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Saccharomyces Boulardii Top Shelf Supplements

Written By: Medically reviewed by: Dr. Mason

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Health Intregity

Last updated: January 31, 2022

man holding stomach Saccharomyces Boulardii probiotic

What is Saccharomyces Boulardii?

You body is home to a thriving ecosystem of microorganisms, known as the body's microbiome. It contains a delicate balance of healthy organisms that work 24/7 to keep levels of "bad" bacteria and yeast in your body under control. Plus, they promote digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, and more!

Saccharomyces Boulardii is one of the "good guys". In this article, we explore this beneficial organism and how it supports your well-being.Saccharomyces boulardii – pronounced sac-car-oh-my-sees boo-lard-dee – is a well-known probiotic (meaning "pro-life") organism. Many people think it's a species of bacteria, but Saccharomyces boulardii is actually a form of yeast.

Also known as S. boulardii, this beneficial yeast was first discovered in 1923 when scientists noticed South Asian tribes chewing on lychee and mangosteen fruit skins to prevent life-threatening GI infections.

S.boulardii may be obtained by eating common fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt that feed your gut microbiome. However, a high-quality S.boulardii supplement – either taken alone or used in combination with other probiotics – is the easiest way to promote optimal gut health and overall wellness.

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How Saccharomyces Boulardii Works

Most people think of yeast as something harmful, however, S. boulardii functions like the good bacteria in the gut. It is a non-pathogenic and transient yeast, meaning it passes through the gut and doesn’t attach to the gastrointestinal wall and proliferate.

As it moves through the digestive tract, it disrupts the ability of pathogens to adhere to the gut and nourishes the health of the microbiome as it goes. This may prevent infection-causing bacteria and yeast from growing out of control. For example, a 2016 study found that taking a Saccharomyces boulardii supplement was helpful for children who tested positive for an H.pylori bacterial infection (the bacteria linked to stomach ulcers). It effectively reduced the colonization of H.pylori in the gastrointestinal tract (1). Research has also shown that taking S.boulardii can reduce levels of E.coli bacteria in the body (2). This makes it a popular supplement for supporting digestive, urinary tract, and immune health.

By encouraging a healthy and balanced gut microbiome, S.boulardii may also relieve inflammation, promote efficient elimination, protect the gut lining, and encourage healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

happy man dancing beneficial yeast

Health Benefits of Saccharomyces Boulardii

Keep reading as we unpack how Saccharomyces boulardii can benefit your health!

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Supports Digestive Health

As stated above, the gut microbiome contains trillions of microorganisms (both bacteria and yeast) that play a key role in digestive function. So, a saccharomyces boulardii supplement promotes balanced digestion and elimination by encouraging the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms.

Research has shown it's helpful for those with chronic and debilitating digestive conditions. A placebo-controlled study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that taking Saccharomyces boulardii daily for a month improved quality of life in those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (3).

Another study found that taking 750 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii daily for a month helped sufferers of the inflammatory bowel condition ulcerative colitis reach remission (4).

Reduces Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom of a disrupted gut microbiome. Luckily, Saccharomyces boulardii may help to kill pathogens, balance the microbiome, and reduce an upset tummy!

A meta-analysis of 12 clinical studies looked at the impact of probiotics on travelers’ diarrhea, a common complaint among those who visit foreign destinations. It found that taking S.boulardii was a safe and effective way to reduce incidents of diarrhea when traveling (5).

Additionally, research has repeatedly shown that S.boulardii reduces antibiotic-induced diarrhea in adults and children (6). It's frequently prescribed by medical doctors to minimize this common side-effect of antibiotic use.

Helps Manage Candida Infections

As a non-pathogenic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii may help to keep levels of the opportunistic yeast, Candida albicans, under control. This is great news for women in particular because candida overgrowth can lead to yeast infections and vaginal thrush.

A 2010 study found that Saccharomyces boulardii releases compounds like caprylic and capric acid, both known to destroy pathogenic yeast. Additionally, it may prevent candida from forming filamentous branches and adhering to human cells (7).

Make Saccharomyces Boulardii Part of Your Daily Diet

Okay you knew it was coming... time for a shameless plug. Do you think the benefits of adding saccharomyces boulardii to your daily diet could help? Create a personalized daily vitamin pack that includes saccharomyces boulardii and any other vitamins, minerals or supplements you think could help. Start by adding saccharomyces boulardii to your Kit here!