SIBO Treatment Update: The First Few Days
SIBO Treatment Update: Early Observations
After picking up Xifaxan from my pharmacy and receiving the Neem and biofilm disruptor from Fullscript, I began my SIBO treatment.
Before starting the medications, I added SunFiber powder to my morning coffee to help prepare my body for regular bowel movements. My practitioner explained that while killing off bacteria, it’s important to eliminate regularly — otherwise, it’s like a stagnant pond and progress can stall.
If you’d like to try SunFiber, please use this link and the promo code FREWERT10 for 10% off your first order.
Postscript: I have been using Calm magnesium citrate powder and SunFiber consistently and am noticing regular bowel movements which is sheer progress in itself. If you would like to read more about the benefits of SunFiber, please read this white paper.
Days 1–4
Feeling Okay So Far
I began treatment the day after Thanksgiving, and four days in, I’m feeling okay overall.
I know some people experience uncomfortable symptoms during bacterial die-off, but so far that hasn’t been the case for me. I did have a migraine yesterday, though I don’t believe it was related to the treatment.
I’ll continue to share updates as I work through this process.
As part of my SIBO protocol, I’m also following a low FODMAP diet, loosely and according to my practitioner’s recommendations.
FODMAPs — What Are They?
While on the SIBO protocol, my doctor suggested following a low FODMAP diet, or at the very least avoiding “stacking” high-FODMAP foods.
I’ve been using a free app to check the FODMAP ratings of foods and am doing my best to avoid or minimize foods that may interfere with treatment.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are short-chain carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest. Many people with IBS or ongoing stomach discomfort notice digestive relief when they reduce FODMAPs in their diet.
Helpful Reading During Treatment
While undergoing SIBO treatment, my practitioner recommended the book SIBO Made Simple by Phoebe Lapine. It’s a helpful resource for anyone dealing with SIBO or chronic digestive issues.
Phoebe explains what SIBO is, how it’s tested for, and the different ways it can be treated. As a chef, she also includes a variety of SIBO-friendly recipes, which has been especially helpful.
Stay Tuned
In my next post, I’ll share how two full rounds of SIBO treatment go and what I notice along the way.
If you’ve ever followed a low FODMAP diet or gone through SIBO treatment, what was the most challenging or helpful part for you?