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Biofilm Busters You Need to Know About
Chronic infections have become increasingly challenging, and not just due to the antibiotic resistance problem. Bacteria have developed a sneaky way of protecting themselves and becoming impervious to treatment. The trick is a sticky coating that they can surround themselves with called biofilm. Bacteria clump together and the biofilm forms, surrounding the bacteria with a matrix of proteins and sugars designed to serve as a protective armor. Biofilms shield the bacteria from any substance that can destroy it, including antibiotics. Up to 80% of infections involve biofilms, which make for very persistent and difficult to treat infections that spread easily. Bacteria with biofilms have a 10 to 1,000 times greater resistance to antibiotic therapy. The protective coating allows bacteria to "hide" and multiply, which makes a person sicker with chronic, but unexplainable symptoms. But, not all biofilms are bad. They can also be present in healthy conditions, as they can serve as protection for good bacteria in our digestive tract and mucous membranes. Despite our scientific understanding of the biofilm phenomenon, there has yet to be a pharmaceutical drug created to successfully combat it. This is why integrative physicians have turned to natural agents to help break down the protective biofilm and expose bacteria to treatments. There are various botanicals that can help bust up biofilms and if they cause a strong die off reaction, such as achy joints, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms, it indicates that the biofilms were extremely progressed. In that case, take it slower and consider adding additional antimicrobial ingredients. If you're fighting a stubborn infection that just won't go away, suspect a biofilm problem. Try using herbs, such as rosemary, curcumin, goldenseal, oregano, and olive leaf, which are effective on lower grade biofilms. Black cumin, EDTA, and bismuth help get rid of moderate biofilms. You can take these supplements for a few weeks and up to a few months maximum. InterFase® and InterFase® Plus also fight against biofilms. These gastrointestinal anti-biofilm enzyme formulations should be used under the direction of an appropriately-trained healthcare professional. InterFase® is a potent enzyme formulation specifically-designed to disrupt gastrointestinal biofilm communities. Although a normal survival mechanism for commensal bacteria, undesirable organisms may become entrenched in biofilm; and therefore, unresponsive to conventional and natural remedies, including probiotics. InterFase® enzymes have been selected for their ability to lyse foundational extracellular polymers as well as degrade bacterial and yeast cell walls. The addition of disodium ethylenendiaminetetraactic acid (EDTA) in InterFase® Plus delivers more aggressive anti-biofilm action by binding metals needed for biofilm formation. InterFase® and InterFase® Plus are formulated to be employed as part of a comprehensive program to support GI health by modifying undesirable gut biofilm. The products are designed to be used in conjunction with botanicals, supplements, and/or conventional treatments. Also, changes in diet are usually necessary and the use of probiotics is strongly advised. As part of a comprehensive program, they should always be used under the direction of an appropriately trained healthcare professional. InterFase® Plus is not intended for long-term daily use. It is also contraindicated in individuals under the age of 18-years-old, pregnant or nursing mothers, individuals with liver or kidney conditions, or other conditions as indicated by the dispensing healthcare professional. |
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