Introduction: Treating SIBO can feel overwhelming, but there are effective options available. From medications to lifestyle changes, here’s a breakdown of the most common treatment approaches.
- Antibiotics:
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Rifaximin: A targeted antibiotic that stays in the gut and minimizes side effects.
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Combination Therapy: Adding metronidazole or neomycin for methane-dominant SIBO.
2. Probiotics:
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Probiotics such as Bacillus Clausii, Bacillus Coagulans and Bacillus can help repopulate the gut and help prevent bacterial overgrowth without exacerbating symptoms.
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Introduce probiotics gradually to monitor tolerance, and be careful as most probiotics can make SIBO worse.
3. Diet:
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Follow a low-FODMAP or elemental diet to starve the bacteria while maintaining nutrition.
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Gradually reintroduce foods to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
4. Lifestyle Changes:
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Manage stress with mindfulness techniques.
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Incorporate gentle movement like yoga to support digestion.
Long-Term Maintenance:
Prevent recurrence by addressing underlying issues like motility disorders or gut dysbiosis.