Saccharomyces boulardii: The Probiotic Yeast for Gut Health and Beyond

When your gut feels off—bloating, diarrhea, or trouble after antibiotics—Saccharomyces boulardii, a non-pathogenic yeast strain used as a probiotic to restore healthy gut flora and combat digestive disturbances. Also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, it’s not a bacteria like most probiotics. It’s a yeast that survives stomach acid, sticks to the gut lining, and helps crowd out bad bugs. That’s why doctors reach for it when antibiotics wipe out good bacteria, or when travelers get sick from contaminated food.

It’s not just for travelers, though. Clostridioides difficile, a dangerous gut infection often triggered by antibiotics responds well to Saccharomyces boulardii, with studies showing it cuts recurrence rates. It also helps with irritable bowel syndrome, a common condition marked by cramping, gas, and irregular bowel habits, by calming gut inflammation and improving how the gut communicates with the brain. And unlike some probiotics, it doesn’t need refrigeration—making it easy to carry on trips or keep in your medicine cabinet.

People use it to manage antibiotic-related diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, and even chronic digestive issues. It’s often paired with other treatments, like in cases of inflammatory bowel disease, conditions like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis where gut balance is disrupted. It doesn’t cure these, but it can reduce flare-ups and help the gut recover faster. You’ll find it in capsules, powders, and sometimes in combination with other probiotics.

What’s interesting is how it works differently from bacterial probiotics. Instead of just adding good bugs, it sends chemical signals that block harmful bacteria from sticking to your gut, boosts your immune defenses, and even helps repair the gut lining. That’s why it’s been studied in over 100 clinical trials—for everything from pediatric diarrhea to chemotherapy side effects.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how this yeast fits into everyday health. From how to take it safely with antibiotics, to what brands actually work, and even how it compares to other gut-supporting supplements. These aren’t theoretical articles—they’re practical, tested insights from people who’ve used it and doctors who’ve prescribed it. Whether you’re dealing with a recent course of antibiotics or just want to keep your gut running smoothly, the info here will help you make smarter choices.