The Latest on Saccharomyces boulardii and GI Health

[Bolt_Upright]

The Latest on Saccharomyces boulardii and GI Health blog.designsforhealth.com/n...

"The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome consists of many types of health-supportive agents, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses. Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a probiotic species of yeast being studied for its support of GI health. Its cell walls contain beta-glucans, chitin, and mannoproteins that aid in the fermentation process and production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate. In recent studies, S. boulardii has been shown to support GI function in the presence of bacterial diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, gut dysbiosis, and other GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS involves intestinal dysfunction, inflammation, and changes to the gut microbiome. It may also influence the gut-brain connection and psychosocial status. Conditions such as depression and anxiety are often associated with IBS.

A controlled animal study published by Constante and colleagues explored the efficacy of supplementation with S. boulardii on mice colonized with microbes from individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety. The study subjects were fed S. boulardii for 2 weeks. The biomarkers and behaviors assessed were related to intestinal permeability, anxiety-like behavior, and transit time.

The study results showed a 30% improvement in transit time in the presence of S. boulardii in mice colonized with microbes related to IBS and comorbid anxiety. Improvements in anxiety-like behaviors were also observed. Taxonomic differences in gut microbiota were observed in the S. boulardii group.

In another study model, the impact of supplementation with S. boulardii in the presence of antibiotic-associated gut dysbiosis was tested. Antibiotics were administered to a murine population for 14 days to induce gut dysbiosis. After that period, S. boulardii was administered to the treatment group for 21 days. A second round of antibiotics was administered concurrently.

After the initial administration of antibiotics, the authors observed a decrease in probiotic genera including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Firmicutes. Biomarkers related to oxidative stress, including glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also shown to decrease during the antibiotic period. After receiving S. boulardii, the study subjects experienced a restoration of probiotic populations and levels of glutathione and SOD. Improvements in villus height, crypt depth, and levels of certain inflammatory markers, including myeloperoxidase were also observed. Certain parameters related to the gut-brain axis were measured and found to be influenced by the administration of S. boulardii.

S. boulardii is a probiotic species of yeast with the potential to support many aspects of GI health. It also may support the body’s response to oxidative stress and inflammation, the gut-brain connection, and a healthy gut microbiome.

By Colleen Ambrose, ND, MAT"

[Bolt_Upright]

The role of microbiota-gut-brain axis in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders 2021 sciencedirect.com/science/a...

"Numerous clinical studies have shown that Saccharomyces boulardii – a nonpathogenic probiotic yeast isolated from the peel of fruits [151], is more effective than other probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in restoring the intestinal microbiota [152], [153]."

[Bolt_Upright]

Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders 2011 journals.sagepub.com/doi/fu...

"There is increasing evidence that the gastrointestinal microflora is a major regulator of the immune system, not only in the gut, but also in other organs [Gareau et al. 2010]. The nonpathogenic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii has been prescribed in the past 30 years for prophylaxis and treatment of diarrheal diseases caused by bacteria. Importantly, S. boulardii has demonstrated clinical and experimental effectiveness in gastrointestinal diseases with a predominant inflammatory component, indicating that this probiotic might interfere with cellular signaling pathways common in many inflammatory conditions. The goal of this study is to review the clinical evidence for efficacy and safety of S. boulardii in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders with diverse etiology."

[reedboat2]

Good research, Bolt. Are you inclined to take S. Boulardii? If so have you found a source? Thanks- JG

[Bolt_Upright in reply to reedboat2]

I take it. I had been forgetting to, but have started again. It does not colonize so I figure it clears space and Dr Matthew colonizes. I get it cheap from Swanson. $5. swansonvitamins.com/swanson...

[reedboat2 in reply to Bolt_Upright]

I love it when we find a supplement or treatment that’s inexpensive. I saw a friend of mine yesterday who has a type of leukemia called CML. The maintenance dose of a drug treatment for that was going to cost her $30 K per year, even under her Medicare drug plan. She moved back to Germany, where she is originally from, because there the same drug is covered under insurance, for a minimal charge of E300 per year. She’s now living in Berlin.

[John_morris71 in reply to reedboat2]

Sorry to know that your friend is suffering from CML Leukemia. After reading your post, I remembered watching a video (related to the cancer) yesterday and it is really interesting. May be you want to share it with your friend. Sincerely hope that she has a miracle cure just like the guy in the video.

youtube.com/watch?v=RBMnRmb...(Not working as expected?)

[reedboat2]

✅Good find