SIBO and RLS

[Pipsee22]

I just found out I have Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO) and am on two antibiotics. In some research regarding SIBO, there weee some studies that states a correlation between RLS and SIBO. Although the test sample was small (33 people), the results were 80% had less RLS symptoms or it went away once the SIBO was gone. Curious if anyone has heard of this or has any experience to share.

[SueJohnson]

Yes that is the case. Treat your SIBO and your RLS will get better. "In patients with both SIBO and RLS, 77% of patients treated with the nonabsorbed antibiotic rifaximin had >= 80% long-lasting improvement of RLS symptoms (post antibiotic therapy with probiotics was included). This type of data goes beyond correlation and clearly reinforces a causal connection between RLS and gut microbial imbalance and its impact on nutrient absorption! " Source: schoolafm.com/ws_clinical_k...

[Pipsee22 in reply to SueJohnson]

thank you

[Joolsg]

I posted this article 4 years ago. Several people have reported improvements after treating SIBO.

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

[Pipsee22 in reply to Joolsg]

thank you

[PoorRichard in reply to Joolsg]

Article link went to 404 page not found

[Joolsg in reply to PoorRichard]

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

Apologies. I'll edit previous response.

[DicCarlson]

SIBO does indeed have a host of adverse symptoms including GERD, bloating, IBS, etc. I had GERD so bad my teeth hurt! It surely can contribute to RLS. I used the herbal treatment here...

siboinfo.com/treatment.html

Also this article on iron absorption (iron deficiency in the brain is a leading cause of RLS) issues with SIBO...

sibosurvivor.com/sibo-cause...

[CsiguZ]

I have SIBO as well and trying to fix using herbal antimicrobials.

[megiiva in reply to CsiguZ]

Hi ,It seems that SIBO is just common I struggle with SIBO and had a Low Food Map diet,plus antibiotics, but returned only 3 weeks later .Now after my laproscopic operation for endometriosis, my SIBO got worse and in pain everyday. Did you manage to cure yours? Any advice you may have to share, please do ...Thank you

[CsiguZ in reply to megiiva]

Although I have not tested again for SIBO, but most of my digestive issues gone, so I believe I have no more SIBO. Low FODMAP helped a lot, but it’s not advised to take this diet for long term. Now I can eat any FODMAPs, which is a big improvement, because a year ago I was reacted to all when I tried to reintroduce them based on the FODMAP protocol.

Instead of antibiotics I used herbs with antimicrobial properties, like oregano oil, allicin, berberine etc. but IMHO the most important to cure SIBO is to improve motility and the acidity of the stomach. If you do not have acid reflux, GERD or stomach ulcers, I highly recommend to take Betaine HCl capsules along with food in order to improve acidity, thus improve digestion. Even though most people believe they have high stomach acid because of acid reflux or GERD, the reason of these diseases is not the stomach acid, but the lower esophageal sphincter, as it is not able to close properly. In reality most people have low stomach acid (even the ones with GERD), especially if we are getting older, thus we cannot digest food properly and also cannot kill pathogens entering into our stomach with food. You can even test your stomach acidity, just search for DIY stomach acid test on youtube, so you can decide if Betaine HCl would help. In case of motility, there are also herbs you can use to improve, like ginger or iberogast. Motility is pretty important as this is not just pass the food in our small intestines towards the colon but also cleans it, especially the migrating motor complex (MMC), which starts when there is no food in our small intestines and could prevent bacteria to come backwards from the colon. If MMC doesn’t work properly due to stress or other factors, SIBO can come back easily.

[megiiva in reply to CsiguZ]

You are amazing, thank you so much. I have an appointment with my Gastroenterology doctor in a week,she seems there is no point to retest me. I will ask her all this you have explained, because they don't really tells you that clear what is really the problem just keep saying is just a bad Sibo or bad IBS...so frustrating. I will check all the recommendations from you. Thank you again and have a nice day.

[CsiguZ in reply to megiiva]

Unfortunately I have the same experience with gastroenterologists in my country, they can do only four things: gastroscopy, colonoscopy, prescribe antibiotics and/or antacids. I’m afraid they were never thought in the university to solve the root causes, but only to eliminate the symptoms. My highly regarded gastroenterologist advised me to take rounds of rifaximin every 3 months in my entire life… Thus, instead of a GI doctor I advise you to find a functional medicine doctor if there is any available where you live.

[Pipsee22 in reply to CsiguZ]

thank you.