SIBO
I found relief by changing my diet and lifestyle. Apple cider vinegar (a few spoonfulls) in a glass diluted with a little water before a meal helps. Reducing refined carbs and sugars. Having gaps between meals. Not eating too late. Oral health is important too - bad bacteria can be swallowed. Finally, avoiding food and drink which relaxes the valve in the esophagus, namely dark chocolate, green tea, chamomile tea, peppermint. Stomach acid which is not acid enough will allow bacteria to produce gas which in turn drives acid reflux. Increasing the level of the acid in the stomach helps to kill bacteria.
Dietary Changes
I do believe that my SIBO was caused by taking prescribed medication to reduce the production of acid in my stomach. I was suffering from Acid Reflux really bad so the Doctor wrote me a prescription for Nexium and sent me on my merry way. It kind of makes sense now that there would be a backlash from my body for preventing it from doing what it was designed to do. Sorry body, I didn't know any better.
Shortly after taking these PPI's, I began to experience bad breath. It has taken me 15 years to realize that the PPI's were the culprit. My breath, as well as my bowels smelled putrid. After consulting with Medical Doctors as well as Holistic Doctors I spoke to my body and apologized for abusing it and stated that I would find a Doctor who would cure me. I googled digestive Doctors, it brought me to a website of a practice that dealt only with digestive disorders. I looked at the practicing Doctors and read their bio's. I picked the oldest Doctor and told my body that he was the Doctor that would help us get well. The Doctor issued a breath test which determined that I had SIBO. I had never heard of SIBO. I started reading and researching this ailment to get a better understanding of it.
First thing that I learned was, STAY AWAY FROM ANY AND ALL SUGAR. That includes carbs. I am currently on the Keto diet.
The Doctor prescribed 2 weeks of Rifaxin. Unfortunately I was actually sick for a month once the treatment ended. My Doctor stated that was the bad bacteria leaving my body. I nursed myself back to health drinking hot water mixed with 1 tsp. turmeric and 1 tsp. coconut oil. When that ceases to relieve the pain I alternate with 1/2 tsp of baking soda with 8 oz. of hot water. I just read a post that stated sea salt with hot water is good as well. I will start that regime tonight. I thought that it was my stomach that was hurting me but my Doctor stated it's actually my small intestine.
I am currently taking a 30 day treatment of Amoxicillin. Unfortunately last week I had a horrible craving for sugar and ate a cracker with some jelly on it and I might as well have thrown a bomb in my small intestine. I feel like I am back at square one.
