What is Saccharomyces Boulardii?
Saccharomyces Boulardii (S. boulardii) is a beneficial probiotic yeast that is considered a 'friendly' microbe and is isolated from tropical fruits such as lychee. This yeast is unique because it is resilient against stomach acid and temperature, allowing it to reach the intestines alive. This makes it useful for supporting digestive health, immune function, and treating gastrointestinal disorders.
Health Benefits:
Restores Gut Flora
S. boulardii helps to restore a balanced and healthy gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the overgrowth of harmful pathogens. This probiotic yeast creates an environment conductive to the growth of good bacteria by producing lactic acid that modifies the gut environment to benefit healthy bacteria. It also directly competes with pathogens for space and nutrients, further supporting the restoration of gut flora.
Boosts Immune System
S. boulardii has been shown to enhance the immune response by stimulating the production of secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes.
Prevents Traveller's Diarrhoea
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common ailment experienced when travelling and is often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Studies have shown that S. boulardii has significant potential effectiveness for preventing traveller's diarrhoea. Therefore, S. boulardii-based health supplements are a great way to help ensure your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, without the worry of digestive issues.
History:
S. boulardii was first isolated from the peels of Lychee and mangosteen fruit by a microbiologist studying traditional medicinal practices in Southeast Asia. The skins of these tropical fruits were used by locals to help calm digestive discomfort during outbreaks of diarrhoeal illness. Since its discovery S. boulardii has become one of the most well researched probiotic yeasts available.
Typical Use:
S. boulardii is commonly used for its potent health benefits and gut support, and it is often recommended during antibiotic courses due to its natural resistance to antibiotics. Many choose to take S. boulardii when travelling; beginning to take it in supplement form shortly before leaving for their trip to build up their gut’s defences and then continuing to take it through their trip. This can help prepare the digestive system for any potential disruptions and allow stress-free travelling without any need to worry about digestive issues.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17767461/
https://bmcmicrobiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12866-024-03647-0
https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2672.2000.01128.x
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1477893924000176
