What is SIBO? A Guide to cure SIBO.

SIBO stands for "Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth."  Read more about causes, symptoms, and treatment here.  It's all of a sudden the hot new topic around the alternative health community.  I even recently received an email from Dr. Sara Gottfried about it.

Then, like b-movie foreshadowing, I was then diagnosed with SIBO via a breath test.  Granted, I had a sneaky suspicion that I've had it for quite some time now.  I do have a lot of the symptoms, but since I've been eating clean for a long time I believe I had it somewhat under control.  Once diagnosed, my doctor immediately put me on the antibiotic Rifaximin (or Xifaxan).  At first, I was very skeptical about taking an antibiotic, but this one seems to be the best out of all of them out there.  It is non-systemic and is supposed to directly work only in the small intestine, where the bacteria problem is.  I am taking the 14-day course.  Initially, I felt more bloated while taking them, but it seems to be getting better slowly....

Next, my integrative doctor from the Kellman Center in NYC gave me several key supplements to take in order to support the healing of my gut.  "Ughh, more supplements?"  I've spent thousands of dollars on supplements over the last couple of years, so what's a couple more?  Here's what was suggested and amazon links (of course, please work with your own specialist before/while taking these supplements):

1. Berberine Complex:  Extracts of barberry and goldenseal to support the GI tract directly.
2. Betaine HCL:  You can't go anywhere recently without bumping into experts telling you why you should take Betaine HCL before your meals.  It helps you digest your food fully.
3. L-Glutamine:  This is an important amino acid for your body.  It's important, end of story.  But seriously, this is supposed to help heal leaky gut.
4. Ther-Biotic Factor 6:  This is a crazy expensive probiotic that is supposed to help restore the good bacteria in your gut.  Since Rifaximin is killing the bacteria, I assume that I need to replace some of the good ones.
5. Garlic:  Garlic is supposed to assist with the immune system, as well as providing anti-viral and anti-bacteria support.  Sadly, most of the SIBO diets recommend leaving out real garlic while trying to heal from this stifling diagnosis.  More on SIBO diets next time!

While it's frustrating to have an official diagnosis, I'm hoping that with the combination of the antibiotics, supplements and diet, I will cure this thang! 

Feel free to email me and tell me how you beat SIBO or with any suggestions!  RealFoodAlways@gmail.com