Biofilms, What the heck are they?
Our microbiome harbors many different species. Ideally a balanced and healthy microbiome will be robust in beneficial bacteria. The “good guys” will keep the “bad guys” in check. Unfortunately, many people are hypochlorhydric, meaning they do not have enough stomach acid. Hypochlorhydria can transpire from vitamin deficiencies particularly zinc and B vitamins, stress, H. Pylori infection, not consuming enough protein, and excess alcohol consumption. This drastically affects the gastric phase of digestion causing dysfunction. Not having efficient stomach acid can allow parasites to slip through to the small intestine, as well as undigested food which will feed harmful bacteria contributing to dysbiosis.
The dysbiotic species such as parasites, fungi, and pathogenic bacteria have their own way of protecting themselves from our immune cells and even antimicrobials. They are capable of this because after they adhere to the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract, they begin to excrete a slimy glue-like substance known as an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). This consists of sugars, proteins, and nucleic acids, such as DNA. This is called biofilm. When you think of parasites or any other pathogens in the gut, think biofilm!
Biofilms are foreign material magnets. Their glue-like texture can stick to all kinds of foreign material such as heavy metals, plastics, soil particles, medical implant materials, and biological tissues. It can also sequester nutrients, especially minerals. The proliferation of dysbiotic bacteria can be detrimental to the gut microbiome and our overall health but when we factor in the biofilm housing this harmful bacteria, it takes it to a whole other level.
Although biofilm can be formed around a single bacteria species, it is more common to consist of many species of bacteria, as well as fungi, algae, protozoa, debris, and corrosion products. Over time, more and more layers of biofilm build up, producing a bulbous, which protects a whole community of microorganisms making them impervious to eradication agents. Biofilms can also cause parasites to not show up on stool tests and blood work.
Biofilms must be addressed with a biofilm disruptor in cases of dysbiotic bacterial overgrowth, parasitic infections, and fungal overgrowth. This increases the effectiveness of the antimicrobials being used because it will get directly to the pathogen. Without the use of a biofilm disruptor, the biofilm will protect the pathogen from the antimicrobial. It’s important to note that these microorganisms are smart and know how to survive. They have their own way of communicating with each other within the biofilm via quorum sensing.
This whole process can go really bad if certain steps aren’t done at the right time. There are certain steps that need to happen before we even attempt to break through those heavy metal magnets like opening drainage pathways. Choosing a practitioner that is well versed in eradicating harmful microorganisms is imperative.