Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Candida
SIBO and Candida are two of the most common causes of persistent gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort that I repeatedly see in my Functional and Integrative Medicine clinic. SIBO and Candida can also cause more systemic symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and an overall sense of lethargy after meals as well. If you experience these symptoms and feel worse after eating (especially when eating higher sugar and carbohydrate rich meals), then SIBO and Candida are at the top of the list for likely offenders. I personally struggled with SIBO and Candida for years until I realized what was going on. My health dramatically improved (both physically and psychologically) once I transitioned to a low carb FODMAP oriented nutrition plan and began taking the proper herbal support supplements.
SIBO and Candida Testing
If you suffer from persistent gas, bloating, abdominal distension, stomach pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea which is typically worse after eating, then order yourself testing with one of the following options: Genova SIBO 3 hour breath test (checks for Hydrogen and Methane SIBO)
or
Trio-Smart SIBO breath test (tests for Hydrogen, Methane, and Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO) If Candida is a concern, you can also do a blood test to assess your Candida Profile. Additional Functional & Integrative blood draw bundles and test kits are available through your META Medical Lab Shop.
SIBO Treatment Protocol
If you test positive for SIBO and/or Candida:
- Begin eating a low carb FODMAPs diet. Click hyperlink for FODMAP Food Plan Guide and Shopping List.
- Register and use your META Medical Fullscript account to ensure that you are taking the highest quality nutraceuticals available (There is a vast nutritional difference between local, grass fed, organic beef and a McDonald’s cheeseburger. Nutraceuticals vary greatly in their purity and effectiveness as well. Ensure that you are getting the good stuff). If you already have a Fullscript account with another provider, you will need to create a new META Medical Fullscript account to receive our clinic discounts.
- To make ordering your SIBO and Candida treatment protocol supplements below easier, click on this SIBO and Candida comprehensive protocol hyperlink.
- Order Atrantil take 2 capsules 3 times daily with meals for the first 15 days. After 15 days, decrease to taking 2 capsules daily with a meal for SIBO maintenance. (Make sure to order 2 bottles to last for the first 60 days as each bottle has 90 capsules).
- Order Metagenics Candibactin-AR take one softgel three times daily with meals. CandiBactin-AR® features concentrated aromatic essential oils and herbal extracts for gut health support. Oregano kills both SIBO and Candida as well as Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, and viral infections. Thyme is traditionally used to support GI health. Sage and lemon balm extracts protect and stabilize essential oils, and support healthy digestive function.
- Order Metagenics Candibactin-BR take 2 tablets twice daily with meals. CandiBactin-BR® supports a healthy gut, immune function, and liver and gallbladder detoxification. This formula combines berberine hydrochloride, Oregon grape extract, coptis root extract, and Chinese herbs.
- Some patients will also benefit from a spore-based probiotic such as: MegaSporeProbiotic is a 100% spore-based, broad-spectrum probiotic shown to maintain healthy gut barrier function. This unique all-spore formula effectively RECONDITIONS the gut by promoting microbial diversity and maintaining key health-promoting, commensal gut bacteria. MegaSporeBiotic™ boasts a 5-year shelf-life, does not require refrigeration, and maintains a healthy gut microbiome.
Week 1: Begin with taking 1 capsule every other day.
Week 2: Increase to taking 1 capsule daily.
Week 3 and thereafter: Increase up to 2 capsules daily.
Possible side effects may include abdominal cramping, loose stools, and changes in bowel movements. Though these side effects may be uncomfortable, they are a sign that the product is working! Side effects should resolve within 2-3
days. - Stop taking your current Probiotics (unless it is a spore-based probiotic).
Stop taking your Prebiotics and Fiber Supplements.
Stop eating fermented foods and drinking kombucha.
All of these “healthy activities” are actually making your SIBO worse. - Home Baking Soda Test to assess your Stomach Acid.
Complete this test first thing in the morning (prior to drinking, eating, brushing
teeth).
Mix 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in 4 oz of water.
Drink this and time yourself on smart phone or stopwatch.
Write down how long it takes from the time of drinking baking soda to time of first burp.
Write this time down and repeat Home Baking Soda Test on 3 additional mornings.
If it consistently takes longer than 3 minutes to burp, then you have low stomach acid and should begin taking Betaine HCl Pepsin 1-2 capsules with each meal.
Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) has the exact same symptoms as high stomach acid (GERD/acid reflux) and is much more common. In my clinical experience, most patients on acid reflux medications actually have low stomach acid instead of high stomach acid. If you are taking a PPI or H2 acid blocking medication then this test will not be helpful as the medication is intentionally blocking acid production.
SIBO & Candida Follow Up
- Depending upon the severity of your SIBO and/or Candida, you should follow the protocol above for at least 3 months then retest.
- Most patients begin feeling better immediately upon transitioning to a lower carb FODMAP friendly nutrition plan. As your SIBO and Candida heal, you can begin liberating your nutritional diversity again. I would continue focusing on Clean Proteins (organic grass fed wild caught pasture raised animal proteins, chickpeas, split peas, lentils, organic tofu/tempeh, seeds, nuts, nut butters) and Healthy Fats (EVOO, olives, nuts, seeds, nut butters, PB, sunbutter, ghee, coconut oil, avocados, organic meats and wild caught fatty fish) to prevent recurrence.
- Continue taking the SIBO and Candida recommended supplements as needed by reordering via your SIBO and Candida comprehensive protocol.
- To gain maximum effectiveness from your SIBO/Candida testing and treatment protocol, schedule a Functional and Integrative Medicine consultation with myself or another practitioner at META Medical.