Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to a surface and are encased within a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. They are ubiquitous in nature and can be found on various surfaces, including rocks, soil, and living organisms.
Biofilms are essential for many natural processes, but biofilms in humans can cause a range of health problems.
Why are Biofilms Important?
Biofilms can form on various surfaces within the human body, including the skin, teeth, and various organs. They can contribute to developing chronic infections and are notoriously resistant to conventional treatments.
Research has shown biofilms can be up to 1,000 times more antibiotic-resistant than their planktonic counterparts.
Biofilms on Teeth
Biofilms on teeth are some of the more commonly known biofilms. Also known as dental plaque, they are complex communities of microorganisms that can cause various oral health problems. They contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum disease by producing acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to inflammation that can destroy the tissues supporting the teeth.
It is now widely known that left unchecked, these biofilms not only cause gum disease but also cause cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation. This is why your dentist wants you to floss!
Preventing the formation of biofilms on teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral and general health. Regular brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet can help remove and prevent the buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms that lead to the formation of biofilms. Professional dental cleanings are effective in preventing and removing biofilms from teeth.
Biofilms and the Immune System
Biofilms can compromise the immune system and create a chronic inflammatory response.
Biofilms also serve as a hiding place for pathogens, making it difficult for the immune system to detect and eliminate them.
The chronic inflammatory response caused by biofilms can lead to various health problems beyond oral health, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and other chronic illnesses.
Biofilms can also produce toxins that dysregulate the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune conditions. They also make the immune system less effective at fighting infections.
How to Remove Biofilms in Humans
At LifeWorks Wellness Center we have found two very strong therapies that are effective at eliminating biofilms: Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
These two therapies use blood filtration, ozone therapy and oxygen therapy to clear biofilms from the body and restore health.
#1 – Removing Biofilms with Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO)
EBOO therapy involves using a dialysis machine that filters the blood while simultaneously ozonating the blood. EBOO can eradicate the microorganisms responsible for forming biofilms and this treatment can break down the extracellular substances that form the biofilm matrix and filter them out.
EBOO is great for patients with biofilms, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and other chronic infections.
#2 – Removing Biofilms with HBOT & Oxygen Therapies
Another effective natural treatment we often combine with EBOO for biofilms in humans is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
An HBOT chamber saturates the body with 10x more oxygen because it is delivered in a pressurized chamber. This helps infuse the tissues with oxygen, stimulating healing and helping to break down the biofilm matrix and kill the microorganisms within it.
Additional Factors in Removing & Preventing Biofilms
To remove and prevent biofilms from reforming, you must also address the underlying factors contributing to their formation and eliminate them.
This includes optimizing the diet, handling any deficiencies, fixing the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
How to Get Rid of Biofilms Naturally
Biofilms are an important consideration in the treatment of many chronic health conditions. Many chronic health conditions can be resolved by eliminating biofilms, and an overall boost in health and wellness can be achieved.
If you suspect biofilms are contributing to non-optimum health, please contact our office for an evaluation and a treatment plan to eliminate your biofilms and restore your health! Contact our New Patient Coordinator at (727) 466-6789 or submit an online web inquiry.