Dysentery

Description

Dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by bacterial, parasitic, or protozoan organisms.

Types and Symptoms

Shigellosis: Characterized by sudden, watery diarrhea. Bacterial contamination from the blood (toxemia) can also occur. Serious cases associated with shigellosis may lead to bacteremic shock or cardiovascular collapse.

Amebic dysentery: Diarrhea occurrence is much more gradual and can contain blood, pus, and mucus. An additional symptom is difficult bowel movements that produce a bloody watery mucous. Dehydration is typical; drink plenty of clear fluids to replenish your body. Possible complications of amebic dysentery include amebic cysts in the liver, brain, or other vital organs.

Also see Parasites.

Cause

The two most typical causes of dysentery are infection with a bacillus of the Shigella group, and infestation through an ameba, Entamoeba histolytica. Both Shigellosis and Amebic dysentery are spread through contaminated food and water, typically in areas where sanitation is poor. Amebic dysentery occurrences are more likely within regions where human excrement is used as fertilizer. This is most common in the tropics, but may occur in any climate.

Extreme caution: If you suffer from shigella or amebic dysentery, seek prompt medical attention. Antibiotics may be necessary to rid your body of parasites.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Chamomile, black pepper, cypress, eucalyptus, and lemon, are essential natural oils that can be used to protect the body from dysentery.

Diet: Swallow a clove of garlic twice daily, followed by herbal tea with lemon. Eat plenty of plain, natural yogurt. Avoid all sugars, and alcoholic beverages during a dysentery attack. Continue to abstain from sugar and alcohol for at least a week after the symptoms cease. Bacteria and parasites feed on both sugar and alcohol and you may prolong your dysentery by continuing to consume them

Flower Essences: Take Rescue Remedy® for the accompanying stress, as well as Olive with regard to exhaustion brought on by dysentery.

Herbs: Use walnut bark to reduce the looseness of the bowels and fluid loss. Consume an infusion of meadowsweet and lavender to ease stomach discomfort. Eat a clove of raw garlic clove morning and evening.

Dietary Supplementation: For one month to six weeks following episodes of dysentery, be sure to supplement with acidophilus bacteria, bifid bacteria as well as Lactobacillus burglarious to restore wholesome bacteria inside your gastrointestinal tract. Citrus seed extract is also recommended to rid the body of any recurring bacteria or parasites. Take Vitamin A in therapeutic doses for the first five days, followed by upkeep doses to enhance your overall immunity.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional therapies have been shown to be useful for treating and reducing the signs of dysentery: Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Detoxification Treatment, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy (ozone colonics) and Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)