What is Saccharomyces Boulardii?

Saccharomyces boulardii is a strain of yeast and is a close cousin of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which is baker’s yeast. However, Saccharomyces boulardii is different in that you will find it in use as a probiotic medicine. In case you are not aware, probiotics are a friendly organism that helps prevent damage in the gut from disease-causing organisms. Moreover, one of its significant benefits is in the treatment of diarrhea. The types of diarrhea it treats include the following symptoms.

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal take-over by bad bacteria in adults
• Rotaviral diarrhea in children
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Tube feedings diarrhea

After ingestion, the Saccharomyces boulardii goes through the human digestive system and in the process, does not bind to the mucosa on the walls of the gut. This is an attribute that is highly attractive to users of probiotics. Moreover, this is one of many types of probiotics manufacturers include in their probiotic supplements.

Saccharomyces boulardii gets its name from the French pharmacist, Henri Boulard who, in 1923 isolated it from lychee and mangosteen fruit. Interestingly, he did this because of his observations of Southeast Asians chewing on the mangosteen and lychee fruit skins to relieve their cholera symptoms.

However, it’s different from bacteria probiotics in a few ways. First, it acts as a yeast probiotic because of its physiological structure and size. Next, it’s a noninvasive and nonpathogenic fungus that grows in higher temperatures. Also, as stated before, it is a close cousin of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer’s yeast.

How Does Saccharomyces Boulardii Work?

The book, Vitamins and Minerals, states that there are three primary ways that Saccharomyces boulardii benefits the users. It performs these actions by starting in the intestines and from there is then able to work in separate ways. You will find these three primary ways listed below.

Luminal Action

• Disrupts pathogens’ actions
• Retains cellular physiology
• Interacts with microbiota
• Regulates immune cells.
• Helps optimize short-chain fatty acid levels.

Tropic Action

• Boosts mucosa’s metabolic function
• Releases polyamines to activate the colonic mucosa’s enzymes
• Releases lgA which boosts the immunity of bad pathogens

Mucosal Anti-inflammatory Signaling Action

• Works on cellular signals
• Reduces synthesis of inflammatory cytokines

Saccharomyces Boulardii Health Benefits

Again, Saccharomyces boulardii helps reduce several types of diarrhea. Those types include antibiotic-associated diarrhea, diarrhea from gastrointestinal take-over by bad bacteria in adults, rotaviral diarrhea in children, traveler’s diarrhea, and tube feedings diarrhea.

S. boulardii is also useful as a pathogen eliminator. This includes pathogens like Aeromonas hemolysin, Candida albicans, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Yersinia enterocolitium.

Taking Saccharomyces boulardii orally as a supplement helps in a variety of ways. One way is the healthy effect it has on your intestinal anaerobic microflora. Another is that it increases three types of short-chain fatty acids that include acetic, butyric, and propionic acid. For patients with enteral nutrition, it also helps to normalize the quantity of bacterial cellular fatty acids and helps them in the prevention of diarrheal diseases.

Tip o’ the Hat to Mercola.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Uses

You will find S. boulardii in capsule form and in probiotic mixes that come in either capsule or beverage form. If this is something that appeals to you, consult with your medical professional, and continue your research to determine if this is right for you.

Interestingly, many people take Saccharomyces boulardii after taking antibiotics to offset the side effects of that treatment. Overall, taking this supplement improves gut microflora health and combats the bad bacteria and yeast in your gut.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Precautions

There are very few side effects when healthy people take products that contain Saccharomyces boulardii. However, you might experience discomfort in the stomach and some gas after you take this supplement.

Children

S. boulardii is safe for children but it is advisable to get a doctor’s approval first to ensure that you are treating the right illness with the right supplement. In other words, before you give this supplement to your children, first take them to their doctor to determine the type of diarrhea they have. Then, follow your doctor’s recommendations about S. boulardii.

Pregnant & Lactating Women

There is a lack of adequate evidence about the effects of this supplement on pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, it is not advisable to take this supplement when experiencing these conditions.

Medical Settings

In medical settings, it causes dangerous infections in patients when their feeding or catheter tubes come into contact with the Saccharomyces boulardii. This shows that it is dangerous when it comes into the body through other routes.

Yeast Allergy

Also, if you have a yeast allergy, first ask your medical professional if it is safe for you to take Saccharomyces boulardii. He might even be able to tell you how to prevent adverse events from happening from the use of Saccharomyces boulardii.

Other Probiotics

There is inadequate evidence to support taking Saccharomyces boulardii alongside other probiotics. Consult with your physician to determine if you can take Saccharomyces boulardii with foods that are high in probiotics or with other probiotics altogether.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Studies

Candida albicans

A study from 1982 shows that Saccharomyces boulardii exhibits positive effects against three fungi strains.

Another study from 2010 suggests that an extract of Saccharomyces boulardii prevents Candida albicans and decreases inflammation.

Cholera

A 1999 animal study shows that Saccharomyces boulardii assists with the prevention of secretions from cholera.

Crohn’s Disease

Another study shows that Saccharomyces boulardii lessens the frequency of bowel movements without adverse side effects.

Giardiasis

In combination with the antibiotic metronidazole, Saccharomyces boulardii assists with giardiasis. Results of this study show patients have no cysts after two weeks of taking metronidazole and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Conclusion

It’s fantastic that so many people are aware of the importance of probiotics. Many people increase their intake of foods rich in probiotics. If you think of food as a supplement, it gives you the mindset you need to eat a healthier diet. Look for wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables. Also, look for probiotics in herbs and spices.

However, if you still need help, Saccharomyces boulardii might be what you’re looking for.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.