
The best herbal antimicrobials for SIBO include:
• Berberine
• Neem
• Allicin
• Oregano oil
• Thyme
• Cinnamon
You will want to use specific herbs to kill the type of SIBO present, depending on whether you have hydrogen dominant SIBO, methane, or hydrogen sulfide.
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Someone who has both methane and hydrogen dominant SIBO will want to use herbs for both methane and hydrogen dominant SIBO.
For Example:
Berberine and neem are natural antimicrobials for hydrogen dominant SIBO.
Allicin extract and essential oils of oregano, cinnamon, and thyme are herbal antimicrobials used for methane dominant SIBO.
Oregano oil is effective for hydrogen sulfide SIBO.
In this study, herbal antimicrobials were shown to be as effective as antibiotics.
Benefits of herbal antimicrobials for SIBO
One of the benefits of using herbal antimicrobials for SIBO instead of antibiotics is, antimicrobials such as oregano oil also kill candida.
Many people who suffer from SIBO also have a small intestinal fungal overgrowth. If candida is present alongside SIBO, herbal antimicrobials are best as antibiotics do not kill candida.
The use of antibiotics can also provide candida with the opportunity to overgrow since antibiotics also kill many beneficial bacteria that would keep candida in balance.
Antimicrobials for SIBO are used during the “killing phase” of a SIBO protocol. Phase 2 of the SIBO diet is implemented alongside herbal antimicrobials for the best results.
During the killing phase antimicrobials are used for 4-8 weeks. In some situations, antimicrobials may be used longer but keep in mind that antimicrobials are not meant to be used indefinitely.
If SIBO symptoms persist after using antimicrobials it is necessary to retest to see what kind of results were achieved.
It is also crucial to ensure that you identified and addressed the underlying causes of SIBO to prevent relapse. Sorry, healing SIBO isn’t as easy as just taking antimicrobials. The upper digestive system function must be addressed, among other things.
Grab my gut health guide where I teach how to support the primary organs involved in the upper digestive system and symptoms associated with each digestive organ.
Handling die-off reactions from using antimicrobials for SIBO
In some situations, a die-off reaction can occur as a result of taking antimicrobials such as oregano oil for SIBO.
A die-off reaction can be caused by a massive increase in fungal and bacterial toxins from dying bacteria. If a die-off reaction occurs, it is best to consult your practitioner and reduce or stop the use of antimicrobials for a few days.
The liver is easily overwhelmed by endotoxins produced by dying bacteria. When a die-off reaction occurs, it is essential to ensure that the livers detoxification pathways are open.
Binders such as activated charcoal and bentonite clay can be used alongside antimicrobials to help bind and escort toxins out of the body. Activated charcoal and bentonite clay are excellent binders to help prevent SIBO die-off symptoms.
There are several types of effective antimicrobial products used for SIBO. It is best to choose an herbal antimicrobial or mixture containing herbs that are effective for the type of SIBO you have tested positive for.
Antimicrobial supplements for SIBO
Biotics Research ADP contains oil of oregano, which is effective for hydrogen dominant SIBO, methane dominant SIBO, and candida. Oregano oil is a natural and diverse antimicrobial for SIBO.
Metagenics Bactrex contains oregano oil and thyme, which is great for methane dominant SIBO. Bactrex is effective for candida as well. Oregano oil was one of the herbal antimicrobials that I used to get rid of my candida overgrowth.
Thyme, oregano, and lemon balm are herbal antimicrobials found in Metagenics Candibactin Ar.
Berberine is one of the best antimicrobials for hydrogen SIBO found in Metagenics Candibactin BR with additional herbs for liver support.
Thorne berberine 500 is another supplement for hydrogen dominant SIBO
For a comprehensive list of additional antimicrobial supplements for SIBO, refer to the SIBO doctor dispensary guide.
When taking antimicrobial supplements for SIBO, it is best to work with your practitioner to select the correct supplement and dosage and duration.
If you are struggling with SIBO, Dr. Nirala Jacobi from the SIBO Doctor has a very informative patient SIBO success course to beat SIBO for good. This course covers
• additional underlying causes of SIBO
• testing for SIBO
• Symptoms of SIBO
• types of SIBO
• biphasic SIBO diet
• antimicrobials for SIBO
and much more!
Dr. Nirala Jacobi has been my go-to resource for information on SIBO. There is so much to know about SIBO, and the SIBO success plan covers all the essentials that you need to know about SIBO so you can beat SIBO for good.
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