IBS? Your Doctor Might Be Missing This Cause. Between 24 and 45 million people in America suffer from IBS, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
I believe that if infections by parasites such as Blastoc
IBS? Your Doctor Might Be Missing This Cause. Between 24 and 45 million people in America suffer from IBS, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
I believe that if infections by parasites such as Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis were correctly diagnosed, around 50% of the IBS market would disappear.
In my clinical practice and through my work with the respected American parasitologist, Dr Omar Amin of Parasitology Center Inc., I have studied many research papers and patient case studies. Parasites are often a ‘silent’ infection. I say ‘silent’ because parasites are an often undiagnosed problem. Many people are not aware of them, and there is a misconception amongst doctors and the general public alike that parasites occur only in third world countries.
I also teach practitioners about the world of parasites, fungus and bacteria and lecture on the topic. A recent invitation to talk at the CAM Summit in the UK gave me the opportunity to discuss the link between parasites and IBS – one of the most common reasons for a patient to visit a holistic health practitioner.
Parasites and IBS
IBS is a very common and often misdiagnosed problem, and many of the symptoms of parasite infection are similar, or identical to IBS.
IBS is characterised by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any known organic cause. Signs of a parasite infection include all of these IBS-like symptoms and patients also report dizziness and fatigue, skin rashes and different forms of arthritis. (ref 11, 12, 12, 8)
Past research has suggested that the parasite most frequently found in people diagnosed with IBS – Blastocystis hominis – isn’t the cause of the patient’s IBS symptoms. This is because some individuals who test positive for Blastocystis hominis don’t exhibit any symptoms at all.
However, new research and a review of existing research has put this parasite back under the microscope.
Research suggests that parasitic organisms act as etiologic agents of gut inflammation and dysfunction. One study found B. hominis to be present four times more frequently in IBS patients compared with control subjects. Also, IBS symptoms were resolved in 80% of patients when B. hominis was treated.
Blastocystis hominis and IBS – the research
Here are some of the pertinent facts proven through a number of different research studies:
- Over 50% of IBS patients tested have the parasite B.hominis (ref 1, 2)
- B.hominis is the most prevalent parasite found in IBS-related studies (ref 3, 4, 5)
- The symptoms of B.hominis, D.fragilis and IBS are identical (ref 6)
- Both B.hominis and D.fragilis, or either parasite are found in up to 30% of people suffering from irritable bowel (ref 7, 8)
D. fragilis is known to cause IBS-like symptoms. (ref 9). These include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, gas, upset stomach or nausea and D. fragilis has the propensity to cause chronic infections.
Its diagnosis relies on microscopy of stained smears, which unfortunately many laboratories do not perform, thereby leading to the misdiagnosis of Dientamoebiasis as IBS. (ref 9) Parasite Testing Inc. in Arizona does carry out microscopy of stained smears and can correctly diagnose D. fragilis.
When Blastocystis hominis exists with other pathogens, it has been implicated in severe chronic conditions e.g. IBS, chronic fatigue and different forms of arthritis. (ref 11, 12, 13, 8)
Wellbeing factors and sub-types of B. hominis
As previously mentioned, many people infected with B. hominis have no symptoms at all. The organism can be found in both well and sick people. (ref 10). This is one of the reasons it has been dismissed as causing IBS, and certainly the reason why it does not cause IBS in every person needs to be explored in more depth.
There are 13 documented subtypes of B. hominis and some of these are more associated with IBS-type symptoms than others. That might explain why the parasite is present in some people without causing gastrointestinal problems.
However, many other contributing factors affect the chances of picking up a parasite and the impact it can have on the body.
Poor or low wellbeing and poor lifestyle choices, poor nutrition, a weakened immune system, chronic stress and use of certain medications are just a few factors that can make the difference between a patient falling ill from a parasite infection or remaining well.
As well as personal wellbeing, the health of family pets should also be considered. If their health is poor they are more likely to pick up an infection which can be passed on to their owners, particularly if their perso