The biofilm in the intestine & its consequences

In the first part of our guide to biofilm, we explained what biofilm is, what it does in our body and what harmful inhabitants our gut harbors.

But parasites, viruses, fungi and bacteria are not the only problems caused by biofilm. In the long term, many health problems can arise.

Biofilm in the gut: long-term health problems

1) Chronic bacterial infections: 

Bacterial infections have always been a major threat to human health - despite advances in healthcare. Infections can occur at any stage of life, but are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. However, if there is a biofilm, it cannot work properly and the infection persists. According to one study, up to 80% of all bacterial infections can be linked to a biofilm. 

2) Multi-resistant germs:

Multi-resistant germs are particularly feared in hospitals, as they particularly attack immunocompromised patients, the elderly and patients with existing chronic illnesses. How does this happen? The bacteria settle on surfaces and equipment and form a biofilm there too. If you become infected, drugs such as antibiotics have little chance of counteracting the pathogens. Infections of this kind often lead to lengthy treatment and sometimes serious complications, including death.

3) Diseases of all kinds:

Disruption of the intestinal flora is associated with a variety of diseases. These include chronic inflammation, diabetes, obesity, intestinal diseases and depression. 

4) Nutrient deficiency:

Bacteria and the like also need nutrients to survive. To get these, they snatch them away from us and we have less available. Over time, we then lack the important nutrients.

5) Dry intestinal wall: 

The intestinal wall is lined with a moist mucous membrane. However, the biofilm does not allow moisture to pass through, which is why the intestinal lining dries out and inflammation occurs.

80% of all bacterial infections are associated with a biofilm!

How to remove biofilm

1) Reishi mushroom

Research shows that certain medicinal mushrooms, such as the reishi mushroom, are effective against biofilm and have an antibacterial effect. They help to prevent the typical bacteria from forming a connection and thus forming a biofilm with complex colony structures. 

2) Enzymes

Enzyme preparations (such as those containing α-amylase) are often used to specifically break down and dissolve the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, enzymes disrupt the communication between bacteria, parasites and co. and thus prevent the biofilm from building up again. 

3) Curcumin

One study examined flavonoids, including curcumin from the turmeric root. These have been shown to inhibit biofilm formation. Curcumin - the most active flavonoid - was found to have the greatest antibiofilm activity.

4) Phage therapy

To date, bacteriophages have mainly been used to combat multi-resistant germs. However, they are also used as an effective therapeutic strategy for removing biofilm cells. Unfortunately, phage therapy is not yet approved in our country.

Preventing biofilm in the gut now

Pro- and prebiotics are suitable for protecting and supporting the intestinal flora, as they contain valuable strains of microorganisms and fiber. The microflora is increased and strengthened. MSM can also be used for regular detoxification and parasite control 

Adapt your diet and avoid providing an environment for harmful bacteria. Have you heard of the alkaline diet? Probably no diet is better suited to a healthy life. Its aim is to reduce inflammation and avoid added sugar, convenience foods and bad fats. At the same time, more fruit, vegetables, fiber and good fats are consumed. This is particularly good for the good microorganisms in the gut.

Conclusion:

If we feel ill, we resort to medication and therapies. But what if this is useless because the harmful bacteria are hiding under a protective shield?

A biofilm has many health consequences and favors diseases. It is therefore important to break it down and eliminate the harmful bacteria, parasites and co. including toxins. There are several approaches that can be used to break down a biofilm and prevent a new build-up. 

Bring your intestinal flora back up to date and feel good again.

 

Sources (in English):

Karaca, B., Cihan, A. Ç., Akata, I. & Altuner, E. M. Anti-Biofilm and Antimicrobial Activities of Five Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi Samples on Some Biofilm Producing Multi Drug Resistant. Enterococcus Strains. Turkish Journal of Agriculture,Vol 8, No 1 (2020), doi: 10.24925/turjaf.v8i1.69-80.2723

Mishra, R., Panda A. K., De Mandal, S., Shakeel, M., Bisht S. S. & Khan, J (2020, October). Natural Anti-biofilm Agents: Strategies to Control Biofilm-Forming Pathogens. Front Microbiol. 2020; 11: 566325. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.566325

Hobley L, Harkins C, MacPhee CE, Stanley-Wall NR. Giving structure to the biofilm matrix: an overview of individual strategies and emerging common themes. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2015 Sep;39(5):649-69. doi: 10.1093/femsre/fuv015. Epub 2015 Apr 22. PMID: 25907113; PMCID: PMC4551309.

Jiang, Y., Geng, M., & Bai, L. (2020). Targeting Biofilms Therapy: Current Research Strategies and Development Hurdles. Microorganisms, 8(8), 1222. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8081222

Hall-Stoodley, L., & Stoodley, P. (2009). Evolving concepts in biofilm infections. Cellular microbiology, 11(7), 1034–1043. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1462-5822.2009.01323.x

Raorane, C. J., Lee, J.-H., Kim, Y.-G., Rajasekharan, S. K., Garcia-Contreras, R. & Lee, J. (2019, May). Antibiofilm and Antivirulence Efficacies of Flavonoids and Curcumin Against Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Microbiol. 2019; 10: 990. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00990

Kalpana, B. J., Aarthy, S. & Pandian, S. K. (2012, February). Antibiofilm activity of α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis S8-18 against biofilm forming human bacterial pathogens. Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 167(6):1778-94. doi: 10.1007/s12010-011-9526-2.

Kamaruzzaman, N. F., Li, P. T., Yazid, K. A. M., Saeed, S. I., Hamdan, R. H., Choong, S. S., Wong, W. K., Chivu, A. & Gibson, A. J. (2018, September). Targeting the Bacterial Protective Armour; Challenges and Novel Strategies in the Treatment of Microbial Biofilm. Materials (Basel) 2018 Sep; 11(9): 1705. doi: 10.3390/ma11091705