--- title: "Benefits of Saccromyces Boulardii for IBS" entity: "blog" canonical_url: "https://www.drdanwool.com/blog/saccromyces-boulardii" markdown_url: "https://www.drdanwool.com/llms/blog/saccromyces-boulardii" lastmod: "2025-03-26T07:00:00.000Z" --- Medically reviewed by [Dr. Dan Wool, NMD](https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdanwool/) Arizona-licensed Naturopathic Physician and Gastroenterology Specialist Updated: November 11, 2025 Summary: - What is IBS and Saccharomyces Boulardii? IBS causes chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (diarrhea IBS-D, constipation IBS-C, or mixed IBS-M) from gut-brain axis disruption and microbiome changes. Saccharomyces Boulardii is probiotic yeast subtype of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from lychee and mangosteen fruit surviving stomach acid to colonize gut treating diarrhea, bowel inflammation, and IBS symptoms. - Saccharomyces Boulardii Clinical Benefits: Studies show significantly reduced abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and gurgling in IBS patients. Improves gut barrier function reducing intestinal permeability and inflammation. Produces antimicrobial peptides inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. Stimulates immune system and provides long-lasting quality of life improvements. Synergizes with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria probiotics. CAUTION: Avoid with active Crohn's disease as ASCA antibodies may worsen symptoms. - Holistic IBS Treatment Approach: Traditional treatments include low FODMAP diet, increased fiber, antispasmodics, laxatives, antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and meditation. Combine Saccharomyces Boulardii with herbal remedies (ginger, peppermint oil, fennel), acupuncture regulating nervous system, dietary supplements (psyllium fiber, magnesium, omega-3s), regular exercise, stress management through yoga, adequate sleep, and gut-directed hypnotherapy apps like Nerva for comprehensive natural symptom management without medication side effects. ## What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and change in bowel habits, which can include diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or a mix of both (IBS-M). The medical profession still doesn’t understand the exact cause of IBS but it believes that it is a combination of factors. Disrupted communication between your gut and brain (aka the ‘gut-brain axis’), gastrointestinal motility issues, visceral hypersensitivity, and changes in the gut microbiome all play a role. IBS can significantly impact your quality of life, making you stressed and anxious which closes the vicious circle as it can further exacerbate symptoms [1]. ## What is Saccromyces Boulardii? ‘Saccharomyces Boulardii’ is a probiotic yeast and it is a subtype of ‘Saccharomyces cerevisiae’, commonly known as baker's or brewer's yeast. It was originally isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. Saccharomyces Boulardii can survive the acidic environment of the stomach and colonize the gut, spreading its beneficial effects. Due to its positive impact on the gut, the probiotic is used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea, inflammations of the bowel, and IBS. ## Traditional treatments for IBS Traditional treatments for [IBS](/ibs) often include dietary changes, medications, and stress management. Usually, your healthcare professionals will recommend that you modify your diet and follow a one low in FODMAP (i.e. avoid sugars that cause intestinal distress), increase your fiber intake, and avoid trigger foods. Medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, and antidepressants may also be prescribed to manage symptoms. As stress and anxiety can exacerbate and even cause IBS, certain techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help reduce symptom severity. ### Dietary Changes - Low FODMAP Diet: by reducing your intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, you significantly reduce the triggers for IBS symptoms. - Fiber: Increasing your [intake of soluble fiber](/blog/fiber) can improve gut health and manage symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea, look after the microbiome, and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. - Trigger Foods: It’s important to identify and avoid foods that trigger symptoms and this can be specific to every person. A healthcare professional can help you in this process. ### Medications - Antispasmodics: These medications can relieve abdominal pain and cramping. - Laxatives: Used to relieve [constipation](/constipation) in IBS-C. - Antidepressants: Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage pain and improve overall well-being. The latter is very important in stress management. A positive outlook helps avoid disturbances in the gut-brain axis and can be crucial in treating IBS in many patients. ### Stress Management - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT can help IBS sufferers manage stress and anxiety, which are often big culprits for exacerbating IBS symptoms. - Mindfulness & Relaxation: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can reduce stress and improve gut health. [Apps such as Nerva or other gut-directed hypnotherapy](https://drdanwool.com/blog/is-the-nerva-app-good-for-ibs-d)can be helpful for mindfulness. ## What do studies say about Saccharomyces Boulardii for IBS? Several studies have explored the effectiveness of Saccharomyces Boulardii for IBS. Below is a summary of the key findings: - Improvement in IBS Symptoms: A study published in the Journal of Biology and Today's World [2] found that Saccharomyces Boulardii significantly reduced symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, [diarrhea,](/ibs) and gurgling in IBS patients. - Gut Barrier Function: Saccharomyces Boulardii has been shown to improve gut barrier function [3] [4], which can help reduce intestinal permeability and inflammation. - Antimicrobial Properties: As a probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces Boulardii produces antimicrobial peptides that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. - Immune System Modulation: Saccharomyces Boulardii stimulates the immune system which helps the body fight off infections and reduce inflammation. - Long-Term Benefits: A review in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology reported that Saccharomyces Boulardii provides long-lasting benefits for IBS patients, improving their quality of life [5] ## Saccharomyces Boulardii vs Traditional Treatment Options for IBS Saccharomyces Boulardii offers a natural and effective alternative to traditional treatments for IBS. While traditional treatments focus on dietary changes, medications, and stress management, Saccharomyces Boulardii addresses the gut microbiota directly, promoting a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and enhancing gut health. ### Advantages of Saccharomyces Boulardii - Natural Approach: As a probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces Boulardii provides a natural way to manage IBS symptoms without the side effects that come with some medications. - [Gut Health](/gut-health): It helps restore and maintain a healthy microbiome ensuring overall digestive health. - Immune Support: Saccharomyces Boulardii boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and reduce inflammation. - Good clinical response with other probiotics: Saccharomyces Boulardii seems to synergize well with standard probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains. ### Limitations of Saccharomyces Boulardii - Individual Variability: Probiotics can have different effects on different people, and not everyone may experience significant improvements. - Supplement Quality: The quality and potency of probiotic supplements can vary, so it is important to choose a reputable brand. - Caution with IBD/Crohn's disease: Anti-Saccromyces Cervasiae Antibody (ASCA) is used in lab testing to differentiate between [Ulcerative Colitis](/ulcerative-colitis) and [Crohn's disease](/crohns). (Remember that Saccromyces Boulardii is a sub-strain of S. cervesiae). If someone is in an active Crohn's flare, taking Saccromyces Boulardii could exacerbate symptoms and increase, the presence and effect of anti-Saccromyces antibodies, potentially worsening symptoms and any damage. It is important to have your gastroenterologist or naturopathic specialist such as Dr. Dan Wool check for IBD prior to taking Saccromyces strains. ## Holistic Approach Naturopathy and Traditional Medicine Combining naturopathic treatments with traditional medicine can provide a comprehensive approach to [managing IBS holistically](/ibs). Here are some naturopathic treatments that can complement traditional therapies: - Probiotics such as Saccharomyces Boulardii can help improve gut health and reduce IBS symptoms. Studies have also shown that certain strains of probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, can be effective in managing IBS.[2]. - Herbal remedies can alleviate IBS symptoms. For example ginger helps with nausea and digestive discomfort, peppermint oil can reduce abdominal pain and bloating due to its antispasmodic properties, fennel relaxes the gastrointestinal muscles, and can help alleviate bloating and gas. - [Acupuncture](/blog/emotions) shows promising results in improving IBS symptoms as it regulates the nervous system and enhances gut motility. - Dietary supplements like fiber (e.g. psyllium), magnesium, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids are great for gut health and reducing inflammation not just for IBS patients but for other gastrointestinal conditions. - Lifestyle changes are always recommended as part of a holistic approach. Regular exercise, managing stress (yoga, meditation, mindfulness), and getting enough sleep can significantly improve IBS symptoms and contribute to your overall well-being. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Sacchromyces Boulardii ### 1. Can Saccharomyces Boulardii help with IBS? Yes. Saccharomyces Boulardii can help to reduce [IBS](/ibs) symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and flatulence by improving gut barrier function, producing antimicrobial peptides, and modulating immune response for long-lasting digestive relief. ### 2. Is Saccharomyces Boulardii better than traditional IBS medications? It's complementary, not replacement therapy. Saccharomyces Boulardii offers natural symptom management without medication side effects, directly addressing gut microbiota imbalance. Works well with standard probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. However, avoid during active Crohn's flares - consult a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor who is GI trained before combining with traditional treatments like antispasmodics or antidepressants. ### 3. Can I take Saccharomyces Boulardii if I have Crohn's disease? Use caution with inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibody (ASCA) tests differentiate ulcerative colitis from [Crohn's.](/crohns) Since Saccharomyces Boulardii is a sub-strain, taking it during active Crohn's flares may worsen symptoms and increase antibody reactions. Always have gastroenterologists or [naturopathic doctors](/about) check for IBD first. ## The Bottom Line on Sacchromyces Boulardii Saccharomyces Boulardii seems like a promising tool for managing [IBS](/ibs) symptoms, particularly when used in combination with traditional treatments. Its probiotic properties offer a natural approach to symptom management, addressing the gut microbiota and providing people with a great tool to self-manage their condition. While more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effectiveness, current studies suggest that Saccharomyces Boulardii can be a valuable addition to the treatment plan for individuals with IBS. As with any holistic treatment, it’s always best to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition so individuals can achieve better symptom control and improve their overall quality of life. About the Author ## Dr. Dan Wool, NMD Dr. Dan Wool is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in gastroenterology, hormones and men's health in Scottsdale, Arizona. [Set up a free 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Wool today! ](https://drdanwool.com/booking) [Read more about Dr. Wool's Gut Health Journey](/about) ## References: - [[1] Naturopathic Approaches to IBS, Crane Holmes, ND Graduate, National University of Natural Medicine, March 10, 2020, Posted by AANMC, Featured Articles, News, https://aanmc.org/featured-articles/naturopathic-approaches-to-ibs/](https://journals.lww.com/jcge/Citation/2011/09000/Treatment_of_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_With.19.aspx) - [[2] Study of the Effect of Probiotic Saccharomyces Boulardii on the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, J. Biol. Today's World.2014July;3(7): 152-156, Mohsen Akhondi-Meybodi, Masoud Rahimian, Hasan Salmanroghani, MohammadKazem Amirbeigy, Mahmoud Baghbanian, SeydYaser Ghelmani, ISSN - 2322-3308, doi:10.15412/J.JBTW.01030703](https://www.iomcworld.org/abstract/study-of-the-effect-of-probiotic-saccharomyces-boulardii-on-the-treatment-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-3355.html) - [[3] Saccharomyces Boulardii alleviates DSS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation in humanized mice, Bei Li, Haibo Zhang, Linlin Shi, Rong Li, Yanan Luo, Yun Deng, Shihan Li, Ruizhen Li, Zhi Liu, Journal: Food & Function, November 16, 2021](https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2021/fo/d1fo02752b) - [[4] Saccharomyces Boulardii CNCM I-745 on Intestinal Barrier Function, Principal Investigator: Michael Camilleri, M.D., D.Sc., Mayo Clinic, Placebo-controlled parallel-group clinical study, Study ID: CLS-20537412, https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20537412](https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20537412) - [[5] Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Saccharomyces Boulardii, Mario Guslandi, MD, FACG, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, September 2011, Volume: 45, Issue 8, Pages 740-741, DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3182166c761, https://journals.lww.com/jcge/Citation/2011/09000/Treatment_of_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_With.19.aspx](https://journals.lww.com/jcge/Citation/2011/09000/Treatment_of_Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome_With.19.aspx)