Saccharomyces Boulardii Benefits for Digestion, IBS and IBD

Saccharomyces boulardii benefits include improved digestive function, supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and throughout the body.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a strain of probiotic yeast that is used in dietary supplements to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut microflora.

Research shows that there are a number of protective effects conferred on our health when there is an appropriate balance between “good” probiotic and “bad” pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract.

S. boulardii is used as an ingredient in probiotic supplements to combat gastrointestinal diseases and support general health. It is used in the treatment for acute diarrhea and for fighting infections such as vaginal Candida infections.

This probiotic also has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for treating bloating, stomach pains, and upset stomach in people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Saccharomyces boulardii benefits also extend to the treatment of gastroenteritis and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Saccharomyces Boulardii Benefits

Saccharomyces boulardii is used for treating and as a preventative for diarrhea. It has been found effective for traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea that occurs from taking antibiotics. It is also beneficial for the treatment of the bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori which causes ulcers and increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Saccharomyces boulardii is also used for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Chronic inflammation is associated with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

In these diseases, the immune system attacks the good bacteria in the gut and causes inflammation that can result in stomach pains, cramping and diarrhea.

This probiotic is also used to treat IBS symptoms. It is also an effective treatment for yeast infections and UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections). There is some clinical evidence for its effectiveness for treating high cholesterol, hives, fever blisters, canker sores and teen-age acne.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Mechanism of Action

Probiotic bacteria and yeast like Saccharomyces boulardii are said to generally improve health by out-competing pathogenic bacteria for resources in the gastrointestinal tract. This is known as “Competitive Exclusion.”

When there is a high ratio of healthy probiotic organisms in the gut to harmful pathogenic bacteria, this may inhibit the growth of infection-causing bacteria and boost the function of the immune system.

Saccharomyces boulardii has been found to inhibit the spread of bacteria that are responsible for causing diarrhea and other digestive conditions. This probiotic yeast exhibits both antitoxin and antimicrobial effects in research studies.

In some studies, it has been found that the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium adhere to the mannose on the surface of the Saccharomyces boulardii cell. This prevents these pathogens from adhering to structures in the intestines and allows these bacteria to be expelled from the body in the next bowel movement.

S. boulardii has also been found to decrease the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin 8 (IL-8) I, during E. coli infections. By inhibiting inflammation signals, S. boulardii may have benefits for reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Research Results

A clinical study published in Frontiers in Microbiology in December 2012 showed Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii has a long history of being effective for treating gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Common causes of gastroenteritis in adults are the norovirus and food poisoning caused by salmonella or the campylobacter bacteria. In children the rotavirus infection may cause gastroenteritis.

A clinical study in Current Issues in Molecular Biology in June 2008 showed that S. boulardii exhibits anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory activities. This suggests additional therapeutic applications for this probiotic.

The study also referenced clinical trials that demonstrated the beneficial effects of S. boulardii in the prevention and the treatment of intestinal infections and in the maintenance of IBD that all had acute diarrhea as a symptom.

Taking S. boulardii in combination with antibiotics or without was shown to markedly reduce the duration and frequency of diarrhea.

A clinical study published in The Medial Journal of Australia in March 2008 showed that there was evidence for the use of S. boulardii in treating acute infectious diarrhea and preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.

There is also evidence that S. boulardii combined with high-dose vancomycin (antibiotic) is more effective than the antibiotic alone in preventing recurrent Clostridium difficile diarrhea.

A clinical study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics in September 2007 showed that S. boulardii was effective in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea and recurrent Clostridium difficile intestinal infections.

Contraindications

Saccharomyces boulardii may cause mild side effects of bloating and intestinal gas when used appropriately. This probiotic yeast is generally considered safe for healthy adults, but there have been complications when it was given as a supplement to people suffering from certain health conditions.

Probiotics should not be taken by those with impaired immune systems as this may lead to fungemia (fungi in the blood). It is advised that people with colitis, cancer, using central venous catheters, or those with open surgical wounds should avoid probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii.

People allergic to yeast should also avoid this yeast probiotic. Probiotics and antibiotic medications do interact with each other and they should be used at least two hours apart from each other. Unless otherwise directed by your doctorprobiotics should not be taken if pregnant or while breast feeding.

Saccharomyces boulardii benefits for treating diarrhea, fighting infections, improving the immune system as well as its anti-inflammatory properties make this probiotic a useful supplement for good digestive health.

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