Bugs on the Roof

Our region is the home of many bugs and parasites that plague the local community.

Leading the charge for the public enemy #1 mantle is the gut bug, Blastocystis hominis.

Blastocystis Hominis

I have been involved in natural health care in this area for 24 years and the negative health ramifications associated with blasto has been constant and unabating throughout this time. Many blasto extermination protocols have come and gone, few being of lasting benefit.

Medically, Flagyl is rarely useful and exacerbates an already compromised digestion. There is a triple antibiotic regime that is more effective, but can be problematic for GPs to prescribe as every patient needs individual approval from the state centre for disease control.

This is a toxic brew for the digestive system and liver, and even when it eliminates the blastocystis organism, it can often return.

Herbal treatments do help but it is important to follow dietary guidelines minimising sugar and other refined carbohydrates, gluten and milk. Dietary and supplementary probiotics combined with a diet rich in vegetable fibre and pungent herbs like black cumin seeds, fennel, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, garlic etc, can go a long way in helping to restore terrain balance.

Take advantage of the anti-microbial properties of local weeds and whip up green smoothies containing farmers friends and sida leaves   It is important to create an internal environment to promote the growth of favourable organisms and hinder pathogenic growth.

The source of blasto and its frequent companion Dientamoeba, is transferred via fecal matter from animals, birds and bats. Rainwater tanks are a repository for bird, rat, bat, possum and reptile excrement and, locally, tanks seem to be the main source of infection. A one micron water filter will remove Blasto and Dientamoeaba. It’s best to get systems that filter all household water.

If you need help balancing your gut terrain or/and would love advice on household filtration, book in for a consult with one of our experienced Naturopaths.

Be well

Val

Photo by Geetanjal Khanna on Unsplash