Saccharomyces Boulardii (SB)

Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) belongs to a group of supplements referred to as ‘probiotics’ because it helps maintain a normal balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines.  Other popular probiotics include Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in yogurt. It is basically a yeast. It is currently being sold in supplement form and being widely used in Europe for preventing and treating digestive disorders and other illnesses.  It is specifically used in treating diarrhea that is associated with antibiotic use and the ingestion of strange foods while traveling.  It is also recommended for diarrhea related to inflammatory bowel condition that is known as Crohn’s disease.

Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is also considered effective in treating Candida overgrowth syndrome (COS).  The theory behind COS is that the huge number of the yeast Candida albicans attach to the wall of the intestines thereby producing powerful toxins that are consequently absorbed into the bloodstream.  The symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, depression and persistent vaginal yeast infections.  According to three theories, saccharomyces boulardii (SB) works because of the following reasons: first, saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is more efficient than candida and other unwanted organisms when competing for space in the intestines.  Another reason is that saccharomyces boulardii (SB) interferes with the binding of Candida and other infectious organisms to cells in the intestines.  Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is also believed to increase the amount of immune proteins that combats intestinal invaders.

The recommended and standard dosage of saccharomyces boulardii (SB) for Candida overgrowth syndrome (COS) is 500 mg twice daily between meals.  The supplement is sometimes prescribed together with antibiotics to be able to maintain healthy balance o friendly and nonfriendly organisms in the intestines.  Some of the antibiotics used include clindamycin and amoxicillin. 

There are some antifungal medications that may not only fight the offending fungus but include saccharomyces boulardii (SB) too.  Consult your doctor and enumerate all the pills that you are taking including the saccharomyces boulardii (SB) dietary supplement.  Alcohol can cause saccharomyces boulardii (SB) to lose activity.  So better take nonalcoholic beverages while taking using this supplement.  There are minimal adverse reactions that are connected with saccharomyces boulardii (SB).  People who develop allergic reactions to yeast should avoid it as itching and facial swelling could result.

To treat Candida Overgrowth Syndrome, take 250 mg twice daily.  The medicinal dose of
saccharomyces boulardii (SB) varies depending on the condition you are using the herbal medicine for.  The dose usually ranges 250 to 1000 mg a day.  Starting dose of severe diarrhea of unknown cause is at least three times as much or 3000 mg per day.  You can gradually lower your dose until you find the lowest dose that works for you.  In a study conducted in Seattle, if saccharomyces boulardii (SB) works after two weeks, you can reduce the dose to 2000 mg a day.  If the medicine still works, after two or more weeks, the dose is lowered another 1000 mg.  Then continue to lower this until you find the lowest effective maintenance dose that works for you.