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SIBO - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Jun 29, 2024
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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where excess bacteria inhabit the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. While medical treatments are available, many seek natural remedies for SIBO to alleviate symptoms and restore gut health. This article delves into various holistic approaches, offering a comprehensive guide to managing SIBO naturally.

Dietary Adjustments: The First Step in SIBO Management

One of the most effective natural remedies for SIBO is dietary modification. A low-FODMAP diet, which limits foods that are high in fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols, can significantly reduce symptoms. This includes avoiding high-FODMAP foods like garlic, onions, certain fruits, and wheat products. Instead, focus on low-FODMAP options like eggs, meats, certain cheeses, and non-starchy vegetables.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements can play a crucial role in naturally treating SIBO. Herbs like oregano, thyme, and berberine have antibacterial properties that can help reduce bacterial overgrowth.

  • Oregano Oil: Known for its potent antibacterial properties, oregano oil can be particularly effective against the type of bacteria commonly seen in SIBO. It disrupts bacterial cell membranes, thereby reducing bacterial populations.
  • Berberine: Found in herbs like goldenseal, Oregon grape, and barberry, berberine has been shown to have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect. It’s especially useful in targeting bacterial strains that are often resistant to conventional treatments.
  • Thyme: Thyme and its essential oil have been used for centuries for their antimicrobial properties. They are effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and can be a useful component in a natural treatment plan for SIBO.
  • Allicin: Derived from garlic, allicin is another powerful natural antibiotic. It has a broad range of antimicrobial activities and can help in reducing the bacterial overgrowth in SIBO. However, raw garlic is high in FODMAPs and might be problematic for some SIBO patients, so allicin supplements can be a better alternative.
  • Neem: This herb, often used in Ayurvedic medicine, has shown promising results in managing digestive disorders. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a good option for SIBO treatment.
  • Peppermint Oil: While primarily known for its ability to soothe digestive issues, peppermint oil also possesses antimicrobial properties. It can be particularly helpful in reducing bloating and abdominal discomfort associated with SIBO.
  • Cinnamon: Not just a spice, cinnamon has been found to have antimicrobial effects against a variety of pathogens. Its inclusion in a SIBO management regimen can aid in reducing bacterial overgrowth.

Probiotics

Probiotics are another cornerstone of natural SIBO management. These beneficial bacteria aid in rebalancing the gut flora. Supplements containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are particularly effective. Additionally, incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut into your diet can foster a healthier gut environment.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to diet and supplements, lifestyle changes are vital in managing SIBO. Regular exercise, adequate hydration, and stress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can improve digestive health. Also, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the burden on the digestive system.

Conclusion

Natural remedies for SIBO offer a holistic approach to managing this condition. Individuals can effectively alleviate symptoms and promote long-term gut health by combining dietary changes, herbal supplements, probiotics, and lifestyle adjustments. Working with healthcare professionals to tailor these remedies to your specific needs and ensure a balanced and safe approach to SIBO management is crucial.

Continue reading to learn which natural remedies helped Earth Clinic readers with SIBO.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Low Carb Diet and Peppermint Oil

Posted by Steve (Halifax, Nova Scotia) on 02/13/2022
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

About three years ago I had food poisoning. As a result, I experienced a prolonged period of IBS-C. This condition persisted for about five months. I thought I was beginning to heal when I began to develop IBS-D. I tried many approaches, eliminating things from my lifestyle that might cause the diarrhea, such as alcohol, coffee and spicy food. However the condition only got worse. Then I tried antibiotics and about a year ago I tried the FODMAP diet. Again, the condition only got worse.

Then I found medical centers providing information on SIBO. The causes, symptoms and treatments. 35 days ago I started a low carbohydrate diet (<30 grams per day)and 10 days ago I started taking peppermint oil capsules. As of 5 days ago, I have been IBS-D symptom free.

The combination of restricting carbohydrates and the peppermint oil capsules have provided me the first consistent relief from the IBS-D in three years.

I am sharing this so others suffering from this serious condition might be encouraged to keep researching and to be willing to try treatments that have a sound medical foundation and have case studies that show success.

I was becoming depressed about not finding a solution. My local medical advisers actually gave me the wrong advice that aggravated my condition. So, sites like this provide case studies and real examples of people healing themselves.

cheers

Steve

Chlorine Dioxide

Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 04/13/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had suffered from SIBO for close to 3 years since eating at a Crackle Barrel in Georgia. But how I accidentally cured it. I was taking Chlorine Dioxide for a virus infection. And after 2-3 days of drinking the stuff, the SIBO went away. It's been 2 months now and it has not returned.

The Chlorine Dioxide I'm using is the Aquamira Water Purification drops sold to purify drinking water. This comes under “Other uses” lol.

How to use Liquid Drops:

  1. Place 7 drops Aquamira Water Treatment (Part A) and 7 drops Phosphoric Acid Activator (Part B) in a cap to pre-mix.
  2. Let mixture react for 5 minutes to ensure full activation (it will turn yellow color).
  3. Fill a container with 1 quart (1 liter) water. Add contents of mixing cap.

Water is now ready for use. Enjoy! I've been told NOT to take vitamin C supplements while taking Chlorine Dioxide!

Dosage:

Drink 3 oz taken every hour, until the content of the bottle is finished (8 to 12 shots). It has no taste. Just like water. Make a new batch fresh in the morning and repeat.

Note: I believe this treatment will destroy any unwanted pathogen in the digestive tract causing harm like Crohn's Disease, Chronic Diarrhea (bacterial in nature), Peptic Ulcers, Ulcerative Colitis.

Ileocecal Valve Massage

Posted by Ln (Oregon) on 07/02/2020
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

After being diagnosed and testing positive for SIBO, I was given a website with information on how to follow the FODMAP diet. I have always been careful with my diet, avoiding gluten and dairy and minimizing sugar.

However, I found following the FODMAP diet so restrictive that I began searching for other solutions. I came across websites and videos on how to massage your ileocecal valve to stop unwanted bacteria from flowing from the large intestines to the small intestines, which can create bloating, gas and other SIBO related issues.

I followed the demonstrations (easy to find with a google search) and I found relief within a couple of days. I performed the massage 3x a day as recommended, only for a few minutes. I also ended each massage with pressure moving the valve from my right hip towards my gut, encouraging the closed position.

For me, the valve was often very sore, and the massage helped lesson the pain over time. I was able to reduce all of my SIBO symptoms with this technique, and now when they flair up again, I go back to the massage for relief.

Grapefruit Seed Extract, Aloe, Supplements

Posted by Bananabean (Austin, Tx) on 01/08/2014
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have not posted here before but after curing an incredibly difficult ailment I'm trying to get the information out as I searched high and low when I was sick and trying to cure myself.

Western medicine does not have an answer for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and it is known as only treatable, not curable. I spent 7 years and thousands of dollars doing diagnostics and going through round after round of antibiotics. I'll spare you the details of everything I've tried because the list is huge. I was very sick, extremely underweight, broke and stuck at home with this condition.

Of all the things out there to take, this is what works both for temporary relief and what to take as the ailment is healing.

Grapefruit seed extract - 20-30 drops at least per day in water

Intestinal Formula # 2 from Dr. Schulz - I am not affiliated with this company - this was the first product strong enough for me to stop my antibiotics - at least 50 charcoal pills per day. When you feel an attack coming on start with 10 pills, increase if necessary. I was up to 100/day at one point

Ultimate Aloe Vera juice - NOT just any aloe vera juice. Most have a laxative effect which you do NOT want. I order mine from shop.com/raol as it supports a non-profit. It must be this brand as they take the laxative effect out and it's only the inner leaf of the aloe plant

Isotonic Magnesium and Isotonic Calcium - I also order from shop.com/raol - these two items are crucial for complete healing of the intestines - if you're in bad shape you need the isotonic version as it's instantly absorbed. I tried all sorts of other vitamins including magnesium and calcium.

Warm lemon water every day

As long as I stay on a little bit of the aloe juice now that I'm healed and stay away from sugar, my digestion is perfect. Thank you.

Turmeric

Posted by Patti (Newport Beach, Ca) on 11/11/2012
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Wanted to share a remedy that works for my SIBO. I took 2 rounds of antibiotics and the bloating and symptoms kept coming back. Then I began drinking turmeric/ ginger/ lemon and black pepper tea every night. This cured my SIBO. Turmeric is an antibacterial that works great.

Make the tea by boiling water and adding it to shredded turmeric, shredded ginger, slice of lemon and sprinkle of black pepper. The black pepper magnifies the potency of the turmeric. Let all this sit and stew for about 10 min. I scoop out the bottom shredded stuff after drinking the tea. The tea tastes good!! Works amazing!!

I tried lots of remedies listed on the site but found this to be the best. Turmeric is great for a whole list of things. Research it and you will be amazed!!

Hope this helps someone. I drink the tea every night and it removes any bloating and keeps the SIBO from coming back.

Sea Salt

Posted by Kayla (Pacific Nw, Or) on 05/28/2012
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I suffer from SIBO. I woke up at 3 am with burning and pressure under my rib cage, I was doubled over I was sure we have to go to the ER. I realized that maybe the SIBO bacteria must increased overnight. Anyhow, I read Ted's remedies regarding sea salt. Wow is sea salt soooo powerful I took one lemon squeeze the juice into a glass, plus a 1 teaspoon of sea salt ( Ted's quote "Bacteria dies One teaspoon - two teaspoon of sea salt in 1 glass of water, ONE SINGLE dose stopped the urinary tract infection. " ) but since my SIBO symptoms were extreme and I thought I would try sea salt in glass of water I drank it down my symptoms disapperared within an hour I could not believe it!!! The effects of sea salt certainly verified that the discomfort is indeed from bacteria that is causing the SIBO.

I also take 1/2 cup organic 100% natural cranberry juice, ( No sugar added, the kind you buy in the health store or New Seasons kind of store) plus the juice from one squeezed organic lemon plus 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar the kind you buy in the health and mix all three into 8 oz of water and drink three times a day. This might help some of you that are suffering it sure has helped me.


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