Usually, we think “yeast” and imagine baking bread, but we usually don’t think of “probiotics.” Of course, it should come as no surprise that probiotics are an important part of your health. All you have to do is walk past the yogurt section and the word is on every label.
Probiotics are the good bacteria, the same strains that are living in your gut, and they help to defend against everyday toxins. There is also a type of yeast that provides similar digestive support and is a microorganism you should get to know.
The Yeast That Supports Your Gut
S. boulardii (Saccharomyces boulardii) is categorized as a probiotic but is actually a form of yeast. Unlike most of the yeasts we come across, this one helps to support your health.
S. boulardii acts in beneficial ways within your body, working in conjunction with probiotics to support your health. This yeast is a type of fungus that functions like a probiotic, and it has been used for a long time for gut and digestive health support.
By helping to support digestive function and promoting intestinal health, S. boulardii is a key player in overall health. The maintenance of a healthy gut lining is important to immune system function, and this yeast definitely has a key role.
There are several ways in which S. boulardii works to promote optimal health.
♦ Luminal action: S. boulardii has the ability to influence the actions of everyday toxins that enter the gut, so they cannot affect healthy cells. It is also able to interact with your microbiota and immune cells to promote healthy immune responses and support short-chain fatty acid levels.
♦ Trophic action: S. boulardii supports the metabolic activity of your mucosa which in turn increases production and release of polyamines, which stimulate the enzymes in your colon, to promote proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and support intestinal wall health. S. boulardii also supports microbiome diversity, which in turn supports immune cell activity.
What S. boulardii Does for You
S. boulardii is now easily found in supplements to support digestive health. Working in similar ways to probiotics, this yeast helps promote gut health and helps to reduce occasional indigestion particularly after eating.
When combined with essential digestive enzymes, S. boulardii can aid digestion and nourish gut health. As a probiotic, it helps to protect the gut from everyday toxins while also promoting production of endogenous enzymes, thereby aiding innate digestion and alleviating common gas and bloating.
As part of a regular digestive health routine, S. boulardii can help to promote the health of your natural gut microbiome. By optimizing the use of short-chain fatty acids, it can promote growth of healthy and helpful gut bacteria. The more diverse this gut flora is, the better able your body can defend against everyday toxins and environmental threats.
By supporting gut health and microbiome diversity, S. boulardii supports healthy immune system responses. The gut is the center of immune system strength and the presence of S. boulardii, helps to crowd out unhelpful bacteria, to support gut lining health and reduce occasional oxidative stress and common digestive issues.
The Bottom Line
More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of probiotics and high-quality supplements containing S. boulardii are an effective way to provide your digestive system with essential enzymes and probiotic support that it needs. Daily Saccharomyces boulardii as part of a healthy digestive routine that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise, is a great way to promote optimal digestive and overall health.
