Small intestine bacterial overgrowth

Is there a preferred antibiotic for treatment that might help prevent SIBO recurrence and what diet and supplements work best after the preferred course of antibiotics to prevent a recurrence?

@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.

Hello @azdrew,

I'd like to add my welcome to Jamie's, as well; any infections in the gut can be so tough! You will notice that I moved and merged your message, as we have a few members on Connect with similar symptoms, and I hope they will join this conversation.

While researching the internet I came across this article in one of the scientific journals: http://wb.md/2hNQBcj which details SIBO, diet triggers, and carbohydrate malabsorption.

Allow me to also introduce you to @acres, @sprinklergal66, who have been on Xifaxan (Rifaximin), and may be able to provide more insight about this drug, in addition to the valuable information offered by @lateacher.

@azdrew, have your doctors ever suggested fecal transplant, since that seems to be a growing therapy for intestinal infections?

@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'm not sure fecal transplant is available via the NHS in Britain. But I have an award winning consultant - I'll ask her when I see her.