Biofilm Disruptors- Here Are My 5 Best Biofilm Disruptors
by Dr Hagmeyer
Looking for some of the best biofilm disruptors to add into your SIBO or SIFO protocol? Todays article covers just this topic. Biofilms are protective matrices created by bacteria and yeast, and they can be a significant challenge when treating infections/overgrowth caused by Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) caused by yeast.
If you watched my past videos on “Why Most SIBO Treatments Fail Part I or “Why Most SIBO Treatments Fail Part II”, I talked about the importance of incorporating Biofilm disruptors into your treatment protocol.
What Is a Biofilm Disruptor
Biofilm disruptors help break down these protective layers, making bacteria more susceptible to antimicrobial treatments and more susceptive to our own immune system. In today’s article is going to cover some of the best biofilm disruptors and a few common mistakes people make when it comes to using them.
5 Biofilm Disruptors Worth Considering
#1. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-Acetylcysteine is a powerful antioxidant that can help break down the mucus in biofilms. It’s commonly used in various protocols to enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is a form of the amino acid l-cysteine and acts as a powerful free radical scavenger.* It is a precursor to and supports tissue levels of glutathione (GSH), the principle defense within the body against reactive oxygen species (ROS). NAC has also been shown to support healthy lung function through its mucolytic capability.*
NAC is a type of amino acid called l-cysteine. This supplement works as a very powerful free radical. Free radicals like this work in the body to remove toxins and other components within the body that can lead to illness and disease.
NAC works as a preventative tool and supports tissue levels of glutathione (known as GSH) as a way of defending the body from reactive oxygen species (known as ROS). It also works to protect the body from detoxification from drugs, compounds of all types including metabolites. NAC can specifically help to support healthy lung function.
NAC provides 600 mg tablets of this high quality nutrient necessary for overall body health and detoxification.
You can learn more about NAC and biofilm disruptors here
#2. Serrapeptase
Serrapeptase HP™ is a powerful systemic enzyme which supports Gut, Respiratory and Sinus health.* This formula is enteric-coated to survive the acidic conditions of the stomach, promoting optimal absorption.*
Serrapeptase limits the ability of biofilm to form. Other studies have shown that, when used together with antibiotics, serrapeptase can be very effective, especially against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.(*)
Serrapeptase – also known as serrapeptidase, serratiopeptidase and serratia peptidase – is a powerful proteolytic enzyme derived from a species of bacteria originally found in the intestine of silkworms. The bacterium, Serratia marcescens, produces the enzyme serrapeptase to enable the silkworm to dissolve its silken cocoon and emerge as a moth after metamorphosis.
You can learn more about Serrapeptase here
#3. InterFase Plus with EDTA
This is a combination supplement specifically designed to break down biofilms. But it also includes enzymes and EDTA (a chelating agent. Biofilms are heavily reliant on metal ions like calcium magnesium iron and zinc (for stability and structural integrity. These metal ions play crucial roles in maintaining the stability of the EPS matrix.
The presence of calcium, iron, and magnesium is essential for biofilm creation and serves to cross-link the anionic regions for polymers. InterFase Plus® with EDTA includes ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) which binds the metals needed for biofilm formation. Microorganisms residing within biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobials including antibiotics and bacteriocins produced by probiotics.
InterFase Plus® is a unique enzyme formulation with EDTA that is especially designed to disrupt the biofilm matrix that embeds potential gastrointestinal pathogens.
Enzymes in InterFase Plus® with EDTA are selected for their ability to lyse the extracellular polymers commonly found in biofilm as well as degrade bacterial and yeast cell wall structures.
#4. Lauricidin (Monolaurin)
Monolaurin is a compound derived from lauric acid (found in coconut oil) and has antimicrobial properties. Monolaurin’s lipophilic (or fat-loving) nature allows it to integrate into the lipid bilayers of microbial cell membranes This makes it harder for microbes to adhere and stick to surfaces and develop the biofilm in the first place.
Pathogen Defense provides broad spectrum immune support with a combination of natural herbs to inhibit the overgrowth and infectious potential of various pathogens.* Pathogen Defense naturally combats increased viral activity, abnormal bacterial colonization and activation of yeast overgrowth commonly affecting patients with neuro-immune syndromes.
#5. Biocidin
Biocidin Is another great biofilm disruptor. It comes in both Liquid and Capsule. I will often use and recommend the Biocidin liquid First as I can manage the dose a bit easier with drops. But either is great.
Biocidin has a mix of natural herbs- things like Bilberry fruit extract, Grape seed extract, Shiitake mushroom extract‡, Goldenseal root‡, So those are some of my go-to biofilm disruptors There are a few other things you should know when it comes to using Biofilm disruptors.
Learn more about Biocidin and its biofilm disrupting properties here
How Do I Know If I Need A Biofilm Disruptor
If you are someone who feels better when taking Antibiotics or antimicrobials, but your symptoms come back a few weeks or a few months after you discontinued treatment. – there is a high probability you are dealing with either bacterial or yeast biofilms. So lets get into some of my favorite biofilm disruptors.
Four Tips When Using Biofilm Disruptors.
- Timing: It’s usually recommended to take biofilm disruptors away from meals and alongside your antimicrobial treatment for optimal results.
- Dosage: Always start with a lower dose to gauge tolerance and effectiveness. Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider for the appropriate dosing.
- Hydration: Be sure to stay well-hydrated, as breaking down biofilms can release toxins and inflammatory compounds into the system, and staying hydrated helps flush these out.
- Avoidance of Ca, Zn, Iron and magnesium within 3 hours of taking a biofilm disruptor. Remember biofilms use ca, zn, Iron, and magnesium to reinforce their protective matrix. So avoid taking these supplements when you take your biofilm disruptor.
Combining biofilm disruptors with a comprehensive SIBO treatment strategy, which may include dietary modifications, probiotics, and antimicrobial agents, is key to effectively managing the condition.