Shigellosis is an infection caused by Shigella bacterium which is often found in feces contaminated water. An inconceivable scenario to many but it happens more than you’d think as contact between fecal matter and food occurs all over the world, meaning that no one is safe from shigellosis. Bacterium transmission goes through fecal to oral route, most typically by washing food with contaminated water or handling of food with low standards of hygiene. Shigellosis is a common cause of diarrhea, especially in third world countries, if the body becomes too nutrient deficient or dehydrated it can have dire consequences.
Symptoms of Shigellosis are very similar to other gastrointestinal infections and can range in intensity from milk symptoms and tummy aches to persistent painful diarrhea. This infection can even cause damage to the nervous system which can result in seizures. Treatment for this illness include antibiotics which in certain strains have been showing increased resistance, making natural means of preventing this illness more important. Shigellosis duration can also vary from a day and extend to over a week if left untreated, with recovery after flushing the infection from the system taking another 5-7 days. Shigellosis can be prevented by using natural remedies which include proper water consumption, good hygiene, peppermint, ginger, bananas, and proper garbage disposal.
Shigellosis quickly depletes body liquids due to constant diarrhea, when the body loses its water organs begin to slow down and in some cases shut down making it near impossible to fight back effectively against infection. It is important to drink water as frequently as possible which will stimulate the excretory system helping to shorten infection duration.
If infected with Shigellosis to ensure that you don’t exacerbate infection with more bacteria or infect those around you it is important to take proper hygiene precautions by washing hands more frequently especially after going to the washroom and before handling food. Regular showers can boost energy along with keeping you clean and should speed the healing process.
Shigellosis will severely deplete the body’s energy reserves. Not taking in enough nutrients or losing them too quickly due to diarrhea will make your body struggle to function normally. Ensuring that enough rest is being maintained during the recovery process is important as most healing processes occur during sleep while resting.
Peppermint is famous for settling the stomach and promoting proper gastrointestinal health, there are few herbs trusted more than peppermint in this manner. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help neutralize bacteria making it a great choice to treat Shigellosis by drinking peppermint tea, or directly chewing the leaves.
Ginger is also famous for settling gastrointestinal issues with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that balance stomach health and ensure normal digestion patterns by drinking ginger tea, or eating it to boost the immune system and ease Shigellosis symptoms.
Bananas are one of the best foods for gastrointestinal health due to the rich fiber content and other nutrients contain within that help to strengthen the immune system and protect gut health such as potassium and other electrolytes the body requires for cellular transfer and fluid balance. Diarrhea can deplete electrolytes from the body, bananas are a quick remedy.
Swimming in dirty water can be a fast and sure away to become infected with Shigellosis. When going to swim ensure the water is of clean quality and that adequate chlorine content is used to kill off unwanted bacterias, and always thoroughly shower afterwards and the bacteria left on skin can weaken the immune system.
This illness is reliant on fecal to oral transmission with any contact between humans and feces. Caution should be used when changing and disposing diapers as well as handle trash and/or trash bags. Always wash hands and any body part that may have come in contact with feces afterwards thoroughly with antibacterial soap and/or antibacterial gel.
These natural remedies and preventative measure have been proven effective, but Shigellosis can be very dangerous if the infection is severe, so antibiotics are recommended in most cases. It is always recommended to see a medical professional for advice to ensure the right treatment for your individual case and needs.
