How To Get Rid of Biofilm in Your Gut

You tried all the recommended diet changes and supplements, yet you still experience bloating, gas, and digestive issues. The reason for that may be due to stubborn biofilms. Biofilms are complex organizations of microbes that stick to your intestinal tract. A layer of thick, sticky material protects these microbes from your immune system. If you want to know how to get rid of biofilm to maximize immunity and support overall health, you are in the right place.

Several factors contribute to biofilm production. Since gut health is directly related to immunity, mood, and cognitive health, it is crucial to reduce biofilms as much as possible. Studies show biofilms correlate with autoimmune conditions such as irritable bowel disease. They even contribute to colorectal cancer (1). Dr. Vincent Pedre delves further into this on my podcast.

Using a biofilm disruptor can help. If you have never heard of these, you may be wondering, are biofilm disruptors safe? In this article, I am going to go over how biofilm disruptors work. I will also show you what to look for when choosing the right supplements.  

What Is a Biofilm?

Think of a biofilm as a tiny city. You find biofilm in nature when you see pond scum. Another example of a biofilm is brushing your teeth to get rid of dental plaque. You can also develop biofilms in your gut. 

Yeast, fungi, and other microbes are the residents that stick together or to the mucosal lining. As they gather together, they change from a “planktonic “ state to a “biofilm” state, which provides strength and makes it difficult to get rid of them (2). 

Eventually, the biofilm creates extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This matrix contains proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids that create a protective slime. These EPS helps protect them against your immune cells and acts as a fuel reservoir. Biofilms also share genetic material, creating a robust and resistant community against those who might try to break them apart (3). 

When many people think of gut health, they often think of leaky gut. I get it since it is such a hot topic. However, biofilms often cause recurring yeast overgrowth, SIBO, and other chronic digestive issues. They are even found in patients with IBS or ulcerative colitis (4). Danielle Walker shares insight on her journey with ulcerative colitis in this podcast episode. 

Why Is It Important to Break Down Biofilms?

You may have tried everything to address candida, SIBO, or other chronic gut conditions. You may have added more oregano or coconut oil to fight candida overgrowth or changed your diet to eliminate sugar intake. While I recommend this for everyone anyway, it is not enough to target the microorganisms that are triggering your symptoms. 

That is because these microbes are well protected by a thick, sticky matrix. This matrix uses elements designed to anchor yeast, fungi, bacteria, and other microbes to your intestinal wall. It is incredibly challenging to get rid of and leads to chronic infections. Take bacterial infections, for example. When harmful bacteria have a biofilm protecting them, the antibiotics cannot reach them. This is often where antibiotic resistance comes into play. We are seeing more and more people developing antimicrobial resistance, and biofilms undoubtedly play a role (5).

Biofilms can also disrupt your microbiome and weaken your immune system, contributing to chronic inflammation and infections. When your immune cells cannot eliminate these microbe colonies, it triggers an inflammatory response. Emerging research shows a new category of illness, known as biofilm infections, is becoming more common (6). Learn more about all the ways inflammation is plaguing our society on this podcast episode with Dr. Will Cole. 

By dissolving the stubborn protective layer, the probiotics and your immune cells can effectively do their job, reducing your risk for chronic biofilm infections. AMMD’s Biofilm Disruptor is a powerful weapon in the fight against stubborn biofilms. 

How to Get Rid of Biofilms Naturally

We know that conventional antibiotics are ineffective against biofilms. That said, what can you do to get rid of biofilms naturally? Thankfully, several natural compounds can effectively disrupt biofilms. I recommend combining enzymes and natural antimicrobial agents to break down the biofilm matrix and expose the microbe colonies beneath. 

AMMD’s Biofilm Disruptor uses a potent blend of natural ingredients to break down biofilm layers, restoring balance to your gut. For example, both the pomegranate and green tea extracts in this supplement contain bioactive compounds that inhibit biofilm growth (7). 

It also contains goldenseal and apple cider vinegar to further disrupt the structure of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Formulated for maximum efficacy, it also includes a blend of enzymes designed to interfere with biofilm construction. 

Are Biofilm Disruptors Safe?

If you have been experiencing chronic gut issues, you may be hesitant to add anything else to your diet. After all, some people feel worse after taking biofilm disruptors. However, that typically means it is working! When a biofilm disruptor breaks down the protective layer, it releases a lot of the yeast, bacteria, and fungi it was protecting. This can cause some people to feel unwell. 

Some biofilm disruptors may also come with added preservatives or ingredients. Some of these act as fillers and are completely unnecessary. AMMD’s Biofilm Disruptor is physician-formulated, third-party tested, and designed for safe use as part of a gut health support regimen.

Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Biofilm Formation

In addition to adding a biofilm disruptor, it is important to address gut health from a holistic perspective. Start by cleaning your diet. Eliminating dairy and gluten can help reduce irritation and inflammation. It also cuts off the food supply for candida yeast and starves small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). 

Stress and sleep are other factors to consider. Stress produces cortisol, which can send your body into fight-or-flight mode and slow down gut functions. When you are not getting enough sleep, your body does not have the time to repair. Sleeping also allows your brain to flush toxins through the glymphatic system. Aim to get between seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

Detoxing is another effective strategy for preventing biofilms from multiplying. AMMD’s Charcoal Binder Complete utilizes natural elements such as activated charcoal, fulvic acid, and zeolite to trap toxins and escort them from the body. As your body breaks down biofilms, it is important to be able to capture the bacteria, yeast, and fungi that emerge. 

Restore Gut Health with Biofilm Support

You may feel frustrated because you have tried everything you were recommended to do but still struggle with bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. Let me encourage you that you are not alone. Biofilms may be the reason you are not experiencing optimal gut health. This thick, slimy matrix acts as a protective barrier that keeps yeast, fungi, and bacteria safe. Unfortunately, biofilms can contribute to chronic inflammation, disease, and even cancer. 

There is hope, however. In addition to making diet and lifestyle changes, adding a Biofilm Disruptor can help break up stubborn biofilms. This allows your immune system to flush toxins more effectively. For added detoxification support, include a binder that features several natural detoxifying elements. AMMD’s Charcoal Binder Complete helps restore a healthy microbiome as it binds to biofilm toxins and removes them from the body. 

For more resources on gut health, listen to my podcast episode with Dr. Alessio Fasano, the man who discovered leaky gut.