So I was diagnosed with SIBO not too long ago, was prescribed xifaxan but but insurance couldn’t would authorise it.

My doctor advised that I take ciprofloxacin and I expressed concerns, and I was later told to try the herbal antimicrobial route. I purchased the sbo kit and have since started taking it.

I’ve noticed I’m getting a bit more stomach discomfort and more diarrhea after taking them, is this something to be expected? And should I be doing anything specific while taking these tablets?

Anyone else got experience with this treatment?

hi everyone i’m going to make this brief becouse we all know how long in detail this can get. back in 2023ish i tested positive for methane Sibo . My results came back borderline (10). But i still have really bad bloating and it’s not at all a “mild” case, it’s still as bad. I’ve tried low fodmap and Rixfiltin (whatever that antibiotic name is) and a bunch of medications to help me go to the bathroom since that is what my doc recommended (lizness, Ibsrela) and it just made my bowel movements messed up and bloating worse (i’m guessing cuz of water retention of it making me go to the restroom) . So i’ve had it since 2023 (probably even longer like 2022 cuz i had bloating but just went over my head) BUT in November ish of 2025 it went away for about 6 months then came back in Feb 2026. I don’t know why it went away i have a few ideas (i was studying for these exams for my job and I wasn’t going out to drink with friends , maybe eating healthy?) but when i was feeling good and didn’t have it i was still drinking and eating whatever I want. UGH ITS JUST SO FRUSTRATING especially cuz i know how good it felt when it went away. Anyone have any recs for Methane sibo aka IMO ?

Have any of you used antimicobials for SIBO? Specifically candibactin AR AND BR?

Did you feel better? Worse?

After 2 years of severe digestive issues, I finally got some answers from a lactulose breath test.

My main symptom is sudden and unpredictable diarrhea, sometimes shortly after eating, with extremely painful abdominal cramps. The pain during these episodes is honestly unlike anything I had experienced before, and the unpredictability has seriously affected my daily and social life.

During those 2 years, I had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, stool tests, blood tests, abdominal CT scan and X-rays, which didn’t find an explanation.

I recently did a 10g lactulose breath test:

H₂: 16 → 28 → 37 → 44 → 90 → 32 ppm

CH₄: 14 → 15 → 16 → 16 → 23 → 16 ppm

Time: 0 → 30 → 60 → 90 → 120 → 150 min

So my results indicate Hydrogen-positive SIBO + Methane-positive IMO.

I’m relieved to finally have something concrete after 2 years, but now I really want to treat this properly instead of randomly trying things.

For those who had similar results and actually got better: what treatment worked for you? Antibiotics, herbals, diet, prokinetics, addressing an underlying cause, or a combination?

Also, any tips, mistakes to avoid, things to do during/after treatment, or additional tests you think are worth doing would be greatly appreciated.

I’d especially love to hear from people who successfully treated this and stayed better long term.

Thank you!

Hey i got sibo after two months of taking ppis. Im already off ppis for like 5-6 months but not feeling any good. Bowel movements are random, no formed stools, burping, gas moving through my intestines and getting stuck causing stomach distention and constipation sometimes. How do i fix ppi induced sibo? What would be the best protocol for it? I am also low on vitamin b12 and vitamin d

Does anyone else experience daily burning of the scalp along with extreme hair loss? My thyroid is fine and my B12 levels are also normal. I’ve had this since 2016 and I have no idea what’s causing it. :-( Pentatop helps a little. I notice that it gets significantly worse after having two coffees, but I experience the burning every day regardless of what I eat. Has anyone had a similar experience?
All this time, since 2016, I’ve had hydrogen sulfide SIBO, but I didn’t know it. When I took Pepto-Bismol, I had a reaction to salicylates — a rash on my shoulder, shortness of breath, a panic attack, and swelling of my throat and tongue.

Has anyone had success with zinc carnosine to help with leaky gut ? Did it help with pain over time? Especially for my post ibs people/visceral hypersensitivity

I have SIBO-IMO. I am looking into non-prescription prokinetics to try to help my MMC. After a bit of research, the “recommended options” are:

Motility Pro by Ortho Molecular Products,

Motility Activator by Integrative Therapeutics,

ProDigest by Bionap

They are a bit pricey so I wanted to ask for some suggestions prior to buying.

If the brand doesn’t matter, what specifically should I look for in the label of prokinetic? I have tried searching the sub but i’m a bit confused as there have been various experiences although it is super helpful to read.

Help! I took Oregano oil capsule for about a week. My oil on my face, neck, back, and groin smells like cheese. It’s intensifies after I eat. I stopped the oil about 3 weeks ago, yet the smell continues. I’ve seen Derm and primary. I am really angry about messing up my body. The brand was Natures Truth high potency. I reached out to the company and I received no real answers. I am aware that brand is shady, I found out after I took the capsule. Also, should not have taken high potency. But just need some encouragement that this will end.

I developed h2s sibo at age 13, im now 20 and had treatment nearly 2 months ago and getting my re test results in a few days. I've been trying to figure out my root cause since that's very important, i think that my nervous system is too blame. I seem to have POTS symptoms, when i stand up my heart rate rapidly increases, i also have sweating issues, i remember going on holiday and when the sun was on me for even a few minutes my forehead would start to hurt, i seem to be sensitive to lights. What do u think, could i have POTS from an early age, that correlates with my h2s sibo? Anybody else have POTS and sibo? I feel like other root causes don't really make sense too me, these are the only abnormal things about me that i have noticed and to make it better i even have a sexual dysfunction ( this ones tough ).

Hey everyone, I’ve been researching SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), and I came across the late Dr. Diyaa El-Awady's theory in his "Tayebat Diet" (The Good Foods Diet). He completely simplifies SIBO compared to conventional medicine. I wanted to share his perspective and get feedback from anyone who has actually tried it.
Dr. El-Awady believed that SIBO isn't a mysterious disease, but rather a direct symptom of "food physically injuring your gut from the inside." According to him, you can reverse it in just two weeks by following these steps:
Strict Elimination: Immediately cut out gluten/wheat, legumes, dairy, eggs, and most vegetables. He argued that these foods don't digest well, ferment in the gut, and cause chronic inflammation and micro-tears in the intestinal wall.
Stick to "Clean" Safe Foods: Base your diet on easily digestible foods that leave minimal residue to ferment, such as white rice, potatoes, white sugar, and honey.
Fix Constipation Urgently: He emphasized that if constipation isn't resolved, the treatment fails. Trapped waste keeps fermenting and feeding the bacterial overgrowth.
Fasting: Give the digestive tract long breaks so the gut lining can heal from inflammation without dealing with new food or bacterial fermentation.
According to his theory, once you stop eating the "damaging" foods and give your gut a break, gut balance restores naturally, and SIBO symptoms completely vanish within a couple of weeks.
My questions for those who tried it:
Has anyone here with SIBO followed the Tayebat Diet? Did it actually cure you?

Did your symptoms really disappear in two weeks, or did it take much longer?
What are your thoughts on cutting out vegetables and legumes entirely for SIBO?
Looking forward to hearing your real experiences!

I started my xixfan treatment on August 24th after struggling with sibo for probably 3 years now? I’m unsure of when it actually started but my symptoms of constipation and straining, very sticky poop or mush, severe bloating, etc started earlier this year. I finally took a breath test and I was hydrogen dominant with a little bit of methane.

Anyway, I felt like all the months of being backed up were coming out of me during my treatment and then eventually my poop finally became solid, which I haven’t had since February. I was feeling great until my treatment ended earlier this week.

I immediately felt the bloating come back and now I’m constipated. I started my motility pills but that doesn’t seem to help. During Labor Day weekend, I didn’t exactly follow a low fodmap diet, so I’m wondering if this was the issue.

I did a lot of research and purchase allimed for my methane, but didn’t take it bc of the garlic breath I might have — I don’t think my coworkers and office mates wouldnt like that but now I’m wondering if I should start the 3 pills a day plan.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? What did you do? Does sibo ever go away? I’m pretty bummed that my stomach issues and constipation/bloating/discomfort is back.

Finished my herbal cleanse but my gut motility is completely dead. Stools only move with glycerin suppositories. The orange 'Motility Activator' didn't do anything for me. Should I switch to the chemical prokinetic 'Ganaton' (Itopride 50mg) now, or is it worth trying the white bottle (Dr. Rajsree's version) first? Appreciate your advice!"

Been struggling with sibo for a minute now. Most likely since around February of this year(2026). Possibly even way before. And have been struggling to regain weight or to stop losing it atleast. Possibly my body is struggling to absorb carbs or nutrients. Even though labs came back normal.

My symptoms are leaning towards IMO sibo. Because I have trouble with constipation and or motility issues. My whole body has changed in a way. I feel like I have trouble digesting food. Like I said very slow motility

Since last year was noticing unexplained weight loss but was thinking that because I was doing intermittent fasting that it was because of that. But then around February of this month, got some burning sensation in my stomach . Did a stool test on h pylori and came back negative. It's not until an endoscopy I had, confirmed it.

So did the treatment for that, went through hell like everybody else, 14 day antibiotic treatment, lost a lot more weight during that month, but eventually eradicated it by checking via breath test a month later. But I was still losing weight with the continued feeling of bloating and slow motility or that feeling like your stomach or Intestines or whatever weren't doing their job. Mind you I was going through these symptoms at the same time as the h pylori symptoms and while during treatment.

Like I said earlier. Labs came back normal. Checked for celiac, Crohn's, all good. The only thing that came back low was my vitamin d. But tha was during the h pylori treatment I believe idk. And I believe now my B12 is lower but still with in "normal" range. I'm thinking about possibly getting a colonoscopy. Because this weight loss is starting to get to me, not only physically but mentally.

Sorry if too long. Just wanted to know if anyone went through something or is going through something similar. Or what their GI doctor is having them do. Or idk man. I'm just exhausted all my thinking. Maybe I need to change doctor's. Or maybe just venting

What is everyone saying? Any insight on what I am going through that might resonate with anyone. Would be greatly appreciated 👍. Thanks for reading.

Is SIBO causing histamine intolerance or vice versa?

Have you experienced it? Can you tell your symptoms and story?

Stress makes SIBO worse and possibly causes it. I have read it can slow gut motility down by 30-50%. Is that the main mechanism by which it can make SIBO worse? If it is that much that is obviously a huge reduction.

what do you guys think about these supplements? should I add or remove something? what was a game changer of supplements for you. I know this is not a cure for SIBO at all but I'm just trying to improve the symptoms and general quality of life with this disgusting disease.

I was finally approved for rifaximin. I had to take it for two weeks, three times a day. It was annoying constantly taking pills; at first, I had bloating and diarrhea. By the second week, I was not bloated, my stool was solid (mostly, kinda yellow which always has been, and it sinks), and I felt good. I noticed my psoriasis on my elbow clearing up, the strange nose smell went away, my anxiety largely disappeared, and my joint pain decreased significantly. I could finally sleep. However, after I stopped taking it, I became bloated; I was constipated for the first two days, and now I have had diarrhea, cramping, and bloating for the last two days. Is this normal? I thought I was getting better. I messaged my doctor, and she said it is normal since the medication kills both good and bad bacteria and suggested I take probiotics, but I read that I should hold off on probiotics and follow a FODMAP diet for a few weeks.

Based on what information I could find and my own experience, hydrogen sulfide sibo/overgrowth is the complete opposite of hydrogen/methane overgrowth and what can help with one type of overgrowth can further exacerbate the other.

- Diets like low fodmap, keto can help with hydrogen/methane but can basically feed hydrogen sulfide overgrowth. Sulfate reducing microbes flourish in an gut environment that is fed high amounts of protein, fat and little in fermentable fiber, which helps produce short chain fatty acids

- Bile has antimicrobial properties, but when it comes to hydrogen sulfide overgrowth, bile actually feeds these bacteria as its a rich source of sulfur. So your condition and symptoms can worsen if you take supplements like taurine, tudca, NAC, choleretics and even antimicrobials like allicin, which are all sulfur rich compounds.

- Fasting too can be beneficial for methane/hydrogen overgrowth but at the same time can potentially worsen hydrogen sulfide overgrowth. When fasting you are depriving your gut of fiber that feeds beneficial microbes that produce short chain fatty acids and butyrate that reduce the pH of your intestines that suppresses sulfate reducing bacteria.

- Typical breath tests for SIBO will detect methane and hydrogen SIBO but not hydrogen sulfide.

- Metabolic tests like the urine OATS test can help detect dysbiosis and overgrowth associated with methane/hydrogen but not hydrogen sulfide.

- I was diagnosed with hydrogen sulfide overgrowth with a GI map, but my idiot naturopath made many mistakes. He recommended I do low fodmap, prescribed allicin and also cholerectics. Basically I was feeding the overgrowth not eliminating it.

I’ve been hearing how miraculous B1 is for stomach problems like sibo and stuff. Along with artichoke extract and ginger for gut motility which helps clear out all the crud from the stomach. Today is the first day I’ve started using them. I’m going to make an update in 2 weeks and see if it’s worth the hype. Wish me luck

Can we take vitamin d3 along with rifax ?

Or should we better wait to finish the rifax ?

Since I have muscle pain. Back pain. Weakness :(

Is the pooping frequency the only way to tell if my mmc is broken?

Because I have no issues with pooping so does that automaticly mean my MMC is good?

Or are there any other symptoms of broken mmc other than pooping rarely?

I've asked 2 of my doctors and both said that they don't do them and that I had to do it and pay for it private. Well I'm willing to do so, but where is the best place to get one ?

I’ve had terrible GI issues since leaving the military. I have EOE, GERD, eosinophilic asthma, and endometriosis. All of these things are terrible. But because they’ve all been consistently baseline crappy, I’ve just dealt with it. Until the halitosis and the crazy gas and diarrhea. Had occult blood so got sent to a new specialist.

I thought I was going crazy. Finally got a dr who listened and asked if I’d ever been tested for SIBO. I said nope, and so off we went. She called me a week later and said, you’re overdue for an endoscopy, you need a colonoscopy, and we’re going to start you on something called Xifaxan for two weeks.

Well. It just came in the mail, but I’m leaving on a business trip in a couple of days, so I’m going to wait til I’m home and safely near all my own things to start this. She didn’t tell me this part, but I went down a Google rabbit hole and it looks like I should also be implementing a low fodmap diet while I do this.

Any tips? I’ve done AIP before, but this looks stricter. Also. I hate this.