S.Boulardii – Optibac

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Optibac’s Saccharomyces Boulardii supplement is 16 capsules (but comes in bigger sizes of 40 etc), with each containing 5 billion live cultures as 275mg.

The advice is to take 1 tablets daily as required, but can be increased up to 6 per day.

When it comes to taking S. boulardii, there isn’t a strict rule about whether it should be taken with or without food. However, some considerations can help you decide:

1. Without Food: Taking S. boulardii on an empty stomach may allow it to pass through the stomach more quickly and potentially reach the intestines more effectively. This can be beneficial if the goal is to support intestinal health specifically.
2. With Food: Taking S. boulardii with food might help protect it from stomach acid and digestive enzymes, potentially increasing its survival rate as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract. This could be advantageous if you have a sensitive stomach or experience discomfort when taking supplements on an empty stomach.

Information

S. boulardii is a beneficial yeast strain used as a probiotic supplement to support digestive health. It works by helping to restore the balance of gut microbiota, potentially alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

It works in the gut by several mechanisms. It competes with harmful microorganisms for space and nutrients, thereby crowding out pathogens and preventing their colonization. Additionally, S. boulardii enhances the production of compounds like short-chain fatty acids, which promote a healthy gut environment, and modulates the immune system, aiding in the maintenance of intestinal balance and function.

This digestive probiotic supplement is vegan, dairy free, gluten free & free from added sugar, artificial flavourings or colourings.

Other Considerations

Because gastrointestinal conditions reduce the protective functioning of the gut, these patients are at a much higher risk of harmful microorganisms causing havoc, which S. boulardii can help to control.

Many people also take S. boulardii as a travel aid to protect against diarrhea due to pathogens they might encounter for the first time when visiting other countries.

Traveller’s diarrhea is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by loose, watery stools and abdominal discomfort, typically occurring during or shortly after travel to foreign countries with poor sanitation. It is commonly caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, leading to infection with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. One of the most common culprits for this issue is E.coli, which S. boulardii works specifically well against.

S. boulardii produces compounds such as capric, caprylic, and caproic acids that have antimicrobial properties, which can directly inhibit the growth of E. coli. Additionally, S. boulardii reinforces the intestinal barrier, reducing the likelihood of E. coli adhering to and invading the intestinal lining.

SIFO, or Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth, is a condition where there is an overgrowth of fungi in the small intestine. While Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast used to support digestive health, there is some evidence to suggest that it may potentially exacerbate fungal overgrowth in the small intestine, although this is not well-documented.

In some cases, individuals with existing fungal overgrowth conditions may experience adverse effects or worsening symptoms when taking S. boulardii. If you suspect SIFO or have concerns about its potential interaction with S. boulardii, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Summary

Overall this is a very helpful supplement if you’re dealing with gastrointestinal discomfort regularly or are planning to travel to another country and want to protect your gut from pathogens you might encounter. Even just one tablet can have a lot of benefit and so you can use it as you need. It’s great value for money considered the suffering it can prevent and lack of other decent options. I highly recommend it.