Do you suffer from digestive issues, constant fatigue, or brain fog that just never seem to go away, no matter what you try? One little-known factor that may be causing persistent and difficult-to-treat infections is the presence of something called biofilm in your digestive tract. Dealing with biofilm may be the missing piece in successfully treating these chronic infections.
What are Biofilms?
You might think you live alone in your body, but that’s not the case. Apart from the healthy bacteria living in our digestive tracts, there are numerous disease-promoting microbes and parasites that can find their way in and cause various chronic problems. Common troublemakers include H. pylori, Candida and other fungal species, E. coli, dental plaque, and specific microbial and parasitic species.
These harmful organisms don’t live independently but instead form complex colonies in the body, embedded in a protective, sticky matrix known as a biofilm. Produced by the organisms themselves, the biofilm acts like armor, shielding bacteria and fungi from immune cells, herbal treatments, and even powerful medications. A sugar-lattice structure made from proteins, DNA, and other substances, including heavy metals, form the matrix. This structure creates tiny canals, much like city streets, allowing nutrients and messages to be communicated among the organisms.
Smart Microbe Communities
These colonies of microorganisms can change their genes to resist antibiotics. Protected by a biofilm, the organisms become far more resistant to antimicrobial therapies compared to free-living bacteria and fungi. Through chemical communication, these organisms can also sense their surroundings, often becoming more invasive as their host becomes more stressed. Certain species may cooperate with others for mutual survival, while others compete for available nutrients and space.
Biofilm communities do have natural roles, such as those found on rocks in creeks and stagnant ponds. The complex communities can even be used in innovative ways, such as filtering water and generating electricity. However, when harmful organisms form biofilm matrixes within the body, it becomes a reason for concern and the need for targeted treatment under expert guidance.
Addressing the Biofilm Issue
Simply using antimicrobial drugs or herbs may not successfully eradicate biofilm-based infections since they fail to plunge the biofilm matrix. As a result, some organisms can survive the treatment and develop resistance to medications, leaving the infection stubbornly chronic.
Some integrative health practitioners have developed protocols to treat biofilm-related infections. Advanced enzyme formulations are used to dissolve the biofilm matrix, typically given on an empty stomach before specific antimicrobial therapies – either pharmaceutical agents or botanicals. Probiotics are then given separately to help support digestive health and restore balance to the digestive system.
Mopping up by-products of biofilm break-up and microbial die-off may involve the use of safe chelating compounds. Materials like modified citrus pectin (MCP) and sodium alginates can help remove toxins from the intestines, lower inflammation, heal the digestive lining, and promote proper immune function. Heavy metal toxicity is often linked to biofilm formation and chronic infection, so using MCP becomes crucial for the success of these protocols.
Promising Success
By strategically using specific treatments to tackle the issue of biofilms, healthcare providers and patients have started winning against many persistent, debilitating infections. Biofilm treatment has yielded promising success, particularly when combined with other targeted nutrients and compounds to revive health and energy.
Chronic digestive tract infections can be a significant factor in complex disorders like autism spectrum disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. If you have been dealing with unexplainable symptoms for years, it may be time to look into biofilms as the culprit. Consult an experienced healthcare practitioner to find out how you can overcome these chronic infections and achieve better health.
