SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and essentially means someone has too much bacteria in their small intestine. This may cause the symptoms associated with IBS (such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation and bloating), food sensitivities, and even things like skin breakouts, fatigue and depression. SIBO can be tested via a simple breath test. Recently this concept has been criticized and some have suggested that SIBO is not a real condition. In light of this I … [Read more...]
Mast Cell Activation, Part 2 with Dr. Lawrence Afrin
We recently discussed Mast Cell Activation Syndrome with Dr. Lawrence Afrin. Today we dive into part 2 of this discussion and tackle mostly audience questions in the diagnosis, treatment and troubleshooting of MCAS. Dr. R's Fast Facts When mast cells release, can it feel similar to a hot flash? Yes, a flare can feel like a hot flash. Can MCAS in the GI Tract cause symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog & extreme hunger immediately after eating? Yes, however, MCAS is a systemic … [Read more...]
What is the Best Diet for SIBO
What is the best diet for SIBO? There is none, but there are a few key strategies to help you find the best diet for you and the needs of your gut. Let’s discuss how you can quickly find the best diet for optimal gut and overall health. Dr. R's Fast Facts The best diet for someone with SIBO is the diet on which they are feeling the best! A diet that allows you to have and maintain a healthy environment in your gut (will be different from person to person) First you want to find a … [Read more...]
SIBO Tips; Low FODMAP Diet and Not Responding to SIBO Treatments – Audience Questions.
Let’s discuss two audience questions regarding SIBO tips. Specifically, if a low FODMAP can diagnose SIBO and what to do when you are not responding to SIBO treatments. Dr. R's Fast Facts Audience Question 1: If a low-FODMAP diet could be used somewhat diagnostically for SIBO, for example, they complain of bloating when eating certain foods and they go on a low fodmap diet and all of their symptoms resolve, is there anything else that could mean? I understand you would want to know if it … [Read more...]
SIBO and Thyroid Q&A with Nathan Rose
I recently spoke at the International Congress on Natural Medicine in Hunter Valley, Australia. There were lots of questions from the audience on gut and thyroid, which I did not have time to answer. Today, I answer these questions with Nathan Rose, an organizer from the conference. I think you will enjoy these questions, which get to the bottom line regarding what to do for improving gut and thyroid health. Dr. R's Fast Facts When using natural antimicrobials, is it necessary to do … [Read more...]
SIBO – Can You Recover?
Depending on what you read, and where you read it, you can get very different opinions on SIBO. Some paint SIBO as a condition one can never recover from, while others call it a fad. Let’s discuss a reasonable and evidence-based take on SIBO recovery. Dr. R's Fast Facts SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine that can cause gas, bloating, abdominal pain or distention, and either constipation, diarrhea, or both. Food … [Read more...]
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome with Clinician and Researcher Dr. Lawrence Afrin
This was a fantastic discussion with clinician and researcher in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Dr. Lawrence Afrin. MCAS is something to consider when you haven’t responded to anything else: diet, lifestyle, gut treatments, thyroid…. And, here is the kicker… it doesn’t require extensive lab testing nor expensive treatments for many cases. Dr. R's Fast Facts Dr. Afrin is a clinical practitioner and researcher of MCAD and MCAS What is/are MCAD? Umbrella term for the full realm … [Read more...]
Listener Questions: Antioxidants, Gene-Tailored Diets, Joint Pain and Gut Health, Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO, Probiotics During a Hospital Stay, and More…
Today we will cover listener questions, which include antioxidants, gene-tailored diets, joint pain and gut health, hydrogen sulfide SIBO, probiotics during a hospital stay, and more… If you need help using this information to become healthier, click here. To be notified when my print book becomes available & get a free gut health eBook, click here. If you are a healthcare provider looking to sharpen your clinical skills, click here. Subscribe: Topics Practitioner … [Read more...]
SIBO Breath Testing – Review of the North American Consensus with Dr. Allison Siebecker
SIBO breath testing can be an incredibly valuable tool for those suffering with gas, bloating, abdominal pain, loose stools, and/or constipation. However, there is debate on what the best test is and how to interpret the test results. Today Dr. Allison Siebecker and I discuss the new North American Consensus statement regarding SIBO breath testing. We also discuss an upcoming SIBO summit Dr. Siebecker is organizing. Dr. R's Fast Facts For a detailed write-up on this topic, please see … [Read more...]
Success Treating SIBO
Today I sat down with Robert, who had already been diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). He was suffering from weight loss, constant bloating, stomach pressure, belching, and constipation. He had been working with his gastroenterologist and seeing some results, but still had room for improvement. We used herbal medicines, digestive enzymes, and made a few dietary changes. Bob did very well with this approach, he gained weight and saw his digestive symptoms … [Read more...]