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SIBO+Collagenous Colitis+EPI

Posted by debhammel @debhammel, Apr 15 7:14am

So I have apparently hit the trifecta: Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis and EPI in October, 2023 (along with Essential Thrombocytosis but that isn't pertinent to this question. . . ). Lately I have had gas and distention and was just diagnosed with SIBO. My methane levels were just over the acceptable limit and normalized during the course of the breath test. My question is: have any of you managed SIBO without resorting to antibiotics and if so, how? I would prefer to do this through diet if possible. I suspect a FODMAP issue as onions and fibrous veggies definitely increase my symptoms. Any advice or info you have is welcome!

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marylandbob | @marylandbob | Apr 17 3:43pm

Wish I could help. I’d love to see some other answers to your question. Antibiotics are temporary and then it’s back again. I’ve tried to watch what I eat very closely and adhere to the Low Fodmap guidance.
One problem is that the digestive system is very slow, so it is very difficult to tie meals to affects of the various foods. I believe the digestive cycle is about 48-53 hours. Much shorter time for food to pass from stomach to small intestine but still difficult to time.
Also, many foods are complex and have many low Fodmap ingredients but also some bad ones, such as artificial sweeteners. Still trying to find that best answer. Good luck with your issue.

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1 reply
debhammel | @debhammel | Apr 18 8:31am
In reply to @marylandbob "Wish I could help. I’d love to see some other answers to your question. Antibiotics are..." + (show)
@marylandbob

Wish I could help. I’d love to see some other answers to your question. Antibiotics are temporary and then it’s back again. I’ve tried to watch what I eat very closely and adhere to the Low Fodmap guidance.
One problem is that the digestive system is very slow, so it is very difficult to tie meals to affects of the various foods. I believe the digestive cycle is about 48-53 hours. Much shorter time for food to pass from stomach to small intestine but still difficult to time.
Also, many foods are complex and have many low Fodmap ingredients but also some bad ones, such as artificial sweeteners. Still trying to find that best answer. Good luck with your issue.

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Yeah, gut motility (or lack thereof) definitely plays a role in this. My GI NP recommended I take 1 Immodium before bed as I was tapering down my Budesonide dose (for the colitis). One whole tablet was too much and I went with 1/2 a tablet. Still had some mild constipation so with the SIBO diagnosis I've discontinued that altogether. Figuring out the food thing is a real challenge, although I've noticed that my bloating and gas starts about an hour to 90 minutes after a meal. What frustrates me is that a meal that one day is no problem at all will cause bloating and gas another time I eat it. It's all trial and error and in the meantime I'll keep using Gas X as needed.

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JulesE | @julese | Apr 27 2:52pm

The FODMAP app helped me figure out what I could and should not eat with SIBO diagnosis. I went the antibiotic way and worked with a nutritionist after I was cured to ensure I had the correct diet going forward. I now use Fodzyme a powder I sprinkle on my food to ensure I can digest everything I eat. I stay away from anything with onion or garlic in it which is challenging. I can consume the green leaves of a green onion but not the white part or bulb. I but beef and chicken broth from Gourmend as well as their onion powder and garlic powder made from the leaves of the plants.

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debhammel | @debhammel | Apr 27 6:48pm
In reply to @julese "The FODMAP app helped me figure out what I could and should not eat with SIBO..." + (show)
@julese

The FODMAP app helped me figure out what I could and should not eat with SIBO diagnosis. I went the antibiotic way and worked with a nutritionist after I was cured to ensure I had the correct diet going forward. I now use Fodzyme a powder I sprinkle on my food to ensure I can digest everything I eat. I stay away from anything with onion or garlic in it which is challenging. I can consume the green leaves of a green onion but not the white part or bulb. I but beef and chicken broth from Gourmend as well as their onion powder and garlic powder made from the leaves of the plants.

Jump to this post

Thanks, this is great information. I’ll check into the Gourmand line of seasonings and Fodzyme. I’ve been reducing the amount of FODMAPs I consume and find that is helping.

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