Unexplained Symptoms: Could They Be Linked to an Intestinal Infection?
Intestinal parasites can sometimes play a role in gut issues, and addressing any potential infections can be a key step in improving your overall health.
Have you noticed:
- You’ve been feeling more fatigued than usual
- You have bloating, gas, or diarrhea that doesn’t seem to be related to any specific food triggers
- You’re experiencing frequent infections or a weakened immune system or your thyroid seems to be working slower than normal
- You have skin issues including rashes and itching (note: this could also be related to Celiac Disease)
A Stool Test Helped Me Uncover That An Intestinal Parasite was Contributing to My Symptoms
After experiencing a variety of symptoms, I did a comprehensive stool test to understand what might be causing my discomfort. Although intestinal parasites are rare (unless you’ve traveled to places with a tropical climate) they can sometimes contribute to digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach pain.
For starters, my regular blood work-up with my doctor came back showing a low-functioning thyroid, with my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) at high levels. We also found that my ferritin levels were low, and my doctor wondered if my iron deficiency was affecting my thyroid.
Still unsure of what was going on, my comprehensive stool test results came back with a surprising finding, an intestinal parasite.
I want to be clear: intestinal parasites are rare. Unless you’ve recently traveled to specific regions this is an unlikely cause to your gut issues. For me, it did uncover an important component of my health journey.
What Is an Intestinal Parasite?
A parasite is an organism that lives and feeds off another organism. Intestinal parasites specifically reside and thrive in the human intestine.
The most common types of parasites I’ve seen on comprehensive stool tests include:
Now that we’ve covered what intestinal parasites are, let’s take a closer look at how they can be contracted and impact your health.
How Do You Contract an Intestinal Parasite?
Intestinal parasites are usually contracted through a variety of sources, including:
- Contaminated food and water
- Undercooked meat
- Local lakes / ponds / or creeks
- From unclean produce
- Person to person contact
- Pet to human contact
In some cases, parasites can even enter the body through contact with contaminated surfaces or soil. Being mindful of hygiene and food safety practices can help reduce the risk of infection.
What are Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites can cause a range of symptoms, though their severity can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Potential strain on other bodily systems, such as the thyroid or immune function
How Do You Test for An Intestinal Parasite?
One way to test for an intestinal parasite is through a comprehensive stool testing. While many doctors may use a conventional stool test, this method can sometimes miss detecting a parasite.
So, what’s the difference between a conventional stool test and a comprehensive stool test?
Conventional Stool Test
To detect a parasite with a conventional stool test by your doctor, the process requires:
- Three separate stool samples
- The parasite must remain alive during transport to the lab
- The lab technician must observe the live parasite at the moment the sample is examined under a microscope
As you can see, this method could potentially miss the parasite but fortunately, there are other testing options available.
Comprehensive Stool Testing
This test is much more sensitive than the conventional stool test because it uses technology to identify genetic material of the parasite. This means it can detect the parasite even if it is no longer alive or is in a dormant phase.
This method potentially provides more reliable results, especially in cases that may not be detected with traditional stool testing.
My Experience
After months of dealing with unexplained symptoms, I discovered Giardia on my comprehensive stool test. Though intestinal parasites are uncommon, they can be contracted while traveling to tropical climates.
Giardia infections are most often associated with tropical regions, but they can also occur in more familiar settings.
For instance, frequent camping, drinking well water, close contact with pets, or exposure to someone with a parasitic infection can increase your risk.
Getting the Right Help
While discovering that I had a parasite was a challenging experience, it ultimately allowed me to address the root-cause of my health issues and avoid unnecessary treatments. It’s a reminder of how important it is to dig deeper and take a comprehensive approach to health.
If you suspect that you may have an obscure parasite, I encourage you to reach out to someone who specializes in these types of infections. While I experienced an intestinal infection myself, I rarely encounter them in practice.
However, I’ve worked with clients to successfully eliminate more common parasites, like Giardia.
By identifying and treating the root cause of your health problems, you can make a significant difference in your recovery. It’s been a life-changing experience for me, and I truly believe finding the right support and guidance is crucial to ensuring effective and appropriate care.