How to manage SIBO symptoms?
My wife, after years of suffering from debilitating nausea and fatigue, has finally been diagnosed with SIBO as confirmed by a hydrogen breath test. It is estimated the bacteria has had at least two years to grow and may be well established. She has started on Xifaxan, at $35 per pill, but it is estimated that elimination of the SIBO may take up to six months. Her day now starts with her waking up with nausea and when she has a cup of tea and toast in the morning she gets sick within fifteen minutes thereafter. Her sickness is accompanied by violent belching, and at times she regurgitates liquid vile. The only drug she has for nausea is Zofran which does nothing for her. Are there any other SIBO sufferers that are experiencing the same symptoms, and what are you taking to reduce the nausea?
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I’m going to try Siboprin which contains Oregano oil, Wild garlic and Berberine which is recommended by Dr. Gerard Mullin who is an Integrative Gastroenterologist at John’s Hopkins Hospital. Will let people know how well it works for me understanding everyone reacts differently to different treatments!
Thanks for the info about oil of oregano; I'm going to try it. I was on a very expensive (cost me $2,000) antibiotic for SIBO and it didn't do a thing. Plus, I've heard that it's not good to be on antibiotics for very long anyway.
Here's some information from WebMD on oil of oregano, if you are interested:
- Oregano Oil: Is It Good for You? https://www.webmd.com/diet/oregano-oil-good-for-you
I thought this part of the article seemed particularly important with its cautions:
Takeaways
Oregano oil has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Studies have shown that it can fight bacteria and fungal infections and has antioxidant properties. You can find it in health food stores or make your own at home. It can be dangerous in large quantities, and it can irritate your skin, so talk to your doctor before you add oregano oil to your health care routine.
I just ordered some oil of oregano. I’m hoping it helps! Thanks everybody.
I was going to try Oil of Oregano but found out it's part of the mint family which I'm allergic to, oh well.
It seems she may be dealing with something in addition to SIBO. Low FODMAP diet can help with the burping/nausea too. SIBO is often accompanied by those who have celiac, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis… I would suggest she get a colonoscopy/endoscopy if she hasn’t already! Asking her doctor about bile acid malabsorption is helpful as well a gastric emptying test - there could be something relating to her stomach emptying. Also, endocrinologists have proven to be more helpful for me than gastroenterologists in these types of tricky cases.
This has been me for almost 4 years. Almost 3 years ago they said it was IBS. Fast forward till now. Just started Xifaxan today after fighting with insurance to cover it. They finally did. I'm curious I had RNY gastric bypass in 2016- I am now down 178 lbs. My GI doctor said SIBO is common in gastric bypass patients due to slowed motility and lack of stomach acid. Did your wife have any kind of abdominal surgery?
Oregano oil is one of five pre-kinetics which I have used in the fight against my condition (technically it’s IMO as opposed to SIBO), which has helped. Ask your doctor about : 1) GI MicrobX-X, 2) NEEM, 3) Allicin (Garlic), and 4) Berberine. It is extremely difficult to correlate what we eat with the results as the digestive cycle is so long (~ 48-53 hours). Difficult problem. Motility is a major factor in the fight. Good luck.
I’m off of Siboprin, however plan to be on and off it again as suggested! I’m not sure if I ever will be completely cured, just can manage it with herbal antibiotics! I was advised to be on Oil of Oregano for no longer than 4 to 6 weeks at one time because it will begin to attack the good gut bacteria!
https://arthurwellness.com/post/the-mast-cell-sibo-connection
This may help. I know that when my daughter was treated for mast cell activation, she stopped having recurring SIBO.
I don't know the person who wrote this article, but it rings true to my daughter's experience.