Biofilms – the blocks to getting better

Disclaimer:

The content and Information from Les Berenson MD and LesBerensonMD.com is for informational purposes only , and is no way intended for medical advice or as a substitute for medical counseling, or as treatment, cure, for any disease or health condition. Nor can it be construed as such as that would be illegal. Always work with a qualified health professional, before making any changes to your diet, supplement use, prescription drug use, lifestyle or exercise activities, about possible adverse interactions between medication you are currently taking and nutritional supplements. Each person is different, and the way you react to a particular product may be significantly different from the way other people react to a supplement or modality. Please understand you assume all risks from the use, non use or misuse of this information

***********************************************

Biofilms :

BIOFILMS: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM THE RESEARCH? –
by Paul S. Anderson, NMD

From Dr. Michael Ruscio page above :

What is a biofilm?

  • A protective fence formed by microorganisms
    • Can be normal or pathological
  • They occur in most natural environments where there is moisture including the human body and in oceans
  • In humans mostly in digestive and respiratory tract

Why are biofilms important clinically?

  • They can also make certain infections harder to treat or clear
  • Bad biofilms can become progressively strong in different phases as illness progresses
  • There is a spectrum of how “bad” they become so what you do to prevent or treat biofilms has to be on a spectrum as well

Symptoms that indicate a biofilm might be present

  • Known, lab-verified, pathogen that you have been unable to clear
  • Those who have been sick for more than one year
  • Those with no digestive labs findings but with many symptoms, may want to perform trial with biofilm

Types of infections that are more commonly associated with biofilm

  • There is still much to be learned here, but there are some
  • H. pylori.
  • Pseudomonas – which can cause lung infections like pneumonia
  • Gram negative bugs of the gut – like e. coli,
  • SIBO appears to to be associated with biofilm
  • Likely Lyme and Lyme co-infections may
  • Blastocystis hominis may
  • Candida (may be associated with biofilm, more research is needed)

Testing for biofilm

  • No good testing options are available currently. Fry Laboratories has some offerings

Treating biofilms, big picture notes

  • Sometimes all that is needed to clear an infection and/or biofilm is simply retreatment without specific biofilm agents
  • Start with gut, usually via oral dosing
  • Then consider IV or nasal spray dosing for respiratory biofilm.
  • Oral often better than IV according to Dr. Anderson

Dietary treatment

  • Many traditional diets contain anti-biofilms agents
  • Spices and herbs; curcumin, oregano, rosemary, garlic, coconut, etc…
  • Start with lighter agents and then progress

Natural treatment of biofilm

  • Lighter: many herbals like oregano, thyme, rosemary, volatile spices, curcumin, capsaicin, olive leaf.
  • Medium-heavy:

Prescription treatment of biofilm

  • Medium-Heavy:
    • Rx bis-thiol: BioSolve, made by compounding pharmacy
    • Do not use long term – weeks to months, then scale back to natural agents above, then wean off completely
  • Heavy: Drug is currently being developed.
    • Note: Bismuth + DMPS/or sulfur compound = bis-thiols.

How to know a treatment is working or not working

  • Very strong die-off may indicate a progressed biofilm issue is present. You may need to scale back slightly and / or use additional agents that kill bacteria and fungus.
  • How to distinguish intolerance reaction versus die off reaction
    • Flushing, rashes, itchiness, and/or headaches suggest intolerance reaction. Reactions usually more mild.
    • Achy joints, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, irritability suggest die-off. Reactions are usually strong.
    • Starting agents one at a time can help to pinpoint reaction
  • Usually one will improve by 1-6 weeks. 8-12 weeks with no change indicates the approach is not working.

Other tips/tricks

  • Adrenal support during treatment may be helpful also
  • Make sure you are eating a healthy diet
  • Remember not to treat biofilms forever and to work toward reducing treatment over time. 3 months for most.

Where to find out more