What Can Biofilm Do to Your Health?

Biofilm formation occurs when microorganisms attach themselves to a surface and create a colony. Biofilms are structures created by microorganisms such as parasites, candida, and unhealthy bacteria for protection. They are a sticky film that covers the microorganisms, which prevents the immune system from penetrating through the structure and eliminating them. A biofilm is like a barrier against the immune system and antibiotics, antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Biofilms are often found in candida infection, parasite overload, Lyme disease, and much more. Once pathogens colonize and begin to form biofilm, they become harder to detect and destroy; especially the longer they present. Not only do biofilms shield the pathogen from your immune system, but they also accelerate the growth and distribution of pathogens throughout the GI tract and provide an environment for new pathogens to attach and multiply. Because biofilms protect the bacteria, they are often more resistant to traditional antibiotic and antimicrobial treatments, making them a serious health risk. Some studies suggested that overuse of antibiotics can induce biofilm formation. Most people with chronic sinus infections have a bacterial biofilm in their nasal passages. The most common biofilm is the plaque in your teeth. Did you know that catheters have a surface that is conducive for biofilms to form? There are more than one million reported cases of catheter-associated urinary tract infections each year, many of which are related to biofilm-associated bacteria.

Some natural biofilm disruptors include the following:

• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Berberine
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Activated Charcoal
• Cranberry
• Propolis
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Black seed oil
• Neem
• Andrographis
• Boswellia
• Rosemary
• Cloves
• Eucalyptus

Other biofilm disruptors include NAC, quercetin, colloidal silver, zeolite, manganese, zinc, Ozone therapy, etc. Monolaurin in coconut oil shows promising antimicrobial activity and it can be a potential biofilm treatment. Published research suggests one of the most impressive potential health benefits of curcumin is acting as a biofilm buster against the formation of biofilms that can lead to serious diseases. Some enzymes help break down biofilm too, such as Trypsin, Serratiopeptidase, and Nattokinase.

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid and its ionically charged form is known as butyrate. It plays a vital role in the breakdown of biofilms. Your gut beneficial bacteria produce butyric acid from fiber, therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy and fiber-rich diet to boost healthy bacteria and butyrate levels in your gut. The production of butyrate by healthy gut bacteria is just one incredible mechanism your body develops to protect itself. Phosphatidylcholine also plays a role in the elimination of biofilms. It can interact with biofilm structures, disrupting the integrity of the biofilm and detaching the film from the pathogens that hide in it. Both butyrate and phosphatidylcholine can regulate biofilm signaling and gene expression, which can disrupt biofilms on a genetic level, interrupt communication pathways, and eliminate the formation of biofilms in the first place.

A dietary approach is always the first defense when it comes to your gut health and immunity.

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