@azdrew, Hello and Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

In this community you will find other members that are connecting and supporting each other through their heath care journey.

Please let me introduce you to @momochan, @zwar, @gfamy, @gregoryd, @melaniewa, @jwatch, @lateacher, @vwerner, @hiho, who have all discussed SIBO. I hope they will join conversation, and offer some thoughts from their experiences.

Have you been newly diagnosed? What have you been doing for diet thus far?

Yes, I was diagnosed by Mayo, here in Scottsdale. I was on the anti-biotic Xifaxan for seven days and it ended yesterday. I do feel better but worry about the SIBO coming back. My diet consists of the elimination of breads and sugars as these seem to be the major trigger foods. But I would like to hear from others on how they manage SIBO. Thanks for all your comments...

This past summer I completed a 14 day course of the antibiotic Xifaxan, 550 mg, 3 times a day, and I have been well since with no recurring SIBO. I have also eliminated as much sugar as possible from my diet, as well as eliminating all artificial sweeteners, and all carbonated drinks, too, as my doctor directed. All of those things feed the bad bacteria. I also make sure I get a minimum of 23 grams of fiber a day, so my intestinal system keeps moving. I try to walk at least 5 days out of 7 because exercise helps, too. You mentioned eliminating bread, and I don't eat much bread either, but it wasn't something I deliberately eliminated. I do know it is very important to be as compliant as you can when it comes to your diet in order to keep the SIBO in check. Hope this helps.

@azdrew,
I forgot last night to mention that my dr also has me on one daily capful of Miralax to make sure everything moves efficiently and regularly through my large intestine and colon; additionally, the dr also suggested that I take the probiotic Florastor twice a day, so I do that, too.

I was recently diagnosed with SIBO and put on a rolling programme of antibiotics for four months. At the same time I have put myself on a strict no carb/no sugar/no starch/no lactose diet. The result has been miraculous after a long time suffering from chronic diarrhea. The diet is tough and any deviation has its consequences, but worth it. I have to make practically everything myself. All grains are out - no bread, cakes, thickened sauces. Try it, you've nothing to lose.

I do this also on recommendation of my doc.

Is it successful? I had a glass of allowable dry wine last night and reacted this morning. I wonder if I have to be permanently completely alcohol free.

I would be concerned the Miralax would contain something that will feed the bacteria. Magnesium is a safe alternative and doesn't feed the bacteria. Dosing guidelines are easy to find online. I myself was instructed to take 450mg nightly to help with the constipation. More or less might be needed depending on the person.

You'll want to get a follow up breath test to be sure it's gone and if it is you may want to look at Allision Siebeckers siboinfo site for diet and post care recommendations. We follow the Specific Carbohydrate Diet she recommends.