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SIBO/bacterial overgrowth

Ctadds1 profile image
12 Replies

Anyone else dealing with sibo as the possible reason for low b12. I had a test done and it found high levels of bad bacteria in my digestive system. Not sure it’s sibo but that’s what doc thinks. I’m not real keen on antibiotics because I think they are part of the reason I am in this situation to start with. Anyone have any success with natural remedies? As always, thank you :)

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Ctadds1
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fbirder profile image
fbirder

SIBO can directly cause a B12 deficiency.

SIBO can be caused by the lack of stomach acid that accompanies Pernicious Anaemia.

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

I think that probiotics are a natural remedy . One I can really recommend is organic sauerkraut , obtainable at health food shops and Amazon . Best eaten raw , or very lightly warmed . One can also make it at home . Also organic kefir , and organic real yoghurt( no sugar or flavourings ) Kimchi is also excellent . ( can all be made at home) Of course these probiotic containing foods are not traditional fare in the U.K. . and very much an acquired taste .

So many people try Symprove a water-based liquid . But expensive ..

So probiotics , plus optimum amounts of b12 injections will get rid of that awful gut problem caused by low/no stomach acid that accompanies Pernicious Anaemia. Since I got rid of that gut problem ( don’t know what to call it , but definite symptoms similar to IBS ,) and I self inject B12 often enough to keep the reversible symptoms at bay , I am no longer troubled by it . ..... Best wishes .

Seth12345 profile image
Seth12345 in reply to wedgewood

Probiotics can cause more problems for sibo.. Sibo is "good"bacteria growing the wrong place. Probiotics can make this worse.

Xifaxin is a standard abx used to teat hydrogen dominant sibo.

Narwhal10 profile image
Narwhal10

Hi Sorry to hear you are struggling. I read on gluten gorillas that Allicin (containing garlic which I can’t tolerate) and Zane’s oregano oil soft gel capsules (on Amazon) have been effective for some.

Here’s a link for ideas

treyzonmed.com/blog/sibo-fi....

😊

Seth12345 profile image
Seth12345 in reply to Narwhal10

Garlic can make sibo Symptoms worse as it is a high fodmap food.

Jengastar profile image
Jengastar

Hi I’m working with a functional nutritionist. Not SIBO but chronic fatigue and she is treating a candida overgrowth in my gut. Early days but feel in good hands! She treated my friend for SIBO and I think it was with low FODMAP diet and then supplements too.

CG12345 profile image
CG12345

You can treat it naturally with similar success rate. I’m in the same boat, have figured out myself that I think SIBO is the route of all my medical issues but know I got her from too many antibiotics...

feedmephoebe.com/the-best-n...

mickeymouse42 profile image
mickeymouse42

What was the test that you had done?

Cherylclaire profile image
CherylclaireForum Support

You can find out if you really do have SIBO - there is a breath test.You have a series of breath tests over the course of a few hours - I think about every 20 minutes for three or four hours- then results charted and diagnosis made based on this. It also involves fasting beforehand, so quite a long process - and a lot of waiting around.

I had one due to continued raised MMA even after B12 injections started.

Unfortunately, the results were unclear: either SIBO or IBS. Because I'd been sent initially to rule SIBO in/out, GP tried me on antibiotics, to which I had a bad reaction: vertigo, nausea and headache. Nothing else changed. Had previously been sent to a dietitian who put me on a FODMAP diet for 3 months. Also changed nothing.

My MMA eventually dropped to level within normal range - but it took 3 years and a lot of B12 to get there.

Still, it may well be worth you having the SIBO test done if only to get a concrete diagnosis on your record. May prove more conclusive for you.

I later had a different type of antibiotic for a different reason, and had the same poor reaction. Much later on, I have had two courses of antibiotics without any side-effects- either a sign that I'm improving or some antibiotics okay for me. Not sure, as previously a very healthy person. I have heard from my GP that SIBO can be difficult to eradicate with antibiotics - and might need retreating with different antibiotics later.

All of the tests and consultant appointments I had were on the NHS, the SIBO test via haematology consultant.

Narwhal10 profile image
Narwhal10

I’m finding some relief with berberine, oregano and a non so delightfully tasting black walnut and wormwood tincture.

Ctadds1 profile image
Ctadds1 in reply to Narwhal10

Thank you! I too am taking berberine, oregano, and turmeric. Seems to be helping!

Narwhal10 profile image
Narwhal10 in reply to Ctadds1

Great, really pleased for you.

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