Here is a great question from our audience. To paraphrase, "My new functional medicine doctor has recommended 7 tests, costing over $5,000. Which of these tests do I really need to do?" Let’s discuss the specific tests recommended and identify which to run and which to avoid. Dr. R's Fast Facts How much testing is too much? Too much testing can actually make results worse or harder to obtain because you introduce more variables into an already variable rich process, which is the … [Read more...]
Tips for Recurring SIBO
Today I answer a listener question regarding what causes recurring SIBO and tips for if this is you. The good news here is if you understand some key fundamentals you can overcome recurring SIBO and digestive symptoms. Dr. R's Fast Facts Identify if This is Actually SIBO A flare of digestive symptoms does not mean that you have SIBO. A flare of digestive symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean anything’s wrong or broken. Even if you have a flare of digestive symptoms that correlates … [Read more...]
Dr. Ruscio’s Wrap Up #147
Get help using this information to become healthier. Get your personalized plan for optimizing your gut health with my new book. Healthcare providers looking to sharpen their clinical skills, check out the Future of Functional Medicine Review Clinical Newsletter. In Case You Missed It On Monday, we discussed celiac disease & gluten intolerance. On Wednesday's podcast release, we spoke with world authority Dr. Michael Holick and discussed guidelines for sun exposure and vitamin D … [Read more...]
Celiac Disease & Gluten Intolerance Increase the Risk of SIBO
A systematic review (high level scientific evidence) recently found those with celiac may be at increased risk for SIBO. This SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) might be the reason why some people don’t feel better after a gluten free diet. Fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to feel better if this is you. Dr. R's Fast Facts Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and celiac disease: A systematic review with pooled-data analysis The pooled mean prevalence of SIBO … [Read more...]
Is SIBO a Real Condition?
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...]