New SIBO info

As a health coach, I've worked with lots of folks over the years who suffered from IBS that turned out to be Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). I've also collaborated with naturopathic physicians who were treating my clients for the condition. It's definitely an uncomfortable condition and can be challenging to resolve.

I recently received new information about the treatment of SIBO from medical microbiologist, Dr. Norm Robillard of the Digestive Health Institute, that raised my eyebrows. It's reproduced below:

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is linked to a range of digestive and systemic conditions, including IBS, reflux, and inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis. Rifaximin for SIBO:

While rifaximin and other antibiotics are commonly prescribed, their long-term benefits appear limited.

In the pivotal trial used for FDA approval, rifaximin outperformed placebo by only 10%, 1 and recurrence rates remain high, up to 44% within 9 months. 2

Although many patients experience short-term relief, maintaining those improvements is often challenging.

More concerning, a 2024 Nature study 3 found that repeated rifaximin use can promote the survival of multidrug-resistant gut bacteria, increasing the risk of harder-to-treat infections in the future.

These findings underscore the need for safer, microbiome-preserving alternatives.

That is why we recommend a 4-pillar strategy for long-term success:

1. Diet and DigestionAdapt your diet to your digestive capability. The Fast Tract Diet principles and other dietary tools help reduce gas, bloating, and/or reflux by limiting highly fermentable carbohydrates. 

2. Root Cause AnalysisSIBO often involves several underlying or contributing causes, from a total of 35 to 40 identified factors. Diagnostic testing is essential for uncovering the specific drivers of overgrowth in your case.

3. Pro-Digestion BehaviorsWhat you eat is important, but just as important are when you eat, how much you eat, and how you eat. Meal spacing, thorough chewing, body posture, and food preparation methods all impact digestion and microbial balance.

4. Targeted SupplementsThe use of clinically supported supplements from reputable suppliers supports digestion, modulates inflammation, restores motility, and corrects nutrient deficiencies.

For more information, Schedule a complimentary pre-consult appointment or Call them at (844) 495-1151 (U.S.) Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET