 |
 |
 |
|
Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia), a one-celled, microscopic protozoan parasite that lives in the intestine of people and animals. Giardia has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (both through drinking water and through recreational use of water) in humans in both developing and industrialized countries.
The giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals and is passed in stools. The dormant form - a 'cyst' - is protected by an outer shell, making it exceptionally hardy and able to tolerate extremes of both pH and temperature. It can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time. Giardia may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals.
Causes & Development
Early human research demonstrated that ingestion of fewer than 10 cysts failed to cause infection, whereas more than 100 cysts resulted in infection.
Once ingested, these cysts pass into the stomach, where they are exposed to gastric acid. The low pH in the stomach and pancreatic proteases found in the proximal small intestine promote rapid breakdown of the cysts' outer walls within minutes of reaching the duodenum. Typically, each cyst gives rise to two 'trophozoites', which are the vegetative form of giardia; they are able to colonize and rapidly replicate in the gastrointestinal tract as well as cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms generally begin within 1 to 2 weeks of infection and include watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dehydration, nausea and fatigue. Less common symptoms include low-grade fever, chills, headaches, urticaria, and polyarthritis. Mucous- and blood-tinged feces are rarely found. Signs include weight loss, abdominal distension and tenderness, bad-smelling flatulence and burps, pale watery stools, frothy, foul-smelling stools. Symptoms usually persists from 2 to 6 weeks in otherwise healthy individuals.
Symptoms range in severity from mild to extreme; however, a significant proportion of infected individuals are completely asymptomatic. In some individuals giardiasis is short-lasting and resolves spontaneously, whereas in others infection can be prolonged and debilitating.
Diagnosis & Tests
Giardiasis is diagnosed by signs and symptoms, as well as the presence of giardia cysts and trophozoites in the stool. Stool examination can be unreliable, however, as organisms may be excreted at irregular intervals, which can produce a false negative test result. Hence, definitive diagnosis may require repeated stool examinations, fecal immunoassays, or even sampling of the upper intestinal contents. Two stool examinations will detect 80-90% of infections, while three samples will detect over 90%.
Giardiasis can often be distinguished from viral or bacterial gastrointestinal (GI) infections by the longer duration of illness (often 7-10 days by the time of first presentation) and weight loss. In addition, careful history taking may uncover recent travel to tropical or sub-tropical environments, wilderness exposure, or situations involving pool fecal-oral hygiene.
Treatment & Prevention
The most beneficial way to treat giardiasis naturally may be through a combination approach, utilizing both nutritional interventions and other natural agents. Numerous medicinal herbs show promise in the treatment of giardiasis. Blending nutritional interventions and phytotherapeutic agents can minimize giardia symptoms and aid in clearing the parasite, without significant ill effects. As such, this therapeutic strategy is considered by many natural doctors as being the first-line approach.
The main aims of dietary modification in giardiasis should be to reduce the acute symptomatology, promote host defense mechanisms, and inhibit growth and replication of giardia trophozoites. These aims can be achieved by consuming a whole-food, high-fiber, low simple-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
This diet will ensure adequate amounts of lignins and insoluble and soluble fibers are consumed, which can increase mucin production in the small bowel, sequester bile acids, and help to mechanically sweep trophozoites out of the small intestine. Consuming foods low in simple carbohydrates limits the amount of sugars available in the intestinal lumen, which may lessen the osmotic draw of water into the intestinal lumen, and reduce diarrhea.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Conditions that suggest Giardiasis Infection:
Risk factors for Giardiasis Infection:
Giardiasis Infection suggests the following may be present:
Recommendations and treatments for Giardiasis Infection: | | | | | Ayurvedic Formulations |  Pippali rasayana | Researchers Agarwal et al investigated the antigiardial and immunostimulatory effects of Pippali rasayana (PR). Agarwals' research team conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 50 subjects, all of whom had clinical signs and symptoms of giardiasis, as well as giardia trophozoites and cysts in the stool. Twenty-five subjects received active treatment (1gm PR three times daily), while the others received a placebo. Alter 15 days of treatment, complete disappearance of G. lamblia from the stools was seen in 92% of the PR group and 20% in the placebo group. Diarrhea and the presence of mucous in the stool were also significantly reduced. There was also an improvement in cell-mediated immune status, as assessed by the leukocyte migration inhibition test. |
|
Botanical |
 Grapefruit Seed Extract| | In a series of almost 200 patients treated for giardia or entamoeba histolytica by a Dr. Parish and his associates over a two month period, grapefruit seed extract gave symptomatic relief more than any other treatment that was tried. |
Garlic| | Garlic has traditionally been used as an antiparasitic and antimicrobial agent. Recent research has substantiated its traditional uses and discovered probable active constituents and possible mechanisms of action. Harris et al demonstrated the antigiardial activity of both whole raw garlic and some of its constituents. Whole garlic extract demonstrated an I[C.sub.50] (the concentration that inhibits growth of parasites by 50%) of 0.3mg/ml, while the allicin breakdown products diallyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, and allyl mercaptan demonstrated I[C.sub.50] values of 0.1mg/ml, 1.3mg/ml, and 0.037mg/ml, respectively. Other garlic constituents, such as allyl alcohol and dimethyl disulfide were also strongly inhibitory (with I[C.sub.50] values of 0.007mg/ml and 0.2mg/ml, respectively).
Researchers Soffar and Mokhtar performed an open trial investigating the use of garlic in giardiasis. Twenty-six children infected with G. lamblia took 5ml crude extract (fresh garlic blended with distilled water and then centrifuged and filtered to remove the solids) in 100ml water twice daily or a commercial garlic preparation two capsules (0.6mg capsules) twice daily for three days. Both preparations were given on an empty stomach two hours before meals. Clinical symptoms subsided in all cases within 36 hours. Parasitic cure (according to stool examinations) occurred within three days of beginning treatment. |
Wormwood| | Wormwood has antiprotozoal activity and is especially effective against giardia, but caution is advised as it can cause a worsening of symptoms and mild intestinal irritation initially. It may be used with other herbs known for their antiparasitic activity. |
Oregon Grape Root| | Berberine, from oregon grape or golden seal, has been found effective against diarrheas caused by giardia lamblia (giardiasis). |
Indian Long Pepper| | Researchers Tripathi et al assessed the antigiardial action of Indian long pepper in vitro, and found aqueous extracts (250mcg/ml) and ethanol extracts (125mcg/ml) demonstrated 100% giardicidal activity. |
Berberine-containing Herbs| | Berherine salts and extracts have demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against Giardia trophozoites, and berberine sulfate has been shown to induce morphological damage to trophozoites, including the appearance of irregularly-shaped vacuoles, swollen trophozoites, and the development of glycogen deposits.
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, 40 subjects received either a vitamin B-complex syrup (as a placebo), berberine hydrochloride (5 mg/kg/day), or metronidazole for six days. Berberine administration resulted in a marked decline in gastrointestinal symptoms (superior to that of metronidazole) and a 68% reduction in Giardia-positive stools. Metronidazole-treated patients were 100% parasite free, and patients on placebo had a 25% reduction in Giardia-positive stools.The authors speculated that an increase in the dose or a longer duration of treatment would increase berberine's treatment efficacy.
In an uncontrolled trial of 137 children ranging from five months to 14 years, berberine was administered in one of four regimens. Group 1 received 5 mg/kg/day for five days, group 2 received 5 mg/kg/day for 10 days, group 3 received 10 mg/kg/day for five days, and group 4 received 10 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The number of individuals with Giardia-negative stool samples was 47% in group 1, 55% in group 2, 68% in group 3, and 90% in group 4. The cure rate in group 4 was comparable to that obtained with furazolidone (92%) and metronidazole (95%). A small number of subjects in group 4 and in the metronidazole-treated group experienced a relapse one month after treatment ceased. The authors suggested either re-infection occurred or that a longer duration of treatment or multiple treatment periods may be necessary to improve overall outcomes in some patients. |
|
Diet |
High/Increased Fiber Diet| | Nutritional intervention aims to reduce the acute symptoms of giardia and help clear the infection. This can best be achieved by consuming a whole-food based, high-fiber diet that is low in fat, lactose, and refined sugars.
Dietary fiber probably plays an important role in the clearance of giardia infection. One study found that animals consuming a low-fiber diet were found to be significantly more likely to contract giardiasis than were animals on a high-fiber diet. When infected animals on the low-fiber diet were put on the high-fiber diet, trophozoites were cleared from the small bowel. The number of trophozoites attached to the jejunal epithelium decreased, while the number associated with the mucous layer increased. The authors of the study concluded that the fiber induced an increase in mucous secretion and, in combination with the bulk movement of insoluble fiber, reduced trophozoite attachment to the intestinal mucosa and decreased the probability of trophozoites establishing and maintaining mucosal colonization. |
Sugars Avoidance / Reduction| | See the link between Giardia and High-Fiber Diet. |
Dairy Products Avoidance| | Studies have shown that giardia infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, can reduce the production of lactase in the small intestine, resulting in lactose malabsorption and its resultant diarrhea. Therefore, minimizing consumption of lactose-containing dairy products may improve diarrhea and the abdominal bloating and pain commonly associated with giardiasis. Studies have shown that reducing the consumption of lactose-containing foods to less than 6gm of lactose in a single dose should relieve symptoms. A 100-150gm serving of yogurt (about 1/2 cup) contains 3.0-5.3gm of lactose, and thus should be a safe amount to consume. |
Low/Decreased Fat Diet| | Reducing the intake of fat might reduce the nausea, steatorrhoea, and diarrhea often associated with giardiasis. Dietary fat is also the main stimulator for the release of bile acids into the intestinal lumen, which giardia trophozoites depend on for survival in the small bowel. |
Wheat Germ| | N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) residues are major structural components of both giardia cysts and trophozoites. Wheat germ contains a lectin (wheat germ agglutinin - WGA) that specifically binds to NAG residues. Commercial wheat germ preparations contain between 13-53mcg of WGA per gm. In vitro research has demonstrated that pre-exposure of giardia cysts to WGA inhibits excystation by more than 90%. Wheat germ agglutinin appears to inhibit excystation by interfering with proteolysis of the cyst wall glycoproteins. In addition, WGA can inhibit the growth of giardia trophozoites in vitro. Wheat germ agglutinin arrests the trophozoite growth cycle in the G2/M phase, thus preventing Giardia growth, replication, and encystation.
Recommended dose: 2 Tbsp of wheat germ three times daily. |
|
Digestion |
Probiotics| | Probiotics may interfere with giardia infection through a number of mechanisms, including competition for limited adhesion sites; competition for nutrients that would otherwise be utilized by pathogens (e.g. glucose); and stimulation of the immune response. Orally-administered probiotics have great potential to affect the nilcroflora of the proximal small intestine as this area is sparsely populated when compared to the colon or distal small bowel. Probiotic attachment, subsequent growth, and metabolic activity may have dramatic effects on host immune responses and the local micro-ecology.
Probiotics may also directly inhibit giardial growth and induce innate and immunological antigiardial mechanisms. For example, Lactobacillus johnsonii strain La1 has demonstrated the ability to produce substances that inhibit growth of G. intestinalis in vitro. Substances found in L. johnsonii La1 supernatant impaired the ability of giardia to replicate and encyst. The La1 extracellular products have also been found to cause dramatic alterations in the morphology of giardia trophozoites.
Probiotics can also enhance intestinal IgA immune responses and increase intestinal mucin production. The actions and qualities of probiotics appear to be strain-specific. Even closely-related bacterial strains within the same species may have significantly different actions.
Taking sauerkraut or kim chi throughout the day is a dietary measure that often helps. |
 Prebiotics| | Prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, may play a minor role in the management of giardiasis, since they primarily affect the large intestine. Prebiotics possess limited ability to alter the small bowel ecosystem and most likely have no effect in the proximal section of the small bowel where giardia resides. Prebiotic fermentation increases short-chain fatty acid production in the colon, and subsequent increased mucin production in the GI tract, which may enhance giardial clearing. Only minimal dosages of prebiotics can be used (e.g. 2gm twice daily), as symptoms such as abdominal bloating and flatulence may increase. |
|
Drug |
Antibiotics| | Antibiotic use may best be reserved for cases that fail to respond to initial treatment with natural measures. Because of the increased risk of side-effects and the possible emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms, metronidazole, tinidazole, or benzimidazole antibiotics may best be reserved for cases in which the primary non-antibiotic treatment program is ineffective. In particular, metronidazole has been associated with recurrence rates as high as 90%, and the prevalence of clinical metronidazole-resistance may be as high as 20%. |
|
Mineral |
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)| | Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found that MSM has anti-parasitic properties against giardia. |
|
Oxygen / Oxidative Therapies |
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy| | Cuban doctors are using capsules filled with ozonated oil to treat gastroduodenal ulcers, gastritis, giardia and peptic ulcers.
In 50 cases of giardiasis which did not respond to conventional treatment, ozonated water was administered. Each patient drank four glasses of ozonated water per day for ten days, followed by a 7-day period without treatment. This cycle was then repeated a second time. 46% experienced a remission during the first cycle of treatment while an additional 48% became asymptomatic by the end of the second cycle. There were no adverse side-effects reported. [Revista CENIC Ciencias Biologicas, pp. 61-4] |
|
| | | | |
KEY | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Antiparasitic
Destructive to parasites.
Asymptomatic
Not showing symptoms.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.
Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.
Cysts (Cyst)
A closed pocket or pouch of tissue; a cyst may form within any tissue in the body and can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material. Cysts within the lung generally are air-filled, while cysts involving the lymph system or kidneys are fluid filled. Cysts under the skin are benign, extremely common, movable lumps. These may develop as a result of infection, clogging of sebaceous glands, developmental abnormalities or around foreign bodies.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Dietary Fiber (Insoluble Fiber, Insoluble Fibers, Soluble Fiber, Soluble Fibers)
There are two types of dietary fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge; it absorbs water and moves solid waste out of the intestines. It is found mainly in whole grains and on the outside of seeds, fruits, and legumes. Soluble fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley, oats and oat bran. It forms a gel when mixed with liquid producing a softer stool. It also prevents and reduces the absorption of certain substances from the intestines into the bloodstream.
Distal
Anatomically located further away from a point of reference, such as an origin or a point of attachment.
Duodenum (Duodenal)
First portion of the small intestine between the pylorus and jejunum, connecting to the stomach.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Flatulence
Abnormal amount of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Gastric
Of, relating to, or associated with the stomach.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining. White blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury; this does not mean that there is an ulcer or cancer - it is simply inflammation, either acute or chronic. Symptoms depend on how acute it is and how long it has been present. In the acute phase, there may be pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. In the chronic phase, the pain may be dull and there may be loss of appetite with a feeling of fullness after only a few bites of food. Very often, there are no symptoms at all. If the pain is severe, there may be an ulcer as well as gastritis.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Glycogen
A compound produced by the liver from glucose and stored in the liver and muscles. It acts as an energy source for muscles, and releases glucose from the liver to maintain blood sugar.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
Supports mucosal immunity.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Lactase
An enzyme that aids the body in converting lactose to glucose and galactose. It is also necessary for digestion of milk and milk products.
Lactobacillus
A genus of gram-positive, acid-resistant bacteria in the Lactobacillaceae family. We know of lactobacillus because of its use in making yogurt and the conventional wisdom of taking it in one form or another after antibiotic therapy, but it is an integral part of the colon and mouth flora, and is the critical acidifying agent in vaginal flora. There is a growing body of rather ignored data showing the value of regular consumption of a lactobacillus-containing food in immunosuppression, slow virus, and candidiasis conditions.
Leukocyte (Leukocytes)
A white blood cell which appears 5,000 to 10,000 times in each cubic millimeter of normal human blood. Among the most important functions are destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses and rendering harmless poisonous substances that may result from allergic reactions and cell injury.
Lumen
Space in the interior of a tubular structure.
Malabsorption
Improper utilization of needed and available nutrients, either from impaired digestive function (such as B12 being unabsorbed because of gastritis), impaired absorption (poor Vitamin E absorption because of an inflamed ileum) or impaired transport (the diminished blood proteins of the advanced alcoholic). There are other causes as well.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
Peptic Ulcer (Duodenal Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Ulcer, Gastric Ulcers, Peptic Ulcers)
A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain. They occur most frequently in the 60 to 70 age group, and slightly more often in men than in women. Doctors now know that there are two major causes of ulcers: most often patients are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); others are regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen.
pH
A measure of an environment's acidity or alkalinity. The more acidic the solution, the lower the pH. For example, a pH of 1 is very acidic; a pH of 7 is neutral; a pH of 14 is very alkaline.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Probiotic (Probiotics)
Derived from the Greek word for "life." Probiotic refers to organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance. They are beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria.
Protozoan (Protozoa)
Any one of a large group of one-celled (unicellular) animals, including amoebas. They are microorganisms that differ from bacteria in that they are larger and possess a nucleus surrounded by a membrane. Several species of protozoa can be transmitted through water and cause disease in humans, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamoeba and Isospora. One distinguishing characteristic of protozoa is that when released from the human body through feces they are present in an encysted (dormant) form. These cysts have a protective layer that surrounds them and keeps chemicals from penetrating them. Therefore, chlorine disinfection does not kill the protozoan cysts.
Proximal
Nearer to a point of reference such as an origin, a point of attachment, or the midline of the body.
Refined Sugar (Refined Sugars)
The term 'refined sugar' includes not only the "sugar" listed in ingredient listings, but also brown sugar, glucose, fructose and dextrose. Obvious sources include jams and jellies; hidden sources are often mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressings and other condiments.
Simple Carbohydrate (Simple Carbohydrates)
A simple form of sugar; glucose, lactose, fructose, etc. This type of sugar is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Tablespoon (Tablespoons, tbsp)
Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Tropics (Tropical)
The region of the earth's surface lying between 23°27 North of the equator and 23°27 South of the equator.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Urticaria (Hives)
Commonly known as hives, urticaria is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen by allergists. Urticaria is not just an allergic disease, however. It can be caused by metabolic diseases, medications, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, or physical sensitivity. Traditional allergies to foods or medications as well as viral illness are frequent causes of acute urticaria which usually lasts only a few hours but may last up to 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than 6 weeks) is more complex, given the vast number of potential triggers. Symptoms include sudden onset; initial itching; then swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (wheals) with clearly defined edges; welts turn white on touching; new welts develop when the skin is scratched; usually disappear within minutes or hours. Welts enlarge, change shape, spread or join together to form large flat raised areas.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
|
 |
|
|
