Blastocystis hominis infection – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Blastocystis hominis infection, also known as blastocystosis, is an illness caused by the parasite called Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis).

B. hominis is a microscopic parasite that can be found all over the world. The parasite lives inside the host’s intestine, and it can be transmitted via the feces of the host.

Blastocystis hominis infection occurs via contact with the parasite on surfaces like food, soil, or water that is contaminated with infected feces from humans or animals. The parasite then enters the body once ingested.

While anyone can be infected by B. hominis, unhygienic conditions and traveling to countries or areas with lax sanitation standards can increase one’s chance of getting infected.

Known side effects of Blastocystis hominis infection

Some patients with Blastocystis hominis infection don’t experience any side effects or symptoms of infection and the parasite can be present in healthy individuals asymptomatically.

The side effects of Blastocystis hominis infection include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence (excessive gas)
• Greasy stools that float
• Hives or other skin rashes
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and fatigue

These side effects may begin and persist for any period of time once a patient is infected.

Those at risk of Blastocystis hominis infection include individuals with poor immune systems. Travelers who frequent locations with poor sanitation are also more likely to get infected.

Body systems harmed by Blastocystis hominis infection

Dehydration is a major complication of Blastocystis hominis infection and it can be caused by the symptoms of chronic infection, like diarrhea, that is unresponsive to treatment.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Blastocystis hominis infection

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent Blastocystis hominis infection:

• Black walnut — A traditional remedy used to eliminate parasites and fungal infections, black walnut also promotes good digestion. It can also be used as a mild laxative.
• Fiber — Fiber helps eliminate toxins from the body.
• Garlic — Garlic is effective against B. hominis.
• Goldenseal (a.k.a. orangeroot or yellow puccoon) — Goldenseal helps promote healthy immune function, reduces inflammation and infections, and cleanses the body of toxins. It can also improve digestion.
• Wormwood — Used in traditional medicine to eradicate intestinal worms, wormwood is a mild sedative that can increase stomach acidity.
• Zinc — Zinc supports the immune system and boosts the health of the intestinal walls.

Treatments, management plans for Blastocystis hominis infection

Patients with Blastocystis hominis infection who don’t experience any side effects do not require treatment or medication.

Treatment for individuals with Blastocystis hominis infection who have symptoms may include:

• Administration of medications — This includes antibiotics, antiprotozoal medications, and a combination of medications (e.g. drugs with two or more ingredients) may be required for some cases
• Further diagnostic procedures — These diagnostic procedures are often recommended when medications are ineffective. The procedures can help identify other causes of symptoms.

Where to learn more

• 5 Weird Signs That You Have a Parasite!
• 8 More Deaths Caused by Gardasil Bringing Total Number to 11
• Four good reasons to keep oil of oregano around at all times
• How to Avoid Health Harming Parasite
• Remove intestinal parasites with these effective natural remedies

Summary

Blastocystis hominis infection, also known as blastocystosis, is an illness caused by the parasite called Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis).

B. hominis is a microscopic parasite that can be found all over the world. The parasite lives inside the host’s intestine, and it can be transmitted via the feces of the host. Blastocystis hominis infection occurs via contact with the parasite on surfaces like food, soil, or water that is contaminated with infected feces from humans or animals. The parasite then enters the body once ingested.

Some patients with Blastocystis hominis infection don’t experience any side effects or symptoms of infection and the parasite can be present in healthy individuals asymptomatically. The side effects of Blastocystis hominis infection include abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Those at risk of Blastocystis hominis infection include individuals with poor immune systems. Travelers who frequent locations with poor sanitation also more likely to get infected.

Dehydration is a major complication of Blastocystis hominis infection and it can be caused by the symptoms of chronic infection, like diarrhea, that is unresponsive to treatment.

Black walnut, fiber, garlic, goldenseal (a.k.a. orangeroot or yellow puccoon), wormwood, and zinc can help prevent Blastocystis hominis infection.

Patients with Blastocystis hominis infection who don’t experience any side effects do not require treatment or medication. Treatment for individuals with Blastocystis hominis infection who have symptoms may include administration of medications and further diagnostic procedures.

Sources include

BlastocystisHominisSymptoms.com

Health.NSW.gov.au