Picking up where my last post left off, the gentleman with Entaomeba histolytica parasites in his intestines chose to treat it with pharmaceutical medicines rather than herbal anti-parasitics. I gave him a choice and presented the pros and cons of each treatment protocol. The drug route is potentially toxic, takes about a month to complete and is reasonably inexpensive. The herbal route is definitely closer to nature and supporting better businesses, but is also potentially toxic, takes 3 months and is somewhat expensive.
I am comfortable with both methods, but find most patients choose the prescription medication treatment plan. Of course, this plan includes comprehensive naturopathic approaches such as immune support, hygiene, probiotics and diet changes. For example, eating pumpkin seeds inhibits parasites slightly while providing good, omega-3 fats and prostate support.
Prescribing anti-parasitic drugs is an example of where I am personally willing to use higher force interventions to treat my patients, if that is their choice. Not all naturopaths would go to the higher rungs of the naturopathic ladder in this situation. All doctors and all patients are unique. There is no wrong or right way that works for everyone. That’s why medicine is an art, doctors are in practice, and a we strive for a healthy doctor-patient relationship.
My patient responded well to the 2-drug treatment and supportive therapies. He tested negative for E. histolytica after treatment. He felt much better just in time for the holidays. He eat and drank whatever he wanted during the holiday season and then came to see me in early 2009 feeling like his symptoms might be returning.
In a future post, I’ll share what we found out next and the treatments that helped him stay healthy.
Margaret Philhower, ND
www.drmargaret.org
