What are Candida Biofilms?

Have you ever taken an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection, acne, bacterial infection or some other reason? Did you know that just by taking one antibiotic in your lifetime, you can disrupt the balance of your gut flora? There is now research that connects the relationship of our gut flora with our mental health. One of the things that happens when you take an antibiotic, even a “natural” one like oil of oregano, is that it you kill not only the bad bacteria that you are trying to eradicate, but the good bacteria or probiotics as well. What tends to come back first after taking an antibiotic is an organism called Candida, which is commonly referred to as an opportunistic organism. Basically, when the terrain of the body is right, Candida sets up shop in you, the host. This is why it is common to get a yeast or Candida infection after you take an antibiotic. Other common health challenges that can result from taking too many antibiotics are constipation or diarrhea, indigestion, nausea and cramping. To see if Candida is playing a role in your health concerns, please complete the Candida questionnaire.

One of the reasons Candida can be difficult to get rid of is because of they create a biofilm. Biofilms are structural microbial complexes formed naturally by many bacteria and fungi. Treatment of conditions such as UTIs, ear infections, and Candida albicans overgrowth becomes difficult once biofilms have formed and attached to a surface. A biofilm matrix acts to protect the structure of a microorganism. Acting like a shield against invaders – it creates problems for us by increasing the durability and resistance of unwanted fungus. Candida albicans causes one of the most common fungal biofilms, and it is extremely difficult to treat once established. With a longstanding Candida overgrowth, there is plenty of time for biofilms to develop in your gut and they may be very resistant and reproductive complexes.

What is an important factor in growing and reproducing biofilms? Sugar! Biofilms are comprised of 32% glucose – stopping sugar intake can help reduce biofilm creation.

 How can Candida biofilms be treated once formed? Using enzymes to attack the biofilm structure – we can get past the security guard (attached matrix) to allow for degradation. Speaking with a naturopathic doctor about enzyme formulas that targets the cell wall. This helps to remove attached biofilms allowing us to release and break down the harboring yeast and micro-organisms. Detachment and removal of harmful Candida biofilm structure is crucial to maintain gut health and establishing a re-population of healthy gut flora. Therapeutic modalities aimed at destroying Candida biofilm structures hold the greatest promise for improving treatment responses in people with recurring candida overgrowth and other fungus-related disease.