Hi just joined this group. I’ve seen a dietitian since July and been in low fodmap diet since then but had no relief from bloating. I’ve been diagnosed with SIBO and been taking herbal tablets for 4 weeks now with no easing of symptoms. 😞Anyone else with SIBO, how long did it take for your symptoms to ease
Thanks
Usually you have to take antibiotics for SIBO. Rifaxemin is most typically used (in the US). As far as I know herbs will not help with SIBO.
Ah ok thank you that’s interesting. Have you been told that by a doctor or dietitian?
It was treated by my gastroenterologist.
Can I ask are you in the uk?
I was diagnosed with SIBO a few years ago, after I was referred for testing by a colorectal consultant. I was then meant to have further tests but these were postponed due first to break down of equipment and then because of covid. I have not heard anything more and suspect I will not get seen or maybe I have been forgotten, very disappointing. In the meantime the referring consultant advised me on following a treatment of using various probiotics (not just any but particular ones in a particular order) and referred me to a dietitian to follow a low fodmap diet. Unfortunately the dietitian is based at a different hospital and up till now over phone conversations I have been told they don’t agree with treating SIBO this way - but I should have antibiotics first. My consultant said antibiotics aren’t the answer and should only be used as a last resort. This situation has been ongoing…years in fact, but one of the dieticians is finally going to send me details of the fodmap diet ….but says it won’t work without taking antibiotics first.Sorry this is not very helpful but it feels like treating SIBO is too complicated.
Am so sorry to hear your story. How frustrating. 🙁 As I said I’ve been on fodmap for 10 weeks with no relief now on prebiotics and microbios to kill of the unwanted bacteria. I’ve been on them now for 3 weeks with no relief. Hope you find some relief soon.
Unfortunately I can’t figure out the secret. The best dr advice I got was to figure out what foods agitate ME as it’s different for everyone. I did also take that antibiotics but it sometimes has to be repeated or extended. Doesn’t always work though. Good luck!!
Hi Suzieblue123,
Sorry to hear you are unwell. It’s a bit of minefield isn’t it and what works for one doesn’t for others. Plus gastro, dieticians and functional nutritionists all having different approaches. I can see you are in the UK. May I ask what herbal antibiotics you are on ? So, this is a general flow chart, works for some not for others - avoidance of pre and probiotics for a month. And SIBO can be a devil to shift, we don’t know what bacteria, viruses, fungi are causing the mischief and what we are lacking unless you pay for microbiota testing.
clinicaleducation.org/docum...
Taking garlic tablets or allium can exacerbate symptoms. My gastro hadn’t heard of Berberine or oregano oil. (Amazon Zane’s oregano oil from 2 capsules to 3 and Berberine x 2 - eBay 5’greens - I’m a coeliac and lactose intolerant so avoid fillers etc). On 14th day, for 3 days I had food poisoning type symptoms. 😉 FODMAPS, hopefully you’ve got that covered - I’d advise MONASH (sorry, you pay for the app but Australia and N.Z. are way ahead of us Brits for food stuff).
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/248...
So, apparently SIBO can cause some villi damage so repairing, collagen and gelatin (bone broth but has to be low FODMAPS or home made), vitamin C and zinc. Now there’s lots of different types of zinc and I need to find the piece of paper I’ve scribbled it down on (from a health practitioner). Sorry. Bloating - Atrantil may be affective. (It has done wonders for me - May one one day I’ll have a six pack). Drinking ginger tea might help. Might be worth also looking at histamine intolerance as SIBO and histamine intolerance TEND to go together.
But won’t bamboozle you with info.
Best wishes
🐳
My brother had SIBO a few years ago. Was prescribed Metronidizale, followed by the low FODMAP diet for a few months and he was fine. I've been dealing with this for almost a year. Finally diagnosed in November after I'd been following FODMAP for for a few months. I was prescribed rifaximin, which had no effect (found out later I should NOT have been following the diet during the treatment). So I started a round of herbal antibiotics, and am eating mostly normally although still avoiding lactose, onions and usually gluten. Rifaximin is supposedly 70% successful, and herbals are 30% successful, according to my doc. Anyway, I'm mostly feeling okay but I've lost 27 pounds and I continue to have loose, watery stools. So I'll give it a few weeks rest and try rifaximin again. (I'm allergic to Metronidizale, plus I prefer a non-systemic antibiotic).
I know i'm not really answering your question here, ....but i think this, from the Holland and Barrett website, should help your situation, scroll down for more info on the foods that counteract bloating - cucumber, asparagus, banana, etc:
The food you eat can affect your body in different ways. And that’s why you might find that certain foods make you feel more bloated and gassy than others. If this is something you are concerned with, don’t worry, there are certain things you can eat to help alleviate this concern and reduce the risk of it happening in the future.
Being bloated or feeling gassy typically occurs when you eat food that promote the build-up of gas or air within your digestive system. However, if you feel as though it might be a medical concern, we’d always recommend speaking to your doctor.
Here are some of the foods that could be the main cause of your bloating:
Cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables such as kale, cabbage and broccoli are one of the worst culprits when it comes to causing bloating. They contain a sugar called raffinose, that remains undigested in your gut until it’s fermented. The fermentation process causes gas, which in turn, causes bloating. Of course, you shouldn’t not eat these vegetables, you might just want to be conscious of them and mix it up with some more high-fibre foods to help promote a stronger digestive system.
Dairy
If you feel gassy after consuming dairy products, such as milk and cheese, this might actually be a sign that you’re lactose intolerant. This means your body might lack the enzymes needed to breakdown the sugar found in dairy products, and this can cause gas to form in your digestive tract.
Legumes
Beans, lentils and peas, are types of legumes that could be lead to gassiness and bloating. They’re high in protein, but also contain a number of sugars and fibres that our bodies can’t absorb. Similarly to cruciferous vegetables, as your body can’t digest them effectively, your gut bacteria will feast on them, which can release excess gas.
Other foods that might cause bloating include apples and salty foods. But don’t worry, not all foods cause excess gas and bloating.
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Here are some foods that are good for your gut:
Cucumber
Cucumbers have been shown to include a high amount of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which can help to reduce swelling. They contact quercetin, which is a flavonoid antioxidant that helps with calm any inflammation issues.
Asparagus
Asparagus contains prebiotics, which help support the growth of the good bacteria in your gut. It helps maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system, which can help reduce the risk of being gassy. It’s an anti-bloating superfood, and helps your body to flush out any excess water, and in doing so, will make you appear less bloated.
High potassium fruits
Fruits such as banana, avocado or kiwi are high in potassium, which helps prevent water retention. It regulates the sodium levels in your body, and in doing so, can help reduce the risk of bloating due to high levels of salt. Bananas are extra beneficial because they have soluble fibre, which is known to help prevent constipation.
If bloating is a concern of yours, you might want to add some additional vitamins or supplements that help improve your digestive health. Check out our range here.
Last updated: 26 May 2020
Sources health.com/food/best-and-wo...
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