Reply To: 7 yo M with Amoebic Dysentery

[Christine Bailey]

Dear Nathalie,

Many thanks for your question. As he is currently in hospital you are more limited with intervention at this stage. However there will be dietary strategies and supplements to consider once he has been discharged.

You mention he is taking a number of medications: metronidazole, antiemetics, paracetamol and antispasmodics. Metronidazole is a common antibiotic for gut infections including parasite and amoebas although not always effective. It may be that in a few months you consider a comprehensive stool test to investigate gut health further and check for other infections.

If he has ongoing diarrhoea then yes, electrolytes and zinc are be important. I suggest you consider adding in an electrolyte concentrate into all the water he is drinking. The probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardiimay well be important as well. You could also consider a liquid multi vitamin and mineral formula as appetite is poor.

Weight loss may be evident if he cannot tolerate much food at present including protein and amino acids. An amino acid formula could be helpful – you could open the capsules and stir into a little pureed fruit or yogurt. If he has explosive diarrhoea then perhaps eating little and often may suit him rather than larger meals.

Post antibiotics, the client may be able to get VSL#3 on prescription which is a high strength probiotic powder – this would be worth asking her GP for.

Colostrum may be a valuable addition for supporting gut health. The following paper is useful.

Role of colostrum in gastrointestinal infections.Indian J Pediatr. 2008 Sep;75(9):917-21. doi: 10.1007/s12098-008-0192-5. http://tinyurl.com/gqfu5u9

This study states the following: “The main actions include an antibacterial effect and modulation of immune response with the ability to neutralize lipopolysaccharides arising from gram negative bacterial pathogens. It has been found to be effective in infantile hemorrhagicdiarrheas, other diarrheas and reduces the likelihood of disease progressing to hemolytic uremic syndrome.”

There are also studies to suggest it can be useful to support health and growth in infants and children so benefit may be had from including colostrum regularly through the day.

Thapa Health factors in colostrum. Indian J Pediatr. 2005 Jul;72(7):579-81. http://tinyurl.com/gqfu5u9

Glutamine supplements can be useful longer term to support gut lining.

Intestinal permeability and systemic infections in critically ill patients: Effect of glutamine Critical Care Medicine: May 2005 – Volume 33 – Issue 5 – pp 1125-1135 http://tinyurl.com/hfkfl92

The role of glutamine in maintaining a healthy gut and supporting the metabolic response to injury and infection Journal of Surgical Volume 48, Issue 4, April 1990, Pages 383-391 http://tinyurl.com/jjdppux

SUGGESTED SUPPLEMENTS

The following supplements are suggested for you to consider in light of your relevant expertise and intimate understanding of the needs of your client or patient. They may be used in isolation or as part of a multi supplement strategy, but at all times the consideration of their use should be tied into the specific needs of the individual you are responsible for.

Saccharomyces Boulardii (ARG) – take 1 twice daily – http://tinyurl.com/35392bw

Free Aminos (ARG) – take 2 twice daily

Aqueous Multi-Plus (BRC) – take 1tbsp daily – http://tinyurl.com/d2jps7n

Electrolyte Concentrate (Body Bio) – put 1 capful into 500ml water

Phospholipid Colostrum (ARG) – take 1 tbsp three times daily- http://tinyurl.com/mzeqb43

Post antibiotics
Perm a vite (ARG) – take 1 scoop with each meal- http://tinyurl.com/37dv2cl

I hope this helps answer your question

Christine