Ron–the alcohol in vanilla extract should be okay–used in small amounts of course. Yes, a dietitian should be able to set up a challenge for you to test your tolerance to gluten or wheat. I would recommend you find a dietitian knowledgable in the low FODMAP diet.

Thanks!! I’m going to try your tips!

I add the chia seeds dry to recipes or top on my yogurt or oats. If you soak them–the soluble fiber on the outside of the seed will take in the water and become a little gel like ball….so it all depends on your texture preference. They can be blended into a smoothie as another alternative –making the smoothie thicker as they attract the water and thicken it up. I have also used chia in jam–very easy to do. Here is the link: https://blog.katescarlata.com/2013/06/04/berry-chia-jam/

Thanks for your time and expertise! Will continue to watch FODMAP’s and SIBO sugars until get into GI Dr. in late Oct.Taking a meal/day at a time! Had cramping after dinner last night: Brown rice pasta, lil lean ground beef, infused olive oil, small salad with few carrots/tomatoes (with olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar). Is it the dinner OR something ate earlier or day before? How do you pinpoint what caused pain. Also, not for sure what “milk” to use. Lactose Free has a lot of sugar for SIBO as well as Rice Milk. Using Almond milk(only when have cereal) but you mentioned may have FODMAPs…I purchased the Ebook of Fast Tract Diet. It didn’t mention losing 8 lbs day. I am losing wt due to not eating snacks(waiting 3 – 5 hrs between meals for cleansing wave) etc. Fast Tract seems LOW FODMAP in many ways. It goes by Fermentation rate of foods in body and Glycemic Index etc. It limits more carbs (Dairy – greek yogurt ok; allows fewer grains and starchy veg and some fruits due to sugar that keeps SIBO around). Guess Trail and error is best bet for me at this point while waiting to see GI Dr. Thanks for your posts and wealth of info! Wishing could do Low FODMAP, but feel with SIBO need watch many items(Carbs etc). Maybe a combination of both diets…

Marcy-I don’t know much about the Fast Tract diet but doesn’t it advertise that you can lose 8 lbs. OVERNIGHT??! If so, sounds unhealthy.
As for what diet is best while on antibiotics—I don’t believe there is research on that…but per discussions I have had with SIBO MD experts, the diet should not be super strict when you are on antibiotics as the bacteria tend to hibernate and the antibiotic may be less effective….so you want to draw them out like “cheese to a mouse”. So I recommend a moderately low FODMAP diet–a BUT more liberal–allow some FODMAPs but not enough to make you miserable.

I’ve tried Lactose Free milk – so sweet! Thought Soy milk was a no no. So, do almond milk when have gluten free cereal (probably not good have grain with SIBO though?)Don’t do the almond milk often. Will try cutting out cheese (although don’t have much at all)I was tested for Lactose, Fructose, Gluten Intolerance – all negative. Although was before the SIBO Dx. (if makes difference)Added another fruit to diet today (3 total) and more raw veggies. Guessing best way to add fiber, since SIBO doesn’t like other fiber choices. I added Chia seeds to grocery list!

Have you heard of Fast Tract Diet? Thinking of trying that. It seems to include a lot of the Low FODMAP diet ideas. I need something to try, till see new GI Dr. in October.

One last question…What diet if any is best while taking the antibiotics? Do you want to limit sugar/carbs while on RX OR eat those carbs etc. during the treatment to kill more off?

Thanks much! Hoping the GI Dr. will know of SIBO RD – Low FODMAP RD in STL. I’ve worn the pages off of your blog!

Hey Marcy!
Perhaps you need a different treatment for SIBO. I did rifaximin–did best after a full month of treatment. Some individuals with IBS-C and SIBO benefit from adding neomycin to their rifaximin treatment –better efficacy in this treatment for some. Also, some of my clients have done best with following up their antibiotic treatment with low dose erthryomycin (50 mg) at night to help with small intestinal cleansing waves. Make sure the GI specialist you are working with is well aware of research with SIBO or is willing to look at the research and get acquainted with it–this is SO important–sounds like you have made the right steps and advocated for yourself!! Good for you!

An important part of SIBO management is meal spacing–allowing 3-4 hours between meals is ideal. Your small intestine initiates a cleansing wave ONLY when you are fasting (not eating) so if you are constantly grazing…this can impact SIBO risk.
Perhaps adding a little caffeine may give your sluggish intestine a little get up and go? Fiber needs to be carefully balanced and titrated individually–some of my clients have done best with low fiber but MOST need a little extra or at least around 25 g /day–and chia seeds seem to be the best tolerated!

As for your diet, would suggest you limit the almond milk –may have FODMAPs. Another potential issue for some of my clients is dairy–not just the lactose but dairy altogether. Not that you want to add another restriction to your diet–but you might give dairy free a try for a week and see if you note any improvement in your constipation symptoms. Of course, work all these diet changes with your health care provider. I don’t know of an St. Louis area SIBO RD–perhaps reach out to the local dietetic association to see if they can assist you.
Hope that helps a bit. Best to you!

Thanks for the info! How did you treat your SIBO and what did you eat? I have cut fruits down to 2 servings a day, few grains (Gluten free cereal, GF pretzels, Jasmine Rice, Russet potatoes), almond milk and Greek Yogurt/Cheddar & Mozzerella cheese, no artificial sweetners or caffeine, decaf tea, lean meats, All natural Peanut Butter. Problem is VERY Constipated – always my main issue (IBS-C – SIBO). I also do salads with EVOO/Bal. Vinegar and cooked and fresh veggies/tomatoes etc. Afraid if eat too much fiber or grains the SIBO will just keep GROWING! Any further suggestions much appreciated. Any SIBO RD here in St. Louis MO area? Waiting now to get into specialist in SIBO (Late October UGH). Wanted to switch Dr’s due to current GI not up on diet to prevent SIBO returning etc. Thanks again!