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Does Giardia Make You Hungry?

Published in Health 1 min read

Giardia infection, or giardiasis, often causes the opposite of hunger: loss of appetite. This is because the parasitic infection often leads to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea, making it difficult to eat.

How Giardia Affects Appetite:

  • Diarrhea: The most common symptom of giardiasis is diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration and loss of nutrients, contributing to a loss of appetite.
  • Abdominal Cramps: Cramps and pain in the abdomen make eating uncomfortable and can further suppress appetite.
  • Nausea: Feeling nauseous also makes it difficult to eat.
  • Fatigue: Giardiasis can cause fatigue, which may make you less motivated to eat.

Note: While loss of appetite is a common symptom, not everyone with giardiasis experiences it. Some individuals might still have a normal appetite or even increased hunger due to the parasite disrupting the digestive process.

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