Breaking Down Biofilms: Strategies for Gut Resilience
Biofilms are often overlooked when it comes to gut healing. They previously didn’t get the attention they deserved, but slowly it is now becoming a hot topic in the world of Gut Health. Why?
Because biofilms could be the very reason behind recurring infections or ineffective treatments.
Research reviews reveal the pivotal role of biofilms in effectively addressing the root causes of IBS & IBD. IN this article, I will explain what biofilms are, as well as what natural biofilm treatment strategies can be used, and elucidate the crucial role of biofilm disruptors in eliminating parasites, bacteria, SIBO, yeast, and other pathogenic infections.
What are Biofilms?
Picture that slightly slimy residue in your forgotten water bottle or dental plaque on your teeth when you have not brushed them for a while – that's biofilm.
Biofilms form when bacteria, yeast, or parasites, usually existing as free-floating single cells, adhere to surfaces like the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and create a protective matrix. This matrix acts as a shield (kind of like a home is protecting humans from a storm outside) making the microorganisms within it challenging to detect in tests and resistant to treatments, including antibiotics and the immune system.
In essence, biofilms are bacterial communities that form on surfaces in the presence of water, secreting a sticky substance that adheres to various materials. They can be found on metals, plastics, river rocks, medical implants, and as you just read, even within your body's living tissues! The gastrointestinal tract, with its mucus-rich lining, is an ideal host for biofilm formation, especially when the lining is compromised (leaky gut anyone?).
What’s the Issue with Biofilms?
Biofilms play a crucial role in gut health. When microorganisms latch onto the damaged lining of the GI tract, they produce a gooey extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) – aka the biofilm. This matrix of sugars, proteins, and nucleic acids not only shelters microorganisms but also traps nutrients and heavy metals. Over time, layers of biofilm accumulate, creating a resilient community of microorganisms shielded within this 3D structure.
What this means is that pathogens like parasites, fungi, and harmful bacteria employ biofilm to shield themselves, forming a protective layer that makes them very resistant to treatment including antibiotics and antimicrobials. This phenomenon contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. Breaking through this biofilm is crucial, especially when dealing with conditions like SIBO and SIFO (fungal overgrowth).
When Should We Address Biofilms?
If you're dealing with parasitic, bacterial (including SIBO), or yeast infections, especially if they've been resistant to treatment, there's a high chance of an associated biofilm infection. It is estimated that around 80% of GI infections involve microbes that produce biofilms. Identifying a chronic biofilm infection isn't straightforward due to the lack of specific symptoms and testing, but certain signs, like chronic GI symptoms persisting despite treatment suggests its presence.
Clinically, assuming the presence of biofilm and addressing it becomes a focus when evidence of pathogens requiring eradication appears on a microbiome stool test. Some of the species most known to form strong biofilms and being difficult to eradicate are Candida, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas. If you see any of these in an overgrowth pattern, it is very important to consider biofilm disruptors.
Biofilm's Impact on GI Testing: Seeing the Unseen
Biofilms can make microorganisms nearly invisible during pathology testing. When assessing the GI tract for potential issues, these hidden microbes can give confusing results. To counter this, I sometimes recommend incorporating a natural biofilm disruptor at least two weeks before testing for IBS or SIBO root causes. While this might delay the process, it enhances the accuracy of the results, providing a clearer picture of the GI tract's actual condition.
Natural Biofilm Disruptors: Treatment Options
When understanding that microorganisms communicate through Quorum Sensing, disrupting this communication becomes crucial for biofilm treatment. Natural sources like turmeric, garlic, apple cider vinegar, oil of oregano, pomegranate, and cinnamon have proven effective as quorum sensing inhibitors.
Note that while all of these are great at preventing new biofilm formation, they are usually not strong enough to break down exisiting biofilms, especially if they’ve been formed for a while.
How do we tackle it?
There are several approaches that can help:
Enzymes: Proteolytic and polysaccharide-specific enzymes break down biofilm. They need to be taken on an empty stomach, in-between meals. Ex: Biofilm Defense by Kirkman Labs.
Nutrients: N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and monolaurin disrupt biofilm and prevent further buildup.
Herbal Agents: As mentioned above, some herbs interfere with quorum sensing , disrupting communication within the biofilm.
Over-the-counter formulation: When addressing strong biofilms, relying on a Bismuth-thiol Complex might be required. Dr. Paul Anderson is a pioneer in this field and formulated a supplement you can buy online without prescription called Priority One Biofilm Phase 2.
Given the potency of biofilm disruption, a gradual titration over a month is recommended to minimize detox reactions. Die-off reactions may occur as biofilms break down, making certain options, like monolaurin, a gentler approach.
Shedding Light on the Dark Corners of GI Infections
Biofilm infections add complexity to chronic GI issues, making detection and treatment challenging. However, with the right knowledge and tools, including natural biofilm disruptors, overcoming these challenges is possible. I hope this articles provides valuable insights, and for comprehensive support in addressing IBS, SIBO or digestive symptoms, explore my 'Work with Me' page or book a Free Discovery Call below.