Bowel & Gut

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

Bloating within an hour of eating, brain fog, and food intolerance from bacteria colonizing the small intestine — addressed with botanical antimicrobials, prokinetics, and gut-healing nutrients.

Prevention

Key nutrients: Ginger (prokinetic), digestive bitters, betaine HCl (if low stomach acid), magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin D.

Eat regularly: Bone broth, well-cooked vegetables, low-FODMAP foods during treatment, ginger, fennel, mint, lean protein. Reintroduce fiber slowly after treatment.

Space meals 4–5 hours apart so the migrating motor complex (MMC) can sweep the small intestine clean. Address root causes: low stomach acid, slow motility, ileocecal valve dysfunction, prior food poisoning.

Berberine

HerbStrong evidence

500 mg 3×/day for 4–6 weeks — clinical trials show efficacy comparable to rifaximin for hydrogen-dominant SIBO.

Oregano oil

HerbStrong evidence

150 mg standardized (70%+ carvacrol) 2–3×/day — broad antimicrobial that targets SIBO species.

Allicin (from garlic)

FoodStrong evidence

450 mg stabilized allicin 2–3×/day — particularly effective for methane-dominant SIBO (archaea).

Neem

HerbModerate evidence

300–600 mg 2×/day — Ayurvedic antimicrobial often combined with berberine in SIBO protocols.

Peppermint oil (enteric)

HerbStrong evidence

0.2 ml enteric capsule 2–3×/day between meals — antimicrobial and antispasmodic; eases bloating and cramping.

Ginger (prokinetic)

HerbStrong evidence

1000 mg ginger root extract before bed (and 4 hours after dinner) — stimulates the migrating motor complex to prevent SIBO relapse.

Digestive bitters

HerbTraditional use

1–2 ml gentian/dandelion/artichoke tincture 15 min before meals — boosts stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes.

L-glutamine

OtherModerate evidence

5 g 1–2×/day on empty stomach — restores the small-intestine lining after the kill phase.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.