Digestive parasitic infections: most effective dietary supplements

Digestive parasitic infections encompass a group of diseases caused by parasites that infect the digestive system. These parasites, contracted mainly by ingesting contaminated water or food, can be protozoa or helminths (roundworms or flatworms). They cause a variety of digestive disorders, often associated with complications if untreated. Among the most common parasitic infections are giardiasis, taeniasis, ascariasis, pinworm infection, and amebiasis.

Etiologies

Digestive parasitic infections develop according to the types of parasites and the specific modes of transmission for each. • Giardiasis: Caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, this disease is contracted by ingesting water or food contaminated with human feces. Outbreaks are often associated with poor hygiene or inadequate sanitation infrastructure. • Taeniasis: Results from ingesting raw or undercooked meat containing larvae of Taenia saginata (beef) or Taenia solium (pork). • Ascariasis: This parasitic infection is due to ingesting eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides present in contaminated soil, food, or water. • Pinworm infection: Caused by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis, it is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces or food, or directly between individuals. • Amebiasis: Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan transmitted through contaminated water and food. Amebiasis is particularly common in tropical regions.

Symptoms

The clinical manifestations of digestive parasitic infections vary depending on the parasite involved, ranging from mild disorders to severe complications. • Giardiasis: It presents with often chronic watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Symptoms may be intermittent or persistent. • Taeniasis: This infection causes abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and sometimes the passage of segments of the parasite in the stool or from the anus. • Ascariasis: It causes diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting and, in severe cases, intestinal obstruction due to accumulation of worms. • Pinworm infection: The characteristic symptom is intense anal itching, especially at night, often accompanied by sleep disturbances and irritability. • Amebiasis: The intestinal form presents with mucus-bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. In case of complications, such as a liver abscess, high fever and pain in the right hypochondrium may occur.

Health Implications

Digestive parasitic infections are not limited to isolated digestive symptoms. They can have significant systemic repercussions and be associated with other chronic conditions: • Irritable bowel syndrome: Some parasites, such as Blastocystis hominis or Giardia lamblia, alter the gut flora, increase intestinal permeability, triggering or worsening chronic intestinal disorders. • Autoimmune diseases: Parasitic infections can initiate or worsen autoimmune diseases, notably through molecular mimicry mechanisms where parasitic antigens resemble host tissues. • Nutritional deficiencies: Intestinal parasites, particularly helminths like Ascaris lumbricoides or Taenia solium, consume essential nutrients from their host, causing deficiencies in iron, vitamins, and trace elements. • Neuropsychiatric disorders: Some parasitic infections, such as those caused by Toxoplasma gondii, can influence mood, induce anxiety, or increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. • Metabolic dysfunctions: Parasites can alter the host's metabolism, increasing susceptibility to inflammatory diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Treatment

Treatment of digestive parasitic infections is based on antiparasitic drugs appropriate to each type of parasite, often combined with preventive measures to avoid reinfection. • Giardiasis: Treated with metronidazole or albendazole, which effectively eliminate the protozoan in a few days. • Taeniasis: Praziquantel or niclosamide are given as a single dose to destroy the adult parasite. • Ascariasis: First-line drugs are flubendazole or albendazole, which act quickly on adult worms. • Pinworm infection: Albendazole or flubendazole are effective. Particular attention should be paid to personal and household hygiene to prevent recontamination. • Amebiasis: It requires a two-phase treatment: first metronidazole to eradicate trophozoites in tissues, followed by a luminal amoebicide (such as tiliquinol) to eliminate cystic forms in the intestine. In addition to conventional treatments, natural solutions can support parasite elimination and restore digestive health. Some plants have recognized antiparasitic properties: • Artemisia: Traditionally used against parasitic infections, notably malaria. • Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. • Tea Tree essential oil: Effective against intestinal parasites and associated bacterial infections.