Understanding Biofilms: The Hidden Impact on Health

Most people have probably never heard of biofilms. A simple way to explain this is dental plaque, the plaque that forms on our teeth. We all know that dental plaque can cause cavities. Still, biofilms can form on medical implants used in the body, too. These biofilms can also develop in your intestines. They can form pretty much anywhere else in your body as well. Biofilms can cause infections that are hard to treat, specifically knee, hip, and other joint replacements. They can even develop on catheters and other tube medical devices put into the body. (1) (2)

WHAT EXACTLY ARE BIOFILMS?

Biofilms are a slimy concrete like substance that is not all harmful. They can provide a stable colony of organisms in your microbiome. These organisms can prevent harmful pathogenic colonies from taking over your gut. Your skin even has a biofilm on it. (3)

The problem is when these biofilms start to harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens. These biofilms act as a protection mechanism for harmful pathogens. They allow these pathogens to survive and thrive. The pathogens are protected from your body’s immune system and even medication that may be trying to kill them off. This means they can grow wild and use your body as a host. Your body will fight these pathogens, but it won’t manage to because of the protection of the biofilms. There are numerous health conditions that can occur because of this imbalance. Cancer could be one such issue.. (4)

SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL

There is still more work to be done on understanding how these biofilms are affecting human health. In the meantime, we need to do something to help ourselves out. According to sources, certain enzymes can degrade the matrix structure of the biofilms like plant based Protease enzymes. Also NAC (N-acetyl-L- cysteine) which is an amino acid. Both of these are known to be biofilm busters!

If you have systemic candida overgrowth, you may also have biofilms protecting them. This is sometimes why some antifungal medications are not effective in treating candida overgrowth.(1)(2)

The list below includes some more plant-based enzymes and supplements. These can help degrade biofilms. They may also help with decreasing candida overgrowth. Remember, candida is a normal part of our microbiome. It just needs to stay within a healthy balance.

1 – Monolaurin

2 – Caprylic Acid

3 – Protease

4- Cellulase

5- Hemicellulase

6-Bromelain

Do your research, including consulting with your healthcare provider, before you start taking any supplements. Keep in mind that some supplements may interfere with medications you are currently taking. There’s also the possibility that you may be allergic to the supplement. If you suspect that you may be dealing with a biofilm issue, discuss it with your doctor. They’ll help you determine whether or not any of these supplements are right for you.

Harmful biofilms can cause reoccurring infections, and medicine may not prevent these infections from happening again. If your doctor will not discuss these issues with you, it is probably time to consider a new option. You deserve someone who will listen to you. If this is the case, you may need to find a functional MD or a naturopathic doctor. Alternatively, you can search for a functional practitioner who will listen to your concerns.

The supplement that worked best for me was PureZyme from TransFormation. It is a high-quality gentle protease plant based enzyme. If you are interested in plant based enzymes, you can click HERE for quality enzymes. Use code MCCARTY25- to receive a 25% discount. When you go to the TransFormation website, you can find out even more information about enzyme therapy. I wish you the best of health!(3)