Symptoms include: Bloating, Nausea, Diarrhea or Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Fatigue
The typical American diet and overuse of antibiotics, as well as overuse of proton-pump inhibitors are at the root of this frequent diagnosis.
It is diagnosed by a lactulose test and if your breath has hydrogen or methane, it is positive for SIBO.
Medically, it is treated with a drug called Rifaximin and possibly with Neomycin. A change in diet is a must, otherwise it will return. Rifaximin is expensive $1500 to $1700 per month and not always covered by insurance. Medical doctors in my area, acknowledge that it frequently recurs or requires several rounds of treatment. Rifaximin is also directed at killing one type of bacteria. Treatments with herbal compounds, berberine, probiotics have been shown to be more effective, along with a change in diet. Herbal compounds are directed at the multiple forms of gut dysbiosis. The program also uses strategies that build foundational health.
So . . . more effective treatment, less expensive, less damage to an already damaged GI system. It’s a no-brainer.
Carbohydrate intake must be limited with the complete removal of grains, fermented foods, alcohol, starchy vegetables, dairy, legumes and sweeteners other than honey. If you are is overweight, daily carbohydrate intake should be limited to 40 grams a day. If not overweight, up to 80 grams of carbohydrate a day can be ingested.
Diet should consist mainly of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds. Although ripe fruit can ferment, one piece a day is allowed.
Use only pure water for drinking and cooking (no well or city water or other source of water that contain fluoride or chlorine) Must be filtered to remove fluoride and chlorine or use spring water.
Adherence to the diet is critical, and even with strict diet, expect the treatment to last 8-12 weeks.
We generally recommend 2 weeks on herbal supplements:
ADP
F/C Cidal
Dysbiocide (do not take with blood thinners, stomach acid reducers or seizure meds)
Berberine HCL (do not take if you have congestive heart failure)
Then 1 week on probiotic Saccaromyces Boulardii.
This is done for 3 rounds, followed by 60 days of a broad spectrum pre/probiotic such as BioDolph-7 Plus.
Shop here for recommended SIBO supplements.
This program is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
Do you have questions about starting your path back to health? Our patient coordinator is standing by, happy to answer any questions you have to determine if our approach is right for you.
The Gut Doc is located in Kirkwood, Missouri, and serves clients throughout the St. Louis Area and surrounding areas, including St. Louis City and County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Illinois counties of Madison, St. Clair and Monroe.