The past
After two years of determination, I finally feel like a healthy person (again)…or maybe for the first time ever! It has been two years since my SIBO diagnosis and five years since I was originally diagnosed with “IBS”. But the truth is, I was dealing with poor health much earlier- I just never knew that my symptoms weren’t normal. Or that they were all related to my gut health.
I used to think that migraines were my destiny because they ran in my family. That acne was just part of being a teenager…and then adult. That menstrual cramps and Midol were the way of life for a menstruating female. And that seasonal allergies just happened to some people.
Eventually my symptoms kept piling up until I couldn’t ignore them anymore. I was miserable- my legs itched so badly that they would bleed. But I couldn’t stop itching them. The only way to suppress the pain and fall back asleep after the itching woke me up on a nightly basis was to take Benadryl, numb my legs with ice packs, and hope that I fell asleep before the numbness went away.
I had to give up many things that I enjoyed because my symptoms made them miserable and embarrassing. I discontinued my membership at a yoga studio I loved. I stopped playing racquetball. I abandoned social activities because my symptoms were unpredictable. I even declined a lucrative career opportunity. And the list goes on.
The change
When western medicine failed to provide me with anything more than a “you’ll just have to learn to deal with this for the rest of your life,” I started searching for alternatives. I was fortunate to find a caring, bright naturopathic doctor who pointed me in the right direction when she diagnosed me with SIBO.
Receiving a diagnosis of “SIBO” was a turning point in my health. I finally had some sort of understanding of what was happening inside my body and some hope that it could be changed. I began seeing improvement in my health immediately- a stark contrast to the seemingly never-ending addition of symptoms I had been experiencing for several years.
The initial stages of healing involved treatment with antibiotics followed by herbal antimicrobials. For a long period of time during my treatment, I was reliant on their use along with an extremely strict and unsustainable dietary regimen. Eventually, I was able to transition off the antimicrobials and have remained off of them since. I am now to a point where I can maintain my health with just two supplements: probiotics and fish oil.
I believe that the keys to my successful healing have been the following:
- The right supplements (and pharmaceutical drugs when necessary) at the right times.
- Eating a well-balanced diet that is dynamic and catered to my gut health.
- Listening to my body by learning to interpret and biohack its cues.
- Allowing myself to go at a pace of life where I can maintain good health.
- Time- and learning that patience truly is a virtue.
- Reducing toxic exposure- clean household products, kitchenware, beauty products, etc.
- Drinking adequate fluids.
Basically, the past two years I have been taking exceptionally good care of myself.
Clarification
When I tell you that “I finally feel like a healthy person,” I have to put things into perspective and make some clarifications. What I mean by “healthy” is that my symptoms are well-controlled. It is similar to the saying “putting an autoimmune disease in remission.” If I went out and abandoned all of my healthy behaviors for an extended period of time, I would surely wind up back where I started. The susceptibility is still there.
The majority of my meals are still prepared at home using foods that I am more likely to tolerate, but I can also frequently enjoy meals out with friends. I can even get away with an occasional late night here and there (and by that I mean home by midnight). And I can do these things with zero or minimal symptomatic repercussions.
I think it would help paint the picture by sharing the symptoms that I have seen improve over the past two years. It is not to say that I no longer get any of them, but some are completely gone while others appear infrequently and I have simple remedies for making them go away.
Here’s the list of symptoms/conditions that have improved as my gut has healed:
- Itching
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Food sensitivities
- Psoriasis
- Menstrual cramps
- Migraines
- Acne
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Seasonal allergies
- Chronic muscle pain
When I was first diagnosed with SIBO over two years ago, I was told that I would have to remain on a severely restricted diet for several years (maybe even 5-10) in order to fully heal my gut. At the time it seemed like an eternity. It seemed overwhelming. And it certainly hasn’t been easy. But it has been worth it. My symptoms have improved dramatically and I no longer feel crippled by my health conditions. Instead, I feel powerful, strong, and HEALTHY!
Ready to make big changes for your health? Feel free to ask me about how to get started or for troubleshooting tips! Beginning summer 2016, I will begin offering nutritional counseling services so that I can help others find the healthiest versions of themselves.
Katherine says
March 26, 2016 at 11:57 amHappy to see this update ! Congrats on all your hard work to get you to this point.
I feel like I’m at 85% of my Sibo healing journey. Many things have improved which I’m happy for. Have needed lots of patience in this journey.
Thanks for all your posts they have been very helpful !
Laura says
May 3, 2016 at 2:18 amThank you for sharing your story! It gives me hope! 🙂
I have also SIBO and I just started herbal supplements, that my doctor prescribed to me. I just now wondering that what diet approach would be good for me. I’m thinking that I start the SCD-diet, because FODMAP-diet has not been powerful enough. So I just wanted to ask you: which diet approach you followed? Did you for example follow SCD-diet and all the phases in that diet approach? Thank you so much if you can find time to answer me. 🙂
Riley says
May 3, 2016 at 8:36 amHi Laura,
When I first began treating, I used Dr. Siebecker’s SIBO Specific Food Guide with some additional modifications. However, it was too low in carbohydrates for me, so I added in additional carbohydrates as tolerated. I did not do the different phases of the SCD diet. The low FODMAP diet is specifically designed for IBS, while the SCD diet is geared more toward IBD, but may be helpful for some folks with IBS (perhaps due to reducing the carbohydrate load). But carbohydrates are definitely a balancing act with this condition.
Best of luck!
Riley
Hannah says
May 4, 2016 at 9:47 amAfter my SIBO is healed, will I be able to eat grains/carbs/soy again? Or will I have to make a lifetime dietary change?
Riley says
May 5, 2016 at 8:34 amHi Hannah,
I would love to say ABSOLUTELY, yes! But unfortunately, it is very individual. It depends on the severity of your condition and whether any underlying issues can be healed. What I can tell you is that I eat now eat carbs and grains with at least 1 meal per day, usually every meal and do fine. Soy has been a bit more challenging, but I can get away with some tamari here and there such as when I go out to eat. I think the outlook is definitely hopeful!!! Best wishes!
Hannah says
May 5, 2016 at 8:40 amI had another question. I have all the symptoms of SIBO and I am hoping to get tested for it soon. However, in 2 months I am traveling to Korea for a trip. I can’t imagine not eating rice/soy/sugar. Should I cancel my plane ticket and fully recover first or just stick with the SCD diet abroad?
Riley says
May 5, 2016 at 3:39 pmHi Hannah,
I personally have not traveled since I have gotten well. But I did travel to Mexico just after my SIBO diagnosis, but before getting treatment. Although I had a fair amount of discomfort, I would not have cancelled my trip. I just followed a gluten-free/dairy-free diet while travelling and that helped keep me from being too ill to enjoy my trip! So basically, no I would not cancel. But I also don’t know your situation, so it is hard to make that sort of call.
Have a fun trip (if you still go)!
Riley
Marilyn says
May 5, 2016 at 3:46 amYou have given me hope. I just found out that I have SIBO and have read the Gottshal book on Stopping the Vicious cycle. I have had IBS for over 40 years. it started after my last child was born in 1975. It has gradually gotten so much worse. I have been off sugar and wheat for over 40 years. Last week I found out I would need to give up carbs (most of them), an occasional dry wine, dairy, and you name it. I feel like I have been put in prison. I am trying to deal with the depression of it all, besides. I am not sure yet, but it seems like I can’t handle cheese that is on the list and possibly eggs. I face nausea throughout the day. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I am considering acupuncture and have started a yoga class. My chiropractor (nutrition expert) has been so helpful. Possibly you could say what herbs you are taking and anti-microbials?
Riley says
May 5, 2016 at 3:36 pmMarilyn.
Congratulations on beginning your SIBO journey. I am glad to hear that your chiropractor has been helpful. Acupuncture and yoga both sound like they could be great ideas- I think the key is finding something that makes you happy and provides some symptomatic relief. Instead of viewing it as being in prison, I would encourage you to think of it as a challenge. Learning to get creative with your new dietary restrictions and seek out recipes that make you excited can be very helpful for getting you through it. I no longer take any antimicrobials, but I have taken Neem Plus, Allimed, Berberine, and Oregano in the past (NOT all at the same time!).
Best of luck!
Riley
Andrea says
May 10, 2016 at 8:17 amHi! I was diagnosed with SIBO/gluten intolerance September 2014 was treated with rifampin large doses for three weeks and followed a low FODMAPs diet and did really well for a while! In February this year I found out I was prgnant and although I have been able to maintain my exercise routine my eating habits weeks 6-12 were terrible!! I had aversions to just about anything that wasn’t carbs although I did stick to gluten free carbs my SIBO symptoms are back full force and I am feeling so defeated! I do a probiotic daily and acupuncture weekly. My main symptoms are bloating, constipation, flatuelence and abdominal discomfort. Since I now am tolerating fruits and veggies and protien sources and not feeling aversions I plan to get back into the low fodmaps diet but would love some help and support! I found a free app on the iPhone SIBO which I am using to keep track of what foods are acceptable for anyone looking for a resource. I would love some info on the SCD diet. Thanks!
Riley says
May 10, 2016 at 7:16 pmHi Andrea, I would highly encourage you to work with a dietitian or nutritionist who is familiar with both SIBO and pregnancy. There are lots of things that must be considered in pregnancy, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Ray says
May 26, 2016 at 9:24 amHi,
I was diagnosed with SIBO-C(Methane) 3 years ago by a GI in Los Angeles. I was prescribed some antibiotics which took care of the problem for 2 weeks and then the problem returned. Since then, I have seen at least 5 naturopaths whom wanted to start with detoxifying the liver instead of SIBO. None of which were successful… finally, I went back to the same GI for another test and possibly more antibiotics last month. He tested me again, and this time the test came back unusually flat. The doctor says I may have the sulfite type because sometimes that’s how it manifests itself. But I was also taking HCL with Pepsin and this may be the reason the test came back negative. I still have more symptoms then ever (gas , bloating, migraines, ache and pain in the body, and etc.) …. How can I find out if my SIBO has changed to the Sulfite type? Is there any tests out for it yet? .. Any other suggestions is appreciated.
Riley says
May 27, 2016 at 1:04 pmHello,
There is currently only one test that I am aware of that may POSSIBLY test for hydrogen sulfide SIBO, but it is rumored that another is in the works! The one that is currently available is by Protea Biopharma and in their patent, it reads “It has been found that the urine of patients suffering from a variety of diseases contains (levels of) metabolites not found in urine of healthy controls. These metabolites are particularly sulfur-containing metabolites, most particularly H2S metabolites.” H2S stands for hydrogen sulfide. However, my symptoms seemed to indicate hydrogen sulfide, but this test was negative for me. I am unsure of the validity of the test, but it appears to be our only option at this point.
Sarah says
January 22, 2017 at 5:30 pmHi- I read on your previous blog that you were dealing with sulfur sensitivity… I’m dealing with SIBO and some pretty extreme sulfur sensitivity right now. Were you able to actually overcome the sulfur sensitivity? What was the thing that was most helpful? Thanks!
Riley says
January 24, 2017 at 9:34 amHi Sarah,
I can happily say that I have overcome sulfur intolerance. No problem with kale or spinach at all anymore! The biggest thing that helped was VSL#3 probiotic- not exactly sure why, but perhaps due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties or modulation of gut bacteria.
Sarah says
January 24, 2017 at 9:53 amThat is so encouraging to hear, thanks for responding! I’m still at the stage where probiotics seem to exacerbate my SIBO and bloat my upper gut, but hopefully I’ll be able to tolerate them better soon.
Riley says
January 27, 2017 at 11:04 amSending you good healing vibes!!
Shelley says
March 21, 2017 at 6:23 pmRiley, when did you introduce probiotics during your SIBO treatment? Also, did you introduce fermented foods into your diet as well and if so, what in particular. Thanks and love your website!
Riley says
March 22, 2017 at 8:24 amI introduced probiotics after about a year (too long in hind sight) of being on antibiotics/antimicrobials. I did not do so well with fermented foods at the time and found probiotic supplementation to be more helpful. Thanks for visiting my site and reaching out 🙂