1MD BalanceMD Review

Review Rating:

Best for: Comprehensive Fungal & Candida Yeast Support

No Risk – 90-day money back guarantee

Transparency disclosure: For each person who buys BalanceMD by clicking a link on this page, Probiotics.org receives a small percentage of the sale. We would strongly recommend this product without compensation, but I want you to know all the potential motivations for Probiotics.org writing this review. Transparency rules!

Review Summary of 1MD BalanceMD

BalanceMD is formulated to control Candida and fungal infections. What I find particularly interesting is 1MD’s approach to a common problem. This broad-spectrum supplement tackles Candida and fungal overgrowth with a four-pronged approach:

Herbal cleansers, such as oregano oil and caprylic acid, clean and inhibit yeast and fungi growth in the vagina and large and small intestines.
Digestive enzymes, such as protease and cellulase, break down yeast cells.
18 billion units of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus work to improve gut microbiome.
Aloe vera helps reduce irritation and rebuild the gut lining.

I like too that BalanceMD is reported to be ideal for short-term use and safe for long-term use. However, the company recommends limiting dosage to the recommended serving of no more than two capsules over a 24-hour period.

1MD reports that while individual results will vary, you should see the benefits of taking BalanceMD increase over time. Typically, in the first week the digestive enzymes go to work reducing gas and bloating while the herbal cleansers will begin to decrease Candida overgrowth.

During the first month, you should notice improvements in the gut lining as the aloe and probiotics go to work. By Month 2, the antifungals should be reducing pathogens, and as the gut lining improves, you should be absorbing more nutrients from food and experiencing more energy. And by Month 3, you should see overall health improvement, including better digestion and easier weight management.

Finally, the 100% vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO formula makes BalanceMD safe for most consumers. There is one exception: If you are allergic to tree nuts (black walnut) or coconut, you many not be able to take BalanceMD.

About the Company Behind BalanceMD

1MD’s stated mission is to combine science and nature to help people live longer, healthier lives. The company stresses its natural ingredients, product purity, clinical research, and commitment to creating safe, potent supplements. 1MD works with a team of board-certified physicians with clinical experience and an interest in bringing its customers the future of medicine…today.

Use of Probiotics for Treatment of Candida

There is good quality scientific evidence to support the use of probiotics and herbal supplements in the treatment or prevention of Candida infections. The bacteria compete with Candida albicans for attachment to the epithelium, whether oral, intestinal, or vaginal, and prevent the yeast from establishing a foothold.

Candida organisms are normal organisms found in or on the human body and are held in control by the other bacteria. Changes in diet, stress, and medications (particularly antibiotics) can change the microbial balance, allowing overgrowth of Candida.

Lactobacillus has been described as having antifungal properties. Based on a review of the literature, the most active component of this product is likely the Lactobacillus acidophilus. The other components in this particular product have less pronounced effects, although one of them (cellulase) could be classified as a prebiotic to enhance the growth of the lactobacilli.^A

BalanceMD Ingredients

Oregano Leaf Extract

Oregano is an herb commonly used in cooking. Chemically, it contains several active chemicals that can help in promoting good health. It is rich in flavones and polyphenols, both of which are potent antioxidants. Recent research has centered around the use of oregano leaf extract as a food preservative given its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.^B

Oregano leaf oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida. A study by Cleff^C showed inhibition of growth of 16 different strains of Candida. This and other studies have shown that oregano is effective against Candida, but these are studies where the essential oil is applied to yeast cultures in the lab. We were not able to find data on the oral administration of oregano extracts in treatment of infections.

Caprylic Acid

This is a compound that is found in the milk of numerous mammals. It is described chemically as a medium-chain triglyceride or saturated fatty acid. It is used as an antiseptic and antibacterial, and potentially as an appetite stimulant. Caprylic acid activates ghrelin, stimulating hunger. More recent research has looked at use of caprylic acid for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.^D

Caprylic acid has been shown to have potent effects against Candida.^E It appears to make Candida less aggressive, allowing the immune system more time to attack and eliminate it.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

L. acidophilus is a gram-positive bacterium that is normally found in the gut and genital tract of health humans. It loves a low oxygen, acidic environment, explaining its frequency in the vagina. This organism is important to maintaining a healthy bacterial balance. L. acidophilus appears to affect how well Candida albicans can adhere to tissues such as the vaginal wall.

In pretty much every body cavity, animals form a thin mucous layer called a biofilm that is home to millions of bacteria and yeast. The biofilm is its own ecosystem and is tightly regulated by the presence or absence of various regulatory organisms. Lactobacilli are important to the maintenance of a healthy biofilm, where they interfere with the growth of Candida.^F

As an interesting side note, L. acidophilus’ anti-candidal effects were studied in an experiment on the International Space Station.^G

Protease

There have been hundreds of different proteases described, all of which function to break down proteins into their component amino acids. Some are used for the treatment of certain infections such as HIV. One interesting recent application has been in the role that proteases play in cell signaling and control in skin surfaces.^H

In the battle against Candida, proteases appear to help maintain the health of that all-important biofilm. A recent study showed that the application of protease helped to prevent the adhesion of Candida to a biofilm.^I

Cellulase

This is a naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down cellulose into smaller, more digestible components. Cellulose is largely non-digestible fibrous plant material, passing into the stool as fiber and bulk. Cellulase helps to break down cellulose to gain nutritional value. Cellulase has been used to break up plant bezoars from the gut in humans, and more recent studies have explored its use as a “prebiotic,” a supplement that can augment the growth of the probiotics with which it is administered.^J I was not able to find literature supporting its use in the treatment or prevention of Candida.

Aloe Vera Leaf Gel

Aloe vera is a tender perennial that grows wild throughout tropical climates worldwide. Its gel-like interior has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, both topically and internally. A 2012 study showed that aloe vera leaf and gel inhibited the growth of Candida.^K The science supporting such use has been weak, and in fact some organizations focus instead on the potential side effects of aloe vera leaf gel. More recent attention has been paid to its anti-tumor effects in lab animals as well as in humans.^L

Arabinogalactan

This is a fibrous compound made up of two simple sugars, arabinose and galactose. Arabinogalactan is a major constituent of cell walls in certain plants and bacteria. The primary source currently is the larch tree.

In foods, it is used as a gum alternative. Medicinally, arabinogalactan appears to improve immune function, with most literature focused on its ability to help fight the common cold. It is most often used as a carrier agent to help deliver and protect an active ingredient in diseases such as yeast infections^M and cancer.^N

Anise Seed

Anise seed is derived from a flowering plant that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region as well as southeast Asia. The seeds are thought to have a variety of medicinal properties including anti-flatulence, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most recently, its effects on the immune system have been studied, with positive effects on lymphocyte counts and function.^O

Anise seed extracts have shown excellent effects against bacterial and fungi like Candida. Two recent studies^{P
, Q} have documented a power against infections that was similar to commercially available antibiotics and antifungals.

Black Walnut Hulls Powder

Black walnut hulls come from the seed of a black walnut tree. Not a true nut, the black walnut is used as a food supplement and may have health benefits as well. The juice of freshly hulled black walnuts is rich in phenols, very active molecules that show powerful antioxidant properties.

The black walnut has been used for centuries to treat common skin conditions, and more recently to treat skin fungi like ringworm. A study published in 1990 showed it to be as effective as some prescription products against bacteria and fungi, including Candida.^R A recent FDA statement said that walnuts may be part of a diet that reduces coronary artery disease. The hull of the nut is ground and is believed to have anti-tumor effects in certain circumstances.^S

Wormwood Leaf Powder

According to WebMD, wormwood is commonly used in vermouth and absinthe to give them their characteristic flavor. Wormwood has also been used for digestive disorders like anorexia, dyspepsia, and cramps. Some advocate its use for treatment of fever, myalgias, memory loss, liver problems, and even depression. One recent in vitro study showed antioxidant and antitumor properties.^T

In a recent analysis, wormwood extract was shown to be particularly effective against Candida.^U It has potent antioxidant activity derived from its high concentration of phenols.

Reishi Mushroom

“Reishi” is the Japanese name for the lingzhi mushroom, a polyspore mushroom with a red varnish color. These mushrooms are known to contain active molecules such as triterpenes which are similar to steroid hormones. They also contain coumarin, polysaccharides, and mannitol. Even the venerable Cochrane Database published that the Reishi mushroom may have benefits in the adjuvant treatment of cancers. They appear to enhance tumor responsiveness to treatment and stimulate immune system defenses against cancer.^V

In the treatment and prevention of Candida, extracts of reishi mushrooms showed a positive effect in eliminating a Candida-rich biofilm.^W They were also high in Vitamin C, showing their nutritional value.

Other Ingredients

Rice Flour: An inactive ingredient that serves as a flow agent to increase shelf life.
Vegetable Cellulose Capsule: A pure form of plant vegetable used to make capsules.

Does BalanceMD Have Any Allergens or Side Effects?

BalanceMD is made in the USA in a GMP facility. It is all-natural and produced without preservatives, colors, flavors, binders or fillers. There are no additives.

100% Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: If you suffer from celiac disease or are lactose intolerant, you should not have any problem with BalanceMD.

Non-GMO Ingredients: BalanceMD contains NO genetically modified ingredients. None of the probiotic strains are genetically modified either.

100% Soy-Free: BalanceMD does not contain soy or soy products.

100% Vegan: BalanceMD is free of all animal products.

Caution! Contains Tree Nuts (Black Walnut) and Coconut: If you are allergic to tree nuts and/or coconut, you may experience an allergic reaction and may need to avoid BalanceMD.

How to Take 1MD BalanceMD

Recommended Dosage: For your convenience, directions are printed on the bottle. As a dietary supplement, take two (2) BalanceMd capsules every day. The exact dosage is one (1) capsule with an eight-ounce glass of water before each meal.

Warning: As with any supplement, please consult your healthcare provider before starting to take this product–especially if you are pregnant, nursing, trying to conceive, taking medication, or have a medical condition. If you have any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician.

Every bottle contains 60 capsules–enough for one month. 1MD reports that BalanceMD is safe for prolonged use.

Does 1MD Offer a Money-Back Guarantee on BalanceMD?

From my experience, 1MD stands behind its products with an impressive return policy. 1MD protects its customers with a 90-day, no-questions-asked, 100% money-back guarantee (minus your shipping cost). The 90-day guarantee–longer than most of the supplement providers we know–gives you plenty of opportunity to determine if improvements increase over time.

If you need to return any used or unused product and want a refund, call customer service at 888-393-4030 prior to shipping. 1MD must issue a return authorization number (RAN) to identify your return when it arrives. Only with a RAN will you be entitled to a full refund. Without your return authorization number, 1MD may refuse your return shipment. Expect your refund to be processed in two to three weeks.

Are There Any Product Complaints or Scams Regarding BalanceMD?

Customer comments about BalanceMD are very positive although I have read an occasional complaint about temporary stomach discomfort. That said, if you have an allergy to tree nuts or coconut, you may want to avoid BalanceMD. If you tend to have digestive discomfort from supplements, I suggest you test BalanceMD for yourself. If you have a problem, you’re covered under the 1MD refund policy for 90 days.

As for scams, I regularly check search engines and various websites that track such problems and have not found anything that should concern you. As always, however, I recommend that you do your own research and only purchase from a reputable retailer. The safest option is to purchase directly from the manufacturer

How Does BalanceMD Taste?

BalanceMD is in capsule form and there is no taste. However, oregano leaf extract does have a strong smell and you may notice a slight aromatic scent of oregano.

Is 1MD a Reputable Company with Good Customer Support?

I’ve had considerable direct experience with 1MD. Furthermore, the company has a strong money-back guarantee and sound reputation. You will find 1MD’s customer support phone and email published prominently on the website. In addition to my own experience, I have not read or heard of any negative reports.

Where You Can Purchase 1MD BalanceMD

The best way to purchase 1MD BalanceMD is to buy from the manufacturer. Buying this way you always have direct access to any volume discounts and special offers. You also can be confident that the product you receive is fresh, authentic and unopened.