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Exploring Supplements and Solutions for SIBO and Gut Gas Management

A detailed discussion on managing bloating and flatulence due to SIBO, focusing on probiotic supplements, dietary strategies, and gas production in the gut. Suggestions include diverse probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, peppermint oil, and stress management to alleviate symptoms.

  • My gut bacteria produce odorless gas

    The only symptom I have is excessive bloating / flatulence, and my farts are odorless 95% of the time. More gassy in the evening/night; often have insomnia because of it.

    Low-FODMAP diet helps and, strangely, basic carbonated water helps. Some probiotics (eg acidophilus) allow having no symptoms for 2-4 weeks without following the low-FODMAP.

    Diagnosed with H2-dominant SIBO in 2015; had one negative breath test result in 2019. All the imaginable digestive system checkups do not show any abnormalities. H.Pylori negative. No celiac or gluten intolerance.

    Dealt with the stuff with many qualified doctors, but none of them identified the root cause, they suspected some bacteria to be in charge though. Possibly the thing started after the food poisoning 10+ years ago and/or because of the antibiotics (had two different protocols to fight H.Pylory & peptic ulcer). Also, one-week of Rifaximin helped, but only for one week. Naturals (Oregano oil) helped once for a month or two, but did not help another time.

    Don't have the GI map available in my country, but made detailed stool analysis. Blastocystis hominis are present and the counts of Enterococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp are low (both 10^4 cfu/ml)

    Tried more or less everything, including a portable industrial "4-gas detector". Costed me less than 100 dollars, order at Amzon. The four gases measured by the detectors are Oxygen, "LEL" aka proxy for the methane, H2S and CO aka Carbon Monoxide. My fart air CO level is very high (1000 ppm) and both H2S and LEL are detected as well. What kind of bacteria can produce CO?

    What other routes should I examine? :)

  • I can provide some information on supplements and the biochemical aspects related to your condition, though it's important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

    Potential Role of Supplements

    1. Probiotics: As you've experienced some relief from probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus, you might consider exploring other probiotic strains. Diverse probiotic strains can offer varied benefits and might help in modulating your gut microbiota balance further.

    2. Prebiotics: These non-digestible fibers can feed beneficial bacteria in your gut, potentially improving symptoms. Prebiotics are often found in foods, but they can also be taken as supplements (e.g., inulin, fructooligosaccharides).

    3. Digestive Enzymes: Since you're dealing with bloating and gas, digestive enzyme supplements may help break down complex carbohydrates more effectively, possibly reducing gas production.

    4. Peppermint Oil: Often used for its antispasmodic properties and to relieve symptoms of IBS, peppermint oil could help with bloating and gas symptoms1.

    Bacterial Gas Production

    Regarding the high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other gases:

    • CO production isn't commonly associated with any specific well-known pathogenic bacteria in the gut but might result from atypical microbial metabolism or interactions of your current microbial profile.
    • H2S is produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria. High levels of H2S can contribute to gut dysfunction and symptoms you are experiencing2.
    • Methane (often referred to indirectly by LEL) production is more often linked with methanogenic archaea rather than typical bacterial species.

    Further Investigation Ideas

    • Diversity of Probiotics: You could consider multi-species probiotics to target a broader range of gut bacteria.
    • Antimicrobial Herbs: You've tried oregano oil with some success. Other herbal antimicrobials like berberine might provide benefit3.
    • Dietary Adjustments: Since low-FODMAP helps, carefully manipulating other dietary components may provide relief. Consider working with a nutritionist.
    • Gut-Brain Axis: Stress and the nervous system can influence gut function, so exploring treatments for stress or anxiety might indirectly benefit your symptoms.

    These suggestions are meant to provide insight into possible supplementary approaches, but please remember, consulting healthcare professionals who can interpret these options in the context of your complete medical history is crucial.

    Footnotes

    1. Richard E. Camilleri, "Efficacy and safety of peppermint oil in a randomized, double-blind trial of patients with irritable bowel syndrome," American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2007. ↩

    2. Johannes Georg Wehner, "Production Pathways of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Human and Integrative Analysis of Its Role in Gut Diseases," PubMed, 2023. ↩

    3. "Berberine and its role in chronic disease," Cochrane Library, 2020. ↩

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