Digestive Parasitoses: Most Effective Nutritional Supplements

Digestive parasitoses encompass a set of diseases caused by parasites infecting the digestive system. These parasites, mainly contracted through ingestion of contaminated water or food, can be protozoa or helminths (roundworms or flatworms). They cause various digestive disorders, often associated with complications if left untreated. Among the most common parasitoses are giardiasis, taeniasis, ascariasis, oxyuriasis, and amoebiasis.

Etiologies

Digestive parasitoses develop based on specific types of parasites and transmission modes unique to each. 2 Giardiasis: Caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, this disease is contracted through ingestion of water or food contaminated with human feces. Outbreaks are often associated with poor hygiene or inadequate sanitation infrastructure. 2 Taeniasis: Resulting from ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing larvae of Taenia saginata (beef) or Taenia solium (pork). 2 Ascariasis: This parasitosis is due to ingestion of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs present in contaminated soil, food, or water. 2 Oxyuriasis: Caused by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis, it is transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or food, or directly between individuals. 2 Amoebiasis: Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan transmitted through contaminated water and food. Amoebiasis is particularly frequent in tropical regions.

Symptoms

Clinical manifestations of digestive parasitoses vary according to the parasite involved, ranging from mild disorders to severe complications. 2 Giardiasis: Characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Symptoms may be intermittent or persistent. 2 Taeniasis: This parasitosis causes abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and sometimes the expulsion of parasite segments in stools or through the anus. 2 Ascariasis: It causes diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, intestinal obstructions due to worm accumulation. 2 Oxyuriasis: The characteristic symptom is intense anal itching, particularly at night, often accompanied by sleep disturbances and irritability. 2 Amoebiasis: The intestinal form is characterized by mucoid-bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. In case of complications, such as a liver abscess, high fever and pain in the right hypochondrium appear.

Health Implications

Digestive parasitoses are not limited to isolated digestive symptoms. They can have significant systemic repercussions and be associated with other chronic conditions: 2 Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Certain parasites, such as Blastocystis hominis or Giardia lamblia, alter intestinal flora, increase intestinal permeability, triggering or exacerbating chronic intestinal disorders. 2 Autoimmune Diseases: Parasitic infections can initiate or worsen autoimmune diseases, notably through molecular mimicry mechanisms where parasitic antigens resemble host tissues. 2 Nutritional Deficiencies: Intestinal parasites, particularly helminths like Ascaris lumbricoides or Taenia solium, consume host's essential nutrients, causing iron, vitamin, and trace element deficiencies. 2 Neuropsychic Disorders: Certain parasitic infections, like those caused by Toxoplasma gondii, can affect mood, induce anxiety, or increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. 2 Metabolic Dysfunctions: Parasites can alter host metabolism, increasing susceptibility to inflammatory diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Treatment

Treatment of digestive parasitoses relies on antiparasitic drugs tailored to each parasite type, often paired with preventive measures to avoid reinfections. 2 Giardiasis: Treated with metronidazole or albendazole, which effectively eliminate the protozoan in a few days. 2 Taeniasis: Praziquantel or niclosamide are administered in a single dose to destroy the adult parasite. 2 Ascariasis: First-line medications are flubendazole or albendazole, which rapidly act on adult worms. 2 Oxyuriasis: Albendazole or flubendazole are effective. Special attention must be given to personal and domestic hygiene to avoid recontamination. 2 Amoebiasis: Requires a two-phase treatment: first metronidazole to eradicate trophozoites in tissues, followed by a contact amoebicide (such as tiliquinol) to eliminate cystic forms in the intestine. In addition to allopathic treatments, natural solutions can support parasite elimination and restore digestive health. Some plants have recognized antiparasitic properties: 2 Artemisia: Traditionally used against parasitic infections, notably malaria. 2 Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. 2 Tea Tree Essential Oil: Effective against intestinal parasites and associated bacterial infections.