Delta (London) on 08/12/2021:
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.
Brooklyn Baby (Brooklyn NY) on 06/30/2021:
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.
Sara (Louisville, Ky) on 03/06/2015:
I cannot speak to the issue of natural antibiotics, as I used the medicinal type when fighting SIBO, but I can attest to the positive effects of the Low FODMAP diet. It has completely eliminated my SIBO symptoms. If you do have SIBO, one issue that can be a factor is the timing of your meals. SIBO apparently slows down the digestive system's natural cleaning wave, which does not allow it to cleanse away the bacteria. The advice is to go 3-5 hours between meals, no snacking, to ensure this cleansing wave happens. Kate Scarlata, a dietician in Boston who has battled SIBO herself, has a great website and blog with lots of great advice. I was determined not to continue taking antibiotics because they only got rid of the problem temporarily and I hate taking medications. I was determined there had to be a dietary approach. Doctors were no help, so I did my own research and found the Low FODMAP diet. It is hard to stick to at first, but I got the hang of it and I NEVER get sick anymore.
Here are a couple of links:
http://blog.katescarlata.com/2014/01/22/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth/
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/040511p46.shtml
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Kayla (La, Ca) on 04/25/2012:
My symptoms I was suffering were a fever, chills, nausea, pressure in my abdomen and slight pain on the right side. Sometimes discomfort under my rib cage. I was scared it was serious! My medical doctor told me it was "anxiety" after they ran every single test known to western medicine. Except the baruim enema I went to an Nautropathic Dr who diagnosed me on the second visit with SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) I also had been suffering from dry itchy red eyes for years, (my eye doctor told me I was getting older I was in my 30's) then I had crazy itchy skin it felt like bugs were crawling on me (I was in my thiries my doctor said it was dry skin or hormones) I left those inept doctor.
Then I started taking heavy doses of Vitamin C the itchy skin subsided. My dry itchy red eyes continued. Recently I thought I had a cavity since my tooth was hot and cold sensitive went to the dentist said I had sinisitis! My dentist told me to take Zinc and use saline solution for my sinus infection. Now I believe all of these thing are related that went undiagnosed for a long time. I started using collodial silver in purified water with GSE and saline in a Neti pot for my sinus infection I noticed my red itchy gritty eyes is slowly going away. I somtimes will just spray the colloidal silver into my eyes before bed. I also notice I was having the early onset of yeast infection so I addressed that with ACV and probiotics and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which kills yeast. I'm certain that all of these thing are all related! I have taken the very best care of myself. My ND put me on garlic tablets and berberine I take 3 three times a day. I take four rose hips with C twice a day. I also drink black tea with grated ginger in it and strain it before I drink it. I also drink Grapefruit Seed extract in water all day using a straw. Most of my symptoms have subsided. The diet is easy no sugar, flour, no dairy , coffee, no heavy foods no cheese, I usually have rice and vegetables or dal. I eat lots of garlic which I really like. I hope this helps.
Katy (Seattle, Washington) on 04/20/2012:
Small instestinal bacteria overgrowth, SIBO my doctor suggested no lactose, no grains no sugar no sugar substitues because it is unnatural and the body doesn't recognize it. Do this is for a year for full recovery. Don't eat between meals because it doesn't allow the body to time clear the toxins and bacteria build up sip Grapefruit seed extract in water, heavy does of vitamin c and alkalize.
