Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Bacteria Overgrowth?

Michelle L

Recommended Posts

Michelle L Apprentice
Michelle L
Posted

Long story short...I have been gluten free for a few months and trying to gain weight!!

But, no matter what I still cant gain healthy weight and actually am losing fat...(not really pounds so much). My holistic nutritionist had run tests and said I had a lot of bacteria and parasites in my system. She had given me things to take to get rid of them...but even after a few months, they are not completely gone and Idk why I cant gain weight! Could it be the parasites/bacteria that are keeping me from gaining weight? Thats really the only thing I can think of. How is it this hard to gain weight even after four months??!!

I am going to a GI doctor in about 2 weeks to get a doctors opinion. I had been doing some reading on SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth) and it seems maybe I could have this. Has anyone dealt with this? Do you think that is what could be preventing me from gaining weight? I had thought once I went on the diet and wasnt eating foods I was allergic to, I would be gaining weight quite quickly. Apparently, its not that easy!

Anyone with info would be awesome! Thanks!!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Bubba's Mom Enthusiast
Bubba's Mom
Posted

Long story short...I have been gluten free for a few months and trying to gain weight!!

But, no matter what I still cant gain healthy weight and actually am losing fat...(not really pounds so much). My holistic nutritionist had run tests and said I had a lot of bacteria and parasites in my system. She had given me things to take to get rid of them...but even after a few months, they are not completely gone and Idk why I cant gain weight! Could it be the parasites/bacteria that are keeping me from gaining weight? Thats really the only thing I can think of. How is it this hard to gain weight even after four months??!!

I am going to a GI doctor in about 2 weeks to get a doctors opinion. I had been doing some reading on SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth) and it seems maybe I could have this. Has anyone dealt with this? Do you think that is what could be preventing me from gaining weight? I had thought once I went on the diet and wasnt eating foods I was allergic to, I would be gaining weight quite quickly. Apparently, its not that easy!

Anyone with info would be awesome! Thanks!!

Whether you gain weight or not depends on the condition of your intestine. If you have villi damage from gluten you may not be able to absorb what you're eating.(I'm assuming you have Celiac?) Or you could have SIBO, yeast, or a parasite. There are tests and treatments for these things.

It sounds like it's time to see your Dr.?

For a frame of reference though, I've been gluten-free for 9 months now, and was put on steroids to help my villi heal. I'm just now beginning to gain a bit of weight(actually just 2lbs this week..yay!)

It can take quite a while to heal.

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

Bacterial overgrowth is not uncommon. I've heard of celiac doctors who automatically put celiac patients on probiotics.

richard

peeptoad Apprentice
peeptoad
Posted

I've had recurring SIBO for about 7 or 8 years now... symptoms and the type of bacteria can differ from person to person, but generally antibiotics are probably the fastet way to get rid of it. Unfortunately the overgrowth can recur in some people, depending on what the cause is (and the causes are many and varied). Personally, I've had the best success with rifaximin antibiotic, followed by a high-quality probiotic. I'm also taking Iberogast daily, which will hopefully improve peristalsis and prevent the bacteria from "backflowing" into my small intestine and overgowing again. (Just started the Iberogast, so I don't know if it's working or not yet).

In terms of diet low-carb (and esp. low sugar) is best... you might also want to eliminate legumes for a while because they can cause residue on the intestine that the bacteria feed on. Low-residue, highly-absorbale diet is best since you will be getting the food and not the little buggers.

Michelle L Apprentice
Michelle L
Posted
  • Author

I've had recurring SIBO for about 7 or 8 years now... symptoms and the type of bacteria can differ from person to person, but generally antibiotics are probably the fastet way to get rid of it. Unfortunately the overgrowth can recur in some people, depending on what the cause is (and the causes are many and varied). Personally, I've had the best success with rifaximin antibiotic, followed by a high-quality probiotic. I'm also taking Iberogast daily, which will hopefully improve peristalsis and prevent the bacteria from "backflowing" into my small intestine and overgowing again. (Just started the Iberogast, so I don't know if it's working or not yet).

In terms of diet low-carb (and esp. low sugar) is best... you might also want to eliminate legumes for a while because they can cause residue on the intestine that the bacteria feed on. Low-residue, highly-absorbale diet is best since you will be getting the food and not the little buggers.

how did they test your for SIBO ? Was is via stool sample or can they actually look at your intestines?

Bubba's Mom Enthusiast
Bubba's Mom
Posted

how did they test your for SIBO ? Was is via stool sample or can they actually look at your intestines?

Thay can do a hydrogen breath test for SIBO. I'm scheduled to have that done. You go in after a 12 hour fast and they have you breathe into a tube that has a device which measures the gases in your breath. Then they have you drink a solution and remeasure at certain time intervals. The gases that they read as you digest the solution tell them if you have SIBO or not.

From my understanding thay can also test via stool..but it won't tell them if the bacteria is in your upper intestine..where it shouldn't be, rather than in your colon. Someone else might know more abbout this?

peeptoad Apprentice
peeptoad
Posted

how did they test your for SIBO ? Was is via stool sample or can they actually look at your intestines?

I had the hydrogen breath test that Bubba's Mom described. They normally use lactulose for SIBO specifically because it's a non-absorbable sugar. I've had this test done 3 or 4 times over the past few years and it's been positive every time. I was tested once for fructose malabsorption (uses fructose instead of lactulose) and that was negative, so I know I had(ve) SIBO (also the antibiotics helped my symptoms almost every time as another indicator).

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,869
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Stacy W
    Newest Member
    Stacy W
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      still struggling with cravings

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I totally get this. It's absolutely a grieving process, and it's okay to feel gutted about the loss of those simple joys, especially at 18. Your feelings are completely valid—it's not about being ungrateful for your amazing boyfriend, it's about mourning the life you thought you'd have. That "tortured by the smell" feeling is so real. It does get easier, I promise, but it's okay to sit in the sadness and just vent about how much it stings right now. Thanks for sharing that. Celiac.com has published a book on our site by Jean Duane PhD called Gluten-Centric Culture, which covers many of the social aspects of having celiac disease: This chapter in particular covers issues around eating with family and others - Gluten-Centric Culture: Chapter 5 - Grabbing A Bite Together:    
    • Scott Adams
      Oh my goodness medication causing pain !!!!

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Many of us with celiac find that the fillers in medications can cause a reaction, and sometimes our bodies just process things weirdly. That "rebound muscle pain" and "burning feet" you described sounds awful and is a huge red flag. It's frustrating enough managing the diet without medication causing setbacks. So sorry you're dealing with this, but you're definitely on the right track by connecting the dots. You can search this site for prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's so tough when you're doing everything right and still get hit with it. I'm glad you're figuring out a system that works for you—the peppermint tea and rehydration powders are smart moves. It sounds like you've really learned to listen to your body, and that's half the battle. Sticking to simple, safe food at home is the best way to build yourself back up. It's great you can take the time to rest properly. Thanks for sharing what works; it's a big help to others figuring this out too. This article, and the comments below it, may be helpful:    
    • Scott Adams
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I am so sorry you're going through this. It's bad enough to fight for a diagnosis and manage this disease, but to have your partner use it as a weapon against you is truly devastating. What you're describing isn't just a lack of support; it's abuse, full stop. Controlling your food and money is cruel, and his pleasure in your misery is chilling. Please hear this: the kindness from that woman at the food pantry is what you deserve. It's a glimpse of the real world, where people care. You deserve to eat, to heal, and to have peace. His actions are the biggest barrier to your health right now, and you are not broken—you are surviving in an impossible situation. Don't give up on that lifeline you've found.
    • Colleen H
      Ibuprofen

      By Colleen H · Posted

      Thank you.. Christina My anxiety is through the roof.  I think it was from eggs.  I really don't know because my eyes feel sore. Like I'm allergic to them.  I was defient in B12.   My heart is pounding and it won't stop.  Not sure what to do.   I don't have much support other than this forum.    Colleen 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.