Did you know that certain types of fungi may help heal our intestines? Fungi are often considered poisonous and detrimental to health, however, they have contributed significantly to human health, from penicillin for treating microbial infections to probiotic yeasts for restoring gut health.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a live probiotic yeast, a member of the fungus family, that is often used as a dietary supplement for various health conditions.
This non-pathogenic yeast is obtained from the skin of certain tropical fruits and is an integral part of naturopathic medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Gut dysbiosis or disruption of the normal gut flora makes the gut susceptible to damage by pathogenic organisms. Our microbiome plays a significant role in gut physiology and regulates the immune response. It also strengthens the intestinal barrier as well as optimizes the function of intestinal enzymes for the absorption of nutrients.
This yeast has therapeutic and preventive benefits concerning gastrointestinal conditions. It suppresses the growth of harmful organisms and prevents the translocation of microorganisms between different sites, hence, maintaining the gut microbiome and restoring the immune function. Researches suggest that Saccharomyces boulardii helps treat Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Saccharomyces boulardii stimulates the production of antibodies against bacterial toxins and has intrinsic enzymes to cleave and clear these toxins.
This tropical yeast suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, hence, improving symptoms of inflammatory gut disorders including Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
S. boulardii preparations are consumed in the form of capsules. Its intake is effective for the treatment of different forms of diarrhea and ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori infection. It is very safe to use, except for the fact that immunocompromised individuals are prone to adverse effects such as fungemia.
Here are two of my favorite supplements that contain this amazing yeast:

References:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/332.html#Description
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296087/