after the infection has happened then the doshas get involved, leading to multiple symptoms.

For the treatment of Giardiasis, Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enema) are indicated. Herbs like Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Bilva (Aegle marmelos) and Kutaj (Holarrhena dysentrica) are used to manage the diarrheal symptoms. Daily consumption of Dadima Swaras (Punica granatum) is advised as it helps in reducing the viral load. Dalchini (Cinnamon zeylanica) and Madhu (honey) water help in reducing inflammation. Classically, Pippali Rasayana is used as it helps in inhibiting the growth of Giardia. Pippali Rasayana relieves chronic dysentery and worm infestations. Leaves of mango (Mangifera indica), and guava (Psidium guajava) are used as they are antimicrobial and anti-parasitic in action.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and Daru-haridra (Berberis aristata) also have anti-parasitic and anti-microbial properties. The allicin in garlic helps in reducing the flagellar movement, cell motility of G. lamblia and inhibits mucosal alterations caused by G. lamblia. Garlic also stimulates mucosal cells to produce Nitric oxide which has giardicidal effects. Berberine and isoquinoline alkaloids of Daru-haridra (Berberis aristata) have anti-protozoal actions.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR GIARDIASIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of ayurvedic herbs for the management of Giardiasis. The medicines beneficial for Giardiasis are Digestion Support, Vidangadi Loha, Krimi Mukti Capsules and Mahashankh Vati. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100 % natural, vegetarian, additive-free, chemical & preservative-free and without any side effects. With Ayurvedic intervention, the Giardiasis can be managed efficiently and thus, increasing the quality of life.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Digestion Support Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the Triphala (Three myrobalans), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum), and Pippali (Piper longum). All these herbs are carminative in action and improve the nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, and cramping in giardiasis.

DOSAGE : 1 capsule twice a day

2. Vidangadi Loha

These tablets are prepared from the standardized extract of the Vidanga (Embelia Ribes), Musta (Cyperus Rotundus), Triphala (Three myrobalans), Devadaru (Cedrus Deodara), Trikatu (three bitters), Pippalimula (Piper longum), Chavya (Piper Retrofractum), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Loha bhasma (Natural Iron), and Gomutra (Cow’s urine). This is a potent anti-parasitic, anti-microbial and an anti-inflammatory preparation. This herbo-mineral preparation balances our pitta dosha and cleanses our Rakta (blood). It reduces abdominal colic pain, and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

DOSAGE : 1 tablet three times a day

3. Krimi Mukti Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the herbs Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium), Palaash (Butea frondosa), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Harad (Terminalia chebula), and Haridra (Curcuma longa). All these herbs are “Krimighana” (anti-microbial) in action. It helps in parasitic infections and improves anorexia.

DOSAGE : 1 capsule twice a day

4. Mahashankh Vati

These tablets are prepared from the standardized extract of the Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Shankh Bhasma (Conch shell), Tamarind Bark, Shuddha Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox), Rock salt, Black salt, and Sea salt. These tablets help with indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and promise a healthy & active digestive system.

DOSAGE : 2 tablets twice a day

CONCLUSION

Giardiasis is a common but preventable parasitic infection that can lead to significant health problems if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for both preventing and managing giardiasis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help mitigate the impact of the disease and not lead to its chronicity. By implementing the mandatory lifestyle changes like improved sanitation, proper hydration, and safe food and water practices, the risk of contracting giardiasis can be minimized. Continued awareness, especially in areas where the disease is endemic, remains essential in curbing the global burden of giardiasis.