Bacterial Overgrowth In Small Intestine

[kpm2319]

Hi everybody, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with celiac and have been gluten-free ever since. One symptom I still have is stomach bloating and I was diagnosed with bacterial overgrowth through a lactulose breath test. My doctor first prescribed a 10 day treatment of xifaxan antibiotic and it did not help at all. And then he prescribed a 7 day treatment of doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has not helped either. I was wondering if anybody had any info or prior experience with bacterial overgrowth and bloating. I appreciate any advice anyone could give me on this matter. Thanks.

Kevin

[MJbutNotMaryJane]

Hello,

I have found that Peppermint Oil really takes care of gas and bloating for me. Nature's Way has softgels that you take before meals.

~mj

[ravenwoodglass]

Yogurt or saurkraut will help balance the bacteria in the gut. In addition many of us have a hard time with dairy, have you tried eliminating dairy?

[GFtraingirl]

Hi everybody, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with celiac and have been gluten-free ever since. One symptom I still have is stomach bloating and I was diagnosed with bacterial overgrowth through a lactulose breath test. My doctor first prescribed a 10 day treatment of xifaxan antibiotic and it did not help at all. And then he prescribed a 7 day treatment of doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has not helped either. I was wondering if anybody had any info or prior experience with bacterial overgrowth and bloating. I appreciate any advice anyone could give me on this matter. Thanks.

Kevin

When I get bad stomach issues once in a while due to other food sensitivities in addition to the Celiac, I used Garlic tablets, and acidophiles. Both help regulate my stomach and intestines. It takes a while with the Garlic, but it works, at least for me. Garlic is a natural anti-biotic of sorts.

Somebody else here suggested cutting out dairy; for the most part, I have had to stop eating cheese, and I never drink milk any more. When I do eat cheese, I often have at least some reaction to it, so I limit my intake of this, my favorite pre-Celiac food... Ugh...

You may want to try going to a health food store in your area and ask if they have somebody that can help you find a natural supplement that may help you.

Good luck; I know how painful bloating can be...

[IChaseFrisbees]

Hey Kevin, I just got diagnosed the same way on Wednesday, got prescribed the Xifaxan for 10 days. This has been day one, and I feel no different but I'm hoping they do the trick. How are you in the process? Have you found something (antibiotic or otherwise) that has resolved it for you?

[kpm2319]

Hey Kevin, I just got diagnosed the same way on Wednesday, got prescribed the Xifaxan for 10 days. This has been day one, and I feel no different but I'm hoping they do the trick. How are you in the process? Have you found something (antibiotic or otherwise) that has resolved it for you?

Hi, I hope the Xifaxan works for you. I still have the bacterial overgrowth. Nothing has changed. I decided to start the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. I'm on Day 6 of the diet and nothing has changed. I'll give this diet another week before I give up on it and go back to antibiotics. Let me know what happens. Keep in touch.

[RiceGuy]

The problem with antibiotics, is that they also kill off the helpful bacteria. So by the time you're done, the gut is vulnerable to overgrowth again.

When you say "bacterial overgrowth", do you mean something other than candida/yeast? If bloating, and the breath analysis are the only symptoms which lead to this diagnosis, I'd personally question it. Do you have a whitish coating towards the back of your tongue? Are there any other symptoms which can't be attributed to Celiac?

What worked for me was caprylic acid capsules. But I also avoided all sugars, yeasts (including yeast breads), vinegars (including ketchup), and fruit. I continued the caprylic acid for around three months I think, though most of the improvement happened in the first two. My symptoms did not include bloating however. Mostly migraines, fatigue, brain fog, and a variety of other things. I was not yet gluten-free, so there was probably some overlap of symptoms.

Recently, I read that proteins can lead to a certain amount of ammonia within the intestines, which apparently promotes the yeasts. Some suggest that complex carbs are not such a big problem, while others say to avoid them. I can only say that I was successful in combating the yeasts even though I was eating tons of carbs like pasta and bread at the time. What I did not eat much of was meat and dairy. I did still eat eggs, and also peanut butter.

I can tell you that bloating isn't always caused by a yeast/bacterial overgrowth. Many on this board (including myself) have dealt with it, and many still do. For me, it took awhile for the balloon belly to subside. Over a year in fact. There was also a lot of fluid retention in the extremities, which I've concluded was from poor digestion of proteins. What seemed to help most, is making all meals easy to digest. In my case this meant avoiding dairy, limiting proteins, and blending everything into a puree. I think supplements also helped, especially magnesium.

I think malabsorption and irritation of the gut did more to cause the bloating I experienced than did bacteria. But I'm sure it's possible for different factors to effect different people.

[IChaseFrisbees]

The overgrowth is in the small intestine, where there is normally not (and not supposed to be) a lot of bacteria. I'm not exactly an expert, but from what I understand these bacteria then compete with you and the good bacteria for the food you put into your body, and when they consume it they produce gasses that cause intestinal discomfort.

And to Kevin I'm only a couple days in, but am not feeling any better thus far. Have you been retested to see if the bacteria is still there? I'm wondering if the antibiotics worked and you killed the bacteria, but have another unresolved issue.

All the best.

[kpm2319]

The overgrowth is in the small intestine, where there is normally not (and not supposed to be) a lot of bacteria. I'm not exactly an expert, but from what I understand these bacteria then compete with you and the good bacteria for the food you put into your body, and when they consume it they produce gasses that cause intestinal discomfort.

And to Kevin I'm only a couple days in, but am not feeling any better thus far. Have you been retested to see if the bacteria is still there? I'm wondering if the antibiotics worked and you killed the bacteria, but have another unresolved issue.

All the best.

I have not been retested. About the Xifaxan, after my 10 day treatment I called my doctor's office to tell them that it hadn't worked and they told me to wait another 2 weeks to see if it would kick in, but it didn't. I'm just telling you so you won't be surprised or upset if after the 10 days you call your doctor's office and this is what they tell you. I hope the Xifaxan works. I heard that another antibiotic called Flagyll is supposed to work well. I'm gonna ask my doctor to call in some Flagyll for me. Let me know what happens.

[mushroom]

I have had a bacterial overgrowth in my intestine caused by staph. aureus. It seems tol be somewhat better with the supplements I have been taking but I think it is still there. I would not consider taking additional antibiotics for it, which is the typical MD response. because I think they were partially responsible for it in the first place. I will get retested this summer.

[kpm2319]

The problem with antibiotics, is that they also kill off the helpful bacteria. So by the time you're done, the gut is vulnerable to overgrowth again.

When you say "bacterial overgrowth", do you mean something other than candida/yeast? If bloating, and the breath analysis are the only symptoms which lead to this diagnosis, I'd personally question it. Do you have a whitish coating towards the back of your tongue? Are there any other symptoms which can't be attributed to Celiac?

What worked for me was caprylic acid capsules. But I also avoided all sugars, yeasts (including yeast breads), vinegars (including ketchup), and fruit. I continued the caprylic acid for around three months I think, though most of the improvement happened in the first two. My symptoms did not include bloating however. Mostly migraines, fatigue, brain fog, and a variety of other things. I was not yet gluten-free, so there was probably some overlap of symptoms.

Recently, I read that proteins can lead to a certain amount of ammonia within the intestines, which apparently promotes the yeasts. Some suggest that complex carbs are not such a big problem, while others say to avoid them. I can only say that I was successful in combating the yeasts even though I was eating tons of carbs like pasta and bread at the time. What I did not eat much of was meat and dairy. I did still eat eggs, and also peanut butter.

I can tell you that bloating isn't always caused by a yeast/bacterial overgrowth. Many on this board (including myself) have dealt with it, and many still do. For me, it took awhile for the balloon belly to subside. Over a year in fact. There was also a lot of fluid retention in the extremities, which I've concluded was from poor digestion of proteins. What seemed to help most, is making all meals easy to digest. In my case this meant avoiding dairy, limiting proteins, and blending everything into a puree. I think supplements also helped, especially magnesium.

I think malabsorption and irritation of the gut did more to cause the bloating I experienced than did bacteria. But I'm sure it's possible for different factors to effect different people.

Thanks for responding again. Bacterial overgrowth being the rogue bacteria in my stomach that are eating away the nutrients I'm putting into my body. I don't have the coating on my tongue. I have pale, itchy, flaky skin on my face and blepharitis(chronic dry, red eyes). If I don't use moisturizer on my face everyday, my face breaks out into rashes and I get severe flakiness. I'm thinking this is related to my bacterial overgrowth or yeast overgrowth.

[clnewberry1]

I was also diagnosed with an overgrowth of bacteria. I was diagnosed through a urine test though. I was told that it could take months for this to clear up. I was given caprylic acid capsules also and then mega doses of probiotics (125 billion) I have to take the caprylic capsules for 30 days 3 times a day. I also take the heavy doses of probiotics for 7 and then a regular dose ongoing. I was also given a digestive enzyme. I started this yesterday. I woke up in the middle of the night very bloated, crampy and gassy. I took the caprylic this morning and within a couple of hours I was gassy and bloated again. My doctor told me this would happen. She also said that I might start feeling sick initially before I started to feel better while the bad bacteria dye off. I did feel really tired today.

This has caused malabsorption for me, which resulted in my tests results showing chronic inflammation. I am on a gluten free diet (although tested negative for celiac) I have a sensativity to whey which is most dairy. However I can have cheese I guess the whey is processed out. I also tested sensative to both brewers and bakers yeast so I avoid that. I do not have a overgrowth of yeast. My eyes are really dry but I thought maybe it was the high pollen count.

Anyway I just wanted to share with you what my doctor prescribed. I do hope it works.

Crystal

[RissaRoo]

I was also diagnosed with an overgrowth of bacteria. I was diagnosed through a urine test though. I was told that it could take months for this to clear up. I was given caprylic acid capsules also and then mega doses of probiotics (125 billion) I have to take the caprylic capsules for 30 days 3 times a day. I also take the heavy doses of probiotics for 7 and then a regular dose ongoing. I was also given a digestive enzyme. I started this yesterday. I woke up in the middle of the night very bloated, crampy and gassy. I took the caprylic this morning and within a couple of hours I was gassy and bloated again. My doctor told me this would happen. She also said that I might start feeling sick initially before I started to feel better while the bad bacteria dye off. I did feel really tired today.

This has caused malabsorption for me, which resulted in my tests results showing chronic inflammation. I am on a gluten free diet (although tested negative for celiac) I have a sensativity to whey which is most dairy. However I can have cheese I guess the whey is processed out. I also tested sensative to both brewers and bakers yeast so I avoid that. I do not have a overgrowth of yeast. My eyes are really dry but I thought maybe it was the high pollen count.

Anyway I just wanted to share with you what my doctor prescribed. I do hope it works.

Crystal

Crystal, did you go to a regular doctor or one who also specializes in natural medicine? My doctor prescribed heavy abx for me but didn't warn me about any side effects...I've felt terrible since taking the abx and I'm wishing I had more information as to what to expect. I'm doing the probiotics thing, but I don't know if I'm taking enough of them or if they are working. It sounds like your doctor is a good one, at least you were warned about the bloating and feeling crummy thing!

[clnewberry1]

My doctor is a Naturopathic Doctor. She doesn't specialize in GI disorders but she treats disorders the natural way. She said that she didn't want to go the antibiotic route as she doesn't believe in killing everything. I am taking the probiotic in the morning and at night. I am not sure if this overgrowth was severe or not. It's my understanding that probotics won't harm you so possibly you need to take it more than once a day. It's also my understanding that the antibiotic kills everything and you can get pretty bad diarrhea so make sure your getting your fluids. I really felt crappy before and other than the gas and bloating I haven't noticed any change yet.

Crystal

[salamander]

Hi,

I have a couple of visiable bacterial/fungal problems, and it has been suggested that I might have too much bad bacteria in my gut. In the end the doctor gave me antibiotics. Bad move! I still have the same problems, but now my tongue looks like a fur carpet! Everytime I swallow it's like I have a piece of sandpaper at the back of my throat. I'm off the antibiotics now, and waiting to see a specialist!

[clnewberry1]

Hi,

I have a couple of visiable bacterial/fungal problems, and it has been suggested that I might have too much bad bacteria in my gut. In the end the doctor gave me antibiotics. Bad move! I still have the same problems, but now my tongue looks like a fur carpet! Everytime I swallow it's like I have a piece of sandpaper at the back of my throat. I'm off the antibiotics now, and waiting to see a specialist!

While you are waiting - this is just a suggestion go to Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe or a local vitamin store and get a good quality high potent probiotic and start taking it. My children's doctor - normal western medicine doctor always tells me to give my kids probiotics with there antibiotics.

[koko]

Hi everybody, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with celiac and have been gluten-free ever since. One symptom I still have is stomach bloating and I was diagnosed with bacterial overgrowth through a lactulose breath test. My doctor first prescribed a 10 day treatment of xifaxan antibiotic and it did not help at all. And then he prescribed a 7 day treatment of doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has not helped either. I was wondering if anybody had any info or prior experience with bacterial overgrowth and bloating. I appreciate any advice anyone could give me on this matter. Thanks.

Kevin

Hey Kevin, I know this was a LONG time ago, months and months. But I am in the process of going through testing for Celiacs and I have had tests that showed bacterial overgrowth of Klebsiella Oxytoca and Staphalococus and NO lactobacillus or bifidum . So I have not begun the antibiotics but I came across your blog from back in March and am wondering what did end up working for you. I hope you are in good health, wishing you well and many blessings!

Koko

[michelley65]

Hello....I was diagnosed with SIBO a year and a half ago...was on Xifaxan numerous times..along witha few other antibiotics..nothing helped.I still have it,and being that gluten seems to be a problem with sibo patients,Ive decided to go gluten free and see what happens.Has any of you found relief from thier SIBO yet?

[burdee]

Hi everybody, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with celiac and have been gluten-free ever since. One symptom I still have is stomach bloating and I was diagnosed with bacterial overgrowth through a lactulose breath test. My doctor first prescribed a 10 day treatment of xifaxan antibiotic and it did not help at all. And then he prescribed a 7 day treatment of doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, which has not helped either. I was wondering if anybody had any info or prior experience with bacterial overgrowth and bloating. I appreciate any advice anyone could give me on this matter. Thanks.

Kevin

Hi Kevin:

I've had 4 different experiences with bacterial overgrowth which were diagnosed by stool tests, not breath tests. My symptoms were bloating, constipation and cramping pains. My doc successfully treated klebsiella, enterobacter cloacae and achromobacter with caprylic acid. However, I also tested positive for clostridium difficile (c-diff), a very pathogenic bacteria, which required taking vancomycin and high doses of probiotics for several months. My c-diff symptoms were nausea, constipation, bloating and cramping pains.

What specific bacteria did that breath test detect? How does a breath test determine what's in your intestines? It's difficult to know whether the antibiotics were appropriate without knowing the exact bacteria. Also did you take probiotics during and after the antibiotic treatments? If you don't take probiotics to replace the good bacteria which antibiotics destroy, you will most likely develop another 'overgrowth' of other opportunistic (bad) bacteria.

SUE

[soblessed128]

I can identify with what you are going through. I also think I have overgrowth of bacteria/yeast due to my gluten issue. I have coating on tounge, aches and pains, and bloating. I hav not been tested yet and have been gluten-free for about 6 months now. my primary placed me on diflucan. It helped temporarly. It seemed like the yeast and bloating came back with a vegeance. It has calmed down some depending on what I eat. Raw foods tend to highten the problem. How do I get my fiber on a gluten-free diet and not have the bacterial over growth. I also plan to make an appt. with GI Doctor to get tested for bacterial overgrowth. I Hope your overgrowth gets better and you are able to eat with enjoyment.

[michelley65]

I have been gluten free this past week..well,okay so I cheated a little bit and paid for it,but overall I have felt much better and dont have all the gas,bloating,ect.I am having bllodwork done again this week for celiac and was told its okay if I am gluten free when they draw blood and that it wont affect the test results,but everything else that I read says that I should eat gluten to get an accurate reading.Any advise??I truly believe that my gluten intolerance has everything to do with my bacterial overgrowth.

[twe0708]

I am battling a bacteria problem too and read on a natural health site that women were taking 800mg of folic acid daily and it helped them. I am going today to buy some so can't tell you if it works or not. I just don't want to try a harsh antibiotic unless I absolutely have to.

[michelley65]

I am battling a bacteria problem too and read on a natural health site that women were taking 800mg of folic acid daily and it helped them. I am going today to buy some so can't tell you if it works or not. I just don't want to try a harsh antibiotic unless I absolutely have to.

Thats interesting....please let us know if it helps!

[Kurly]

I've been struggling with stomach cramps, severe D and just plain misery fatigue and haziness since Feb (Sept now) so far most tests show nothing... Best guess is bacteria over growth.... My celiac markers in blood were slightly elevated so went gluten free... Desperate for any relief... That helped for about a week, then all symptoms were back... I've done at least 5 courses of different antibiotics including one of which was IV when in the hospital from symptoms with white blood cells through roof... Kept in hospital 3 days until fever broke and WBC count came down... Anyone have success treating this??? Any hope in eating ever bc right now as some others said even water gives me pain that doubles me over!