Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a live yeast strain that is commonly used as a probiotic supplement. It is not an antibiotic, but rather a beneficial microorganism that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. The primary use of Saccharomyces boulardii is to alleviate gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Saccharomyces boulardii works by competing with harmful bacteria and yeast for space and nutrients in the gut, thereby preventing their overgrowth. It also produces substances that can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and promote a healthy gut environment. In addition, Saccharomyces boulardii has been shown to improve the function of the intestinal lining, which can help reduce the severity of GI symptoms.
This probiotic yeast strain is particularly effective in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a common side effect of antibiotic use that occurs when the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted. Saccharomyces boulardii has also been found to be beneficial in the management of Clostridium difficile infections, a severe form of diarrhea that can be difficult to treat.