After you eat, do you have symptoms such as bloating, gas, or brain fog? You could have what’s known as SIBO — Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It’s what happens when bacteria grow in the small intestine, when it doesn’t belong there. This results in impaired digestion, inflammation, and an array of puzzling symptoms.
Fortunately, health gurus, such as Dr. Ruscio, have made curing this common ailment something that, almost, anyone can do.
What Is SIBO and Why Does It Matter?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) transpires when bacteria typically residing in the large intestine relocate to the small intestine. Inside, they eat food particles and produce gas, which results in:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Irregular stools (diarrhea or constipation)
- Fatigue or low mood
- Food sensitivities
Over the long term, this bacterial overload can lead to a lack of nutrient absorption and inflammation of the gut lining.
SIBO Recovery: The Most Important Steps
There’s no magic cure for a spending hangover — but the right game plan can help you start feeling better for the long term. Diet changes, gut support, and specific antimicrobials work well for an effective strategy.
1. Begin with Food Adjustments
In most instances, the initial step is to adopt a diet that is low in FODMAPs. This plan reduces fermentable carbs that feed unhealthy bacteria. It doesn’t last forever — only long enough to reset your system and calm symptoms and overgrowth.
2. Rebalance the Gut with Probiotics
One even worries that taking probiotics would make SIBO symptoms even worse. But new research suggests that certain strains may help counter bacteria levels and inflammation. The right blend includes:
- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Soil-based Bacillus species
These strains can be used in combination with diet and antimicrobial therapies for improved effect.
3. Use Antimicrobials When Needed
If symptoms linger, targeted antimicrobials may be able to help. These may be:
- Prescription options like rifaximin
- Herbal substitutes such as oregano, berberine or neem
Herbal formulas tend to work more slowly, but calculate a gentler and broader-spectrum effect
Elemental Diet for Severe Cases
In more severe instances, some individuals choose to pursue the elemental diet. It requires sipping a special liquid formula that is easy to digest, and plenty of water, for about two days. This gives the gut some time to rest and repair. It’s not for everyone, and should be done with professional supervision.
This can go a long way towards eliminating bacterial overgrowth by starving the bugs of fuel. If that seems limiting, for some it works when other options don’t.
Don’t Forget Lifestyle Support
Recovery is not only about what you eat. Daily behaviors matter a lot as well:
- Obtain seven to eight hours of restorative sleep each night
- Stay active with light exercise
- Reduce stress by deep breathing, meditation or walking in nature
They are good for gut mobility and immune support.
Your Next Step
Selecting the most effective SIBO treatments that address the underlying problem. With realistic advice from reliable sources, such as Dr. Ruscio, you can create a plan that will work for your life.
Final Thoughts
While SIBO can seem incredibly complex, rest assured, it is something you can get rid of with a good plan. By making some simple changes to the way you eat, along with targeted support, many people experience lasting relief. Your gut can heal — so can your energy, mental acuity and overall feeling of well-being.