What is a yeast probiotic? Saccharomyces boulardii is what is known as a yeast probiotic. It is a completely unique, non- pathogenic and tropical yeast (fungus), that's considered to have several beneficial actions on the human body. In particular, it is thought to benefit the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, whether used by itself or in combination with other probiotic supplements, by helping to elevate intestinal numbers of “friendly” bacteria and lowering numbers of disease-causing organisms. This is why, despite being a yeast, it is categorised as a probiotic and is administered around the world to support digestive system health and well-being. Although it is in the same genus as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s, brewer’s or dietary yeast), Saccharomyces boulardii isn't linked to the candida species (Candida albicans, tropicalas, etc), Crohn’s disease or any other disease. It has also been confirmed to be non-systemic / non-colonising, i.e. it stays in the GI tract instead of spreading to other parts of the body. How was it discovered? Saccharomyces boulardii yeast was initially isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit in the 1920s, by a French scientist whose name was Henri Boulard. He had watched natives of Southeast Asia chewing the skin of these fruits to control cholera. What are its possible health applications? Saccharomyces boulardii is commonly used for treating and preventing dysentery and diarrhea, including contagious varieties such as rotaviral diarrhea in children, diarrhea caused by GI bacterial overgrowth in adults, “traveller's diarrhea” and diarrhea linked to tube feedings. Bacterial infection, food poisoning and antibiotic use are frequent causes of diarrhea. Maintaining a good immune system is arguably amongst the best defences against these conditions, which experts claim often occur because of a an imbalance in intestinal flora. Trials have also shown that Saccharomyces boulardii might be effective against intestinal problems and inflammatory response resulting from the application of antibiotics, as well as by infections such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). There is certainly some data to suggest that Saccharomyces boulardii can be successful in halting relapses of Crohn’s disease and treating pouchitis (inflammation of the ileal pouch, which is created in the management of patients with ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, or, rarely, other colitides). A recent French study delivers new insights into the application of probiotics in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). How is it believed to work? Saccharomyces boulardii is thought to exert numerous beneficial effects in humans by operating in three primary ways: • by inhibiting particular bacterial toxins and/or their effects • by modulating the body's immune system reaction, thereby helping to improve the resistance to enteropathogenic bacteria • by having direct effects on the intestinal mucosa. It is a robust, acid-resistant, temperature-tolerant microorganism that is not affected by antibacterial agents or antibiotics. On top of that, yeast cells are larger in size when compared to bacteria, which gives Saccharomyces boulardii more coverage in the gut. Regarding IBDs specifically, it's believed that Saccharomyces boulardii stops T lymphocyte white blood cells (which are critical to development of Crohn's disease) from migrating from lymph nodes around the bowel. In one preliminary study of the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on recurrent C. difficile, adding the yeast to antibiotic treatment led to roughly twice as much success in treatment - 34.6% recurrence with Saccharomyces boulardii, compared to 64.7% without. There are no known side-effects of taking Saccaromyces boulardii, expect possibly for individuals that are allergic to yeast. Even so, it's important to note that taking medications for fungal infections can reduce its effectiveness. Additionally, it doesn't remain in your system for very long and is usually expelled within 5 to 7 days after you stop taking it. * Before changing your diet or taking health supplements, it is recommended to consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).       © Specialist Supplements Ltd 2011  0845 094 3627 [Allergy] [Bad Breath] [Bloating] [Colitis] [Constipation] [Crohn’s Disease] [Diarrhea] [Diverticulitis] [Flatulence] [Halitosis] [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] [IBS] [Indigestion] [Leaky Gut Syndrome] [ibsdiarrhea.hypermart.net/1] [Lactobacillus acidophilus and Plantarum probiotic bacterium] [Probiotic Bacteria] [HTML Sitemap] [Diets and Health Information] [Natural Menopause Herbs] [Weight Loss Pages] [Probiotic and Herbal Supplements] [ibsdiarrhea.hypermart.net/2]   Your health is your responsibility Suppliers of probiotic bacteria supplements Suppliers of probiotic bacteria supplements This is an information site only! 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