Key Message: Biofilms are common and can cause chronic infections
Action Point: There are holistic steps you can take to treat and eliminate the issue of chronic biofilm as antibiotics are ineffective
If you have ever had any recurrent infections such as chronic ear infections, chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, lung infections or chronic fatigue that just won’t go away even with multiple courses of antibiotics, then biofilm may be the cause. But biofilms are not only limited to chronic infections. They can also cause more severe diseases such as autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease and kidney stones.
The issue of biofilm is regularly overlooked when treating chronic illness, yet it affects millions of people in the developed world each year. Recently it has been gaining more attention among scientists, microbiologists and medical professionals.
But what exactly are biofilms? They are complex communities of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae that live together and adapt to various environment conditions. It was once thought that they existed as individual cells, however it is now known that they start off with a few microbes forming a thin layer of slime and eventually form complex colonies, which develop into communities of millions of microbes. They can be found all over the environment and are often found on surfaces that are wet and exposed to moisture. For example the slime on top of ponds and even the plaque on your teeth is biofilm.
It seems that people with lower immune systems are more susceptible to biofilm infections as they tend to form with greater ease in such individuals. In the 19th century, a French scientist, Antonine Bechamp suggested, “it is the internal terrain/ environment of the individual which determines our susceptibility to disease”. This is a huge naturopathic philosophy as well!
These days, there are many factors that weaken our internal environment including a less than ideal lifestyle mixed with day-to-day toxicities that cause persistent chronic infections. It has been shown that the use of antibiotics is ineffective to destroy biofilms.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Southern California and the Oak Crest Institute of Science demonstrate how bacterial biofilms can actually thrive, rather than decrease when given low doses of antibiotics.
The research shows that “once the biofilm forms, it becomes stronger with each treatment of antibiotics” said Paul Webster, PhD, lead author, senior staff scientist at USC and senior faculty at the Oak Crest Institute of Science.
Effective treatment of biofilms therefore requires a more integrative and holistic approach with the use of herbs, specific enzymes, select vitamins and other natural agents. A healthy diet is also essential and sugar should be eliminated as it supports the formation of biofilms.
Treating and eliminating the issue of chronic biofilm is a complex process, however there are some simple things you can do to assist and maintain a healthy internal environment.
These include:
- Evaluate your diet and lifestyle and address any chronic stress and toxic thoughts through mindfulness – based practices
- Choose organic, whole foods and avoid processed foods and beverages
- Take a more raw food approach to preserve the integrity of natural enzymes found in food
- Incorporate green drinks in your daily routine
By taking a more holistic and multi-faceted approach to healing, you can free yourself from those chronic infections that affect your quality of life.
References:
- Zhihong, Oon, ND (2012) “Chronic Infections? Check your biofilm.” Health Action Network Society (HANS). Accessed online 4th September 2015.
http://www.hans.org/blog/post/chronic-infections-check-your-biofilm - Webster, P, Phd (2014) “Link between antibiotics, bacterial biofilms and chronic infections found.” Science Daily. Accessed online 4th September 2015.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140710101531.htm
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Written by: Sandra Di Giacomo |
