SIBO Treatments

The elemental diet is a dietary treatment approach used to manage Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) by providing complete nutrition in a pre-digested form. This method minimizes the workload on the digestive system and starves the bacteria in the small intestine, as it provides nutrients that are absorbed quickly in the upper digestive tract, leaving little for the bacteria to ferment. Effectiveness Research shows that the elemental diet can be highly effective in treating SIBO. Studies report success rates of 80-85% in reducing bacterial overgrowth after 2-3 weeks of treatment. It is particularly useful for patients who have not responded well to antibiotics or who cannot tolerate them. Dosage The dosage depends on an individual’s caloric needs, typically calculated based on body weight and activity level. For adults, the daily caloric intake ranges from 1500 to 2500 calories or more, divided into several servings throughout the day. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the exact dosage and ensure nutritional needs are met. Treatment Length The typical treatment duration is 2-3 weeks, during which the elemental diet is used as the sole source of nutrition.

Several studies have shown herbal therapies are at least as effective as rifaximin for resolution of SIBO.  Studies used: 2 herbal combination formulas together, at a dose of 2 caps 2 x day x 4 weeks, for each formula. Biotics FC Cidal with Biotics Dysbiocide, or Metagenics Candibactin-AR with Metagenics Candibactin-BR