Yeast Against Diarrhea: Whether and How it Really Helps

Not every yeast helps against diarrhea

For yeast to help with diarrhea, it depends on what yeast you use.

• Fresh yeast and regular dry yeast will not help. Medicinal yeast, on the other hand, is an effective remedy for diarrhea. This yeast is also known as brewer’s yeast.
• Medicinal yeast is Saccharomyces boulardii, a special yeast strain of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae family.
• In the freeze-dried state, neither stomach acid nor bile nor antibiotics can harm this yeast strain. The yeast roams the entire digestive tract alive.
• Diarrhea is often triggered by so-called enterotoxins. These are toxins produced by microorganisms. These toxins develop a damaging effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Yeast is able to render these toxins harmless. In addition, medical yeast binds harmful bacteria in the intestines so that they can no longer cause diarrhea. At the same time, the yeast ensures that the bacteria die off.
• Another positive effect of yeast is that it stimulates the immune system to form certain antibodies, the so-called immunoglobulin A. These immunoglobulins prevent bacteria from settling in the intestinal wall.
• The effectiveness of medical aid has been proven in several clinical studies, such as a 2012 study from the USA. The therapy is particularly successful for diarrhea in children, as an article from 1996 in the medical journal describes.

Use of brewer’s yeast in diarrhea

Brewer’s yeast is commercially available in various forms.

• In the case of diarrhea, brewer’s yeast is usually taken in capsule form.
• Incidentally, medicinal yeast is not only used to treat diarrhea, but also to prevent it – for example in antibiotic therapy.
• Brewer’s yeast can do even more: the agent ensures clear skin. For this reason, brewer’s yeast is also available as a dietary supplement. It helps fight pimples and acne.