In part 1 of this article, I talked about how prevalent of a problem SIBO is and how it can be formally diagnosed. In this article I will emphasize natural therapies I have found effective for treating SIBO.
The most well studied nutritional strategy to treat SIBO is the LOW FODMAP diet. This refers to a Low Fermentable Oligosaccharide Disaccharide, Monosaccharide, And Polyols). Short chain carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and the objective of the FODMAP Diet is to cut back on or get rid of these readily fermentable foods to reduce both SIBO and IBS symptoms. SIBO sufferers should avoid the following high FODMAPs for a duration of four to six weeks while being treated by your health professional.
For a lot of my patients I can fix their SIBO issue with dietary adjustments and herbal therapies. Berberine extract and solutions containing antimicrobial herbs such as bilberry, garlic, goldenseal, black walnut, oregano, tea tree oil, and gentian can all be effective. They need to be taken for six weeks, or as directed by your physician.
Restore balance by improving bowel motility by increasing the amount of water and fiber you're getting. Healthy bacteria thrive on fiber so making sure you're receiving more of it will also improve your gut flora balance. I suggest psyllium, chia seeds, or ground flaxseeds along with 60 ounces or more of water a day to aid bowel movements.
Avoid caffeine and be aware of any medications that impair the movement of foods through your digestive tract( motility) including opioid drugs including hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), and codeine. Talk with your physician about alternatives to these drugs and seek out natural pain relief methods. Common acid reducing medications for acid reflux and other digestive disorders can also place you at higher risk for SIBO. Common brand names include Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex.
When you're experiencing SIBO it is essential to begin taking supplements to help any deficiencies you have as well as supplements to help restore your healthy gut flora. Intravenous nutrients and oral multivitamin and mineral solutions can help restore the balance. Dietary supplements that heal the small intestine lining such as glutamine, aloe vera, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) examples. Using digestive enzymes that help breakdown food can be beneficial as well. Be careful with probiotics as they can worsen symptoms for some people with SIBO. I use a probiotic specific for SIBO, known as SIBO Wellness.
