Probiotics That Treat Parasites & Support Recovery

Inside your gut lives a bustling community of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, worms and even viruses—collectively known as the microbiome. Think of it as a rainforest inside your intestines, where thousands of species coexist and keep each another in balance.

A healthy gut microbiome does more than just digest food. It helps regulate your immune system, protects against infections, produces vitamins, and even communicates with your brain. But when this balance tips—through antibiotics, stress, poor diet, or environmental toxins—harmful microbes like parasites can take over. This state, known as dysbiosis, is linked to everything from fatigue and digestive issues to autoimmune conditions, cancer and neurological disease.

That’s why research into probiotics—the beneficial microbes that can restore balance—is exploding. Let’s explore what probiotics are, why balance matters, and highlight three fascinating strains that show tremendous therapeutic promise.

 

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed in the right amounts, provide health benefits. Some are human strains that naturally colonize our intestines long-term. Others are transient strains that pass through but still perform important jobs—crowding out harmful microbes, producing natural antimicrobials, and calming inflammation.

Probiotics can be taken through food (like raw sauerkraut) or supplements. 

It’s important to use them wisely—especially if you’re dealing with parasitic or fungal infections. In those cases, probiotics should be introduced slowly, without dairy or added prebiotics (like inulin or FOS) that can feed the parasites also.

 

Three Microbes You Should Know

1. Lactobacillus reuteri: The Missing Microbe

Once common in nearly every human gut, Lactobacillus reuteri has quietly disappeared from many modern microbiomes—largely due to antibiotics. This is concerning, because L. reuteri isn’t just another probiotic—it’s a multitasking powerhouse.

• Defender: Produces reuterin, a natural antimicrobial that suppresses harmful parasites.
• Gut Healer: Strengthens the intestinal barrier, reducing “leaky gut.”
• Mood Booster: Increases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” improving mood and calmness.
• Bone Protector: Helps reduce bone loss, especially in women after menopause.

Clinical trials show L. reuteri can relieve constipation, stomach pain, and even infant colic. It also supports immune recovery after antibiotics and may help lower cholesterol. Its safety record is excellent—even in infants.

Key takeaway: Supplementing with L. reuteri is like welcoming back an old microbial friend we were never meant to lose.

 

2. Lactobacillus gasseri: The Weight-Loss Wonder

Lactobacillus gasseri is another natural resident of the human body, found in the gut, vaginal tract, and even breast milk. But like L. reuteri, it’s often missing in modern guts.

Why does this matter? Because L. gasseri has unique powers:

• Metabolic Ally: Clinical trials show it can reduce dangerous visceral fat and shrink waistlines—even without extreme dieting. It shifts metabolism toward burning fat rather than storing it.
• Liver & Cholesterol Support: Produces bile salt hydrolase (BSH), which improves cholesterol levels and reduces fatty liver.
• Women’s Health Champion: Maintains vaginal pH, prevents bacterial vaginosis, supports clearance of HPV, and reduces recurring UTIs.
• Digestive Comfort: Calms IBS symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain.
• Stress & Sleep: Early research links it to better sleep and reduced stress responses.

Key takeaway: L. gasseri works systemically—supporting metabolism, immunity, and intimate health in ways few probiotics can match.

 

3. Bacillus subtilis: The Survivor and Fungal Fighter

If there’s a “superhero” of probiotics, it’s Bacillus subtilis. Unlike most bacteria, it forms hardy spores that survive stomach acid, heat, and even decades of dormancy. This means it reliably reaches your gut alive and ready to work.

The Digestive Ally

• Produces enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) to improve digestion.
• Reduces bloating and gas by increasing efficiency of nutrient breakdown.
• Supports recovery after antibiotics by helping repopulate beneficial microbes.

The Immune Booster

• Produces natural antimicrobials like subtilosin A and surfactin.
• Enhances immune activity and helps defend against parasitic infections.
• Shown in studies to reduce sick days during cold and flu seasons.

The Fungal Fighter: Beyond Candida

One of the most exciting aspects of B. subtilis is its natural antifungal power. It produces compounds like iturin, fengycin, and surfactin that disrupt fungal cell membranes and kill harmful organisms such as:

• Candida species: Effective against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and drug-resistant strains.
• Yeasts: Cryptococcus neoformans and Malassezia (linked to skin issues).
• Molds: Aspergillus (including A. fumigatus and A. niger), Fusarium, Penicillium, and Alternaria.
• Dermatophytes (skin & nail fungi): Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and M. gypseum.

Unlike antifungal medications that can stress the liver, B. subtilis both kills fungi and restores balance by supporting beneficial bacteria.

Clinical studies—even in drug-resistant infections—show it can clear fungal overgrowth more effectively than many conventional treatments, while rebuilding gut health at the same time.

Key takeaway: B. subtilis is not only resilient—it’s a natural antifungal ally for those struggling with Candida and recurring fungal issues.

 

Using Probiotics Wisely

While probiotics can be life-changing, they need to be introduced with care:

• Start low and go slow, especially if dealing with dysbiosis.
• Avoid prebiotics early—they can feed harmful microbes.
• Homemade raw sauerkraut is often tolerated better than supplements when parasite levels are high.
• Start with supplements that do not contain dairy or additives if dealing with dysbiosis.
• As your gut heals through supporting the body and treating parasites effectively, gradually increase doses and explore fermenting these and other therapeutic probiotics.

 

Final Thoughts

The gut microbiome is at the center of health and disease. When in balance, it supports digestion, immunity, energy, mood, cognitive function and even weight. But when disrupted, parasites thrive and chronic illness follows.

Probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bacillus subtilis aren’t just trendy supplements—they’re evidence-based tools to restore balance, heal the gut, and support recovery from conditions many people struggle with daily.

By reintroducing these missing allies, we’re not just treating symptoms—we’re rebuilding a healthier ecosystem inside our bodies. And that, more than anything, offers real hope for long-term recovery and resilience.

 

References:

Lactobacillus reuteri

Oxytocin and Social Behavior:

Sgritta M, Dooling SW, Buffington SA, et al. Mechanisms underlying microbial-mediated changes in social behavior in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Neuron. 2019;101(2):246-259.e6. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6645363/

Varian BJ, Poutahidis T, DiBenedictis BT, et al. Microbial lysate upregulates host oxytocin. Brain Behav Immun. 2016;61:36-49. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2016.11.002. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5431580/

Intestinal Oxytocin Production:

Villageliu DN, Rasmussen S, Lyte M. Microbial stimulation of oxytocin release from the intestinal epithelium by secretin signaling. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):3874. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10028957/

Health Benefits Review:
Mu Q, Tavella VJ, Luo XM. Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in human health and diseases. Front Microbiol. 2018;9:757. Available at:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5917019/

Lactobacillus gasseri

Weight Loss Effects:
Jung SP, Lee KM, Kang JH, et al. Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 supplementation reduces body weight and leptin in obese adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Med Food. 2018;21(5):454-461. Available at: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2017.3937

Kadooka Y, Sato M, Imaizumi K, et al. Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010;64(6):636-643. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23917447/

Liver Health:
Park S, Ji Y, Jung HY, et al. Lactobacillus gasseri RW2014 ameliorates hyperlipidemia and inflammation in high-fat diet-fed mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(23):14853. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9737415/

Bacillus subtilis

Antifungal Activity:
Chen Y, Liu SA, Mou H, et al. Capability of iturin from Bacillus subtilis to inhibit Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019;103(11):4377-4392. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30997554/

Ramachandran R, Shrivastava R, Upadhyay S, et al. A broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of Bacillus subtilis RLID 12.1. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:968487. doi:10.1155/2014/968487. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4144302/

Health Benefits and Safety:
Lee NK, Kim WS, Paik HD. Bacillus strains as human probiotics: characterization, safety, microbiome, and probiotic carrier. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2019;28(5):1297-1305. doi:10.1007/s10068-019-00691-9. Available at:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6811671/

 

There are real solutions to recover from parasites today!

To restore health, we must focus on treating the cause of inflammation, which are parasites. First, identify the enemy (parasites), then support the body and treat the parasites while following a holistic approach. When parasitic infections are treated effectively, we can overcome inflammation or disease.

If you’re frustrated with the fact that our standard of care STILL doesn’t offer a real solution for treating MS and other diseases, then click on the link below to watch Pam Bartha’s free masterclass training and discover REAL solutions that have allowed Pam and many others to live free from MS and other diseases.

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