Standard medical textbooks recommend routine stool testing for parasites and bacterial pathogens in all patients presenting with intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and other symptoms of Crohn's disease. These agents can not only trigger the GI symptoms associated with IBD, they exacerbate symptoms in cases where inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) already exists.1

Investigators report that the parasite Dientamoeba fragilis can trigger acute and chronic colitis.2 Other studies note that amoebic colitis is often misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease, leading to improper treatment therapies that can worsen the initial clinical condition.3 Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections have been called "the most common causes of disease in the United States,"4 and these infections can trigger diarrhea and abdominal pain and other GI symptoms very similar to those associated with IBD.

One tragic case study involved the misdiagnosis of ulcerative colitis in a man who actually had systemic Strongyloides infection.5 To prevent this type of occurrence, experts recommend thorough examination for Giardia lambia, Strongyloidia, and other intestinal parasites in all patients exhibiting symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.6

The Comprehensive Parasitology Assessment is one of the most advanced and comprehensive parasitology assessments available. This noninvasive stool test identifies the full range of protozoan parasites, along with levels of beneficial intestinal microflora, imbalanced flora, pathogenic bacteria, and yeast, using advanced computer-enhanced microscopy as well as EIA to increase detection.

References:
1 Eastwood GL, Avunduk C. "Inflammatory Bowel Disease." Manual of Gastroenterology: Diagnosis and Therapy. Boston: Little, Brown, and Co, 1994.
2 Shein R, Gelb A. Colitis due to Dientameba fragilis. Am J Gastroenterol 1983 78(10):634-636.
3 Yoon JG, Ryu JG, Lee JK, Yoon SG, Jung HC, et. Al. Atypical clinical manifestations of amebic colitis. J Korean Med Sce 1991;6(3):260-266.
4 La Via VW. Parasitic gastroenteritis. Pediatr Ann 1994;23(10):556-560.
5 de Goede E, Martens M, Van Rooy S, Van Moerkerke I. A case of systemic stronglyoidiasis in an ex-coal miner with idiopathic colitis. Eur J Gastroetnerol Hepatol 1995;7(8):807-809.
6 Burns TW. Parasitic bowel disease: three pathogens important in primary care. Postgrad Med 1982;71(5):130-139.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.