Do they actually get to where they need to go or is it just wasting money.

I’ve recently got rid of sibo (thank god).

Now is time for me to fix my histamine intolerance. For those who had success with custom probiotics D lactate free or a similar probiotic, what sort of timeline did you have for fixing histamine intolerance?

I’ve started cautiously (1/8th baby scoop), only 2 days in and have had some increased histamine response, which is annoying but I’m not concerned about. Particularly not concerned because 1/8th baby scoop when I had sibo sent me insane and didn’t let me sleep for days, whereas I can sleep after taking the custom probiotics now.

Overall, what sort of thing should I be expecting, how long did it take to help you?

Hello everyone. I'm in desperate need for help and I have been for too long now. I believe there's something really wrong in my stomach, and I'm just barely staying alive right now. I'm trying to help myself by figuring out what is wrong with me. My doctor doesn't believe me - she's called my issues psychological for over 6 months now. I have to save myself somehow. Will list symptoms and if anyone had any guidance or ideas about what's going on with me I'll be forever grateful. 😓

I'm a 37 year old female. Previously very healthy and active. 6 months ago I got a pneumonia and insane symptoms have since followed. I now have suspected Pots, a small hiatal hernia and esophagitis.

SYMPTOMS:

• Neurological issues when I swallow anything (skin burning/stinging)
• Overheat when eating ANYTHING
• Joint and bone pain
• Episodes where I wake up and my skin has become dry and flaky over night, and I pee like crazy
• Very upset stomach, always runny or constipated
• Stomach burns like fire near the ribs when I eat
• Tight throat
• Migraines from hell
• Swollen and red tonsils and sometimes swollen/white tongue but negative for candida several times.
• Periodically extreme fatigue
• Have had hypokalemia 5 times during these 6 months
• I'm either freezing or boiling up, seem intolerant to temperature changes
• Low grade fevers randomly
• Random anxiety attacks for no reason
• Acne prone
• Sometimes it burns when I pee when I'm in a flare but no UTI or STD etc.

My very first symptoms started in my stomach, and it feels like something is very wrong there. I've had upper endoscopy but they couldn't do a biopsy because the air they blow in just shot straight out of me and I was throwing up loads.

THINGS I'VE DONE MYSELF:

• Tried elimination diet but nothing helps
• Tried to stay hydrated with fizzy tablets
• Gone to several different doctors and had overnight stays at hospital for potassium IV.
• Tried low histamine diet ( no difference )
• Tried taking antihistamines and pepcid ( since many people have previously mentioned MCAS but no difference)
• Tried water fasting which helped symptoms after 4 days but only for a few days until I flared again.
• Scheduled an endoscopy to check bowels
• Scheduled at cardio for Pots

If anyone has any idea or recognises symptoms, please share anything and everything you can. This is intolerable, I'm barely functional at this point and the neurological pain hurts so so bad. I'm helpless and I live in Sweden so the doctor's here don't test for things like Sibo or leaky gut. I need all the help I can get. 🌷 I don't want to live in my own body anymore.

Can anyone relate or is it all in my head. I took fulvic acid a few months to help with digestive health but I think it affected my vision. The world around me seems cloudy and not real. When I google the symptoms derealization comes up but I’ve never had an issue with anxiety or depression. The world looks different now, feels like I’m in a dream. So far I haven’t spoken to anyone who had similar side effects. My optometrist said my vision was still perfect

has anybody here have any luck using cbd gummies (or any another form) for constipation? if yes, which ones?

Back again! Prior two editions can be found here & Here

Thanks everyone for the positive comments so far. If anyone has any feedback let me know. I might also put these into a companion substack.

Article: Lactobacillus Johnsonii YH1136 alleviates schizophrenia-like behavior in mice: a gut–microbiota–brain axis hypothesis study | BMC Microbiology | Full Text

Summary

• The administration of Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 decreased schizophrenia-like behaviors in a mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic for SCZ via gut microbiome modulation
• Significant alterations in serum metabolites were noted between control and SCZ groups, highlighting the metabolic dysregulation associated with schizophrenia.
  • Over 900 metabolites were identified in serum samples, revealing significant metabolic changes linked to schizophrenia and L. johnsonii treatment.
• Probiotic treatment improved both locomotor activity and social interaction capabilities in mice with schizophrenia-like symptoms.
  • Mice treated with Lactobacillus johnsonii showed significant behavioral improvements in tests like the elevated plus maze and open field test.
• L. johnsonii may influence neurochemical pathways involved in mood regulation and cognitive function through gene expression related to tryptophan metabolism.

Article: Systematic review: The gut microbiota as a link between colorectal cancer and obesity - Ruiz‐Malagón - 2025 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library

Summary

• The review highlights a significant link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals with obesity.
  • Colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all cancer cases worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
• Chronic inflammation related to obesity is a pivotal mechanism that heightens colorectal tumorigenesis through elevated adipokines and pro-inflammatory mediators.
  • Obesity contributes to a 30-70% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, often linked to changes in the gut microbiome.
• Microbiota-derived metabolites like SCFAs and LPS are crucial in cancer development and progression associated with obesity.
• The connection between dysbiosis, obesity, and CRC emphasizes the potential for microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics or dietary changes, to prevent or treat cancer in high-risk individuals.

1. Research indicates significant alterations in microbial composition in both obesity and CRC, with specific bacteria linked to either healthy states or increased cancer risk.

Article: Acne and the cutaneous microbiome: A systematic review of mechanisms and implications for treatments - Podwojniak - 2025 - Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology - Wiley Online Library

Summary

• Current acne treatments have limitations, fostering interest in targeting the cutaneous microbiome as a complementary approach.
  • Cutaneous Microbiome: The diverse community of microorganisms on the skin's surface, influencing skin health.
• Alterations in the cutaneous microbiome—specifically in species richness and diversity—are linked to acne severity and treatment response.
  • Meta-analyses indicate that benzoyl peroxide treatment significantly decreases alpha diversity, suggesting a shift in microbial composition with acne therapy.
• Probiotics and natural compounds hold promise as treatments by modulating the cutaneous microbiome and reducing inflammation.
• Significant reductions in alpha diversity were seen after certain acne treatments, indicating the need for personalized approaches based on individual microbiome profiles.

Article: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-derived outer membrane vesicles reprogram gut microbiota metabolism to alleviate Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus infection | Microbiome | Full Text

Summary

• The study demonstrates that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-derived outer membrane vesicles significantly reprogram gut microbiota metabolism to alleviate the effects of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus infection in a piglet model.
• Metabolomic analysis revealed an enrichment of phosphatidylcholine and its derivatives following the treatment with F. prausnitzii OMVs, suggesting a crucial role in modulating immune responses during viral infection.
  • Piglets treated with F. prausnitzii OMVs showed reduced viral load and improved clinical signs of PEDV, demonstrating the efficacy of microbial-derived therapies.
• Antibiotic treatment prior to the administration of F. prausnitzii OMVs enhanced their efficacy, indicating the importance of gut microbiota in mediating therapeutic effects against PEDV.
• The findings highlight how gut bacteria utilize OMVs to communicate and improve immune defense against viral pathogens.

Article: The microbiome-restorative potential of ibezapolstat for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection is predicted through variant PolC-type DNA polymerase III in Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae | Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

Summary

• Ibezapolstat demonstrates potential as a microbiome-restorative treatment option for patients suffering from Clostridioides difficile infections by selectively targeting the PolC-type DNA polymerase III in beneficial gut bacteria.
  1. Ibezapolstat (IBZ): A novel antibiotic
• The antibiotic's pharmacological effects may lead to an increased proportion of key beneficial gut microbiota, such as Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae.
  • Increased levels of beneficial gut microbes (Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae) have been observed in treated individuals, indicating a positive microbiome shift.
• Phase 2 clinical trials of ibezapolstat have exhibited a narrower than expected spectrum of activity, confirming its focused impact on low G + C bacterial pathogens while sparing healthy gut flora.
• Despite promising results, continued investigation into ibezapolstat’s effects on gut microbiota composition is essential for understanding its full therapeutic potential against CDI

I have always had bad breath.

I have visited dentists, ENT specialists and gastroenterologists. Dentists and ENT specialists have ruled out complications. So it is presumed to be a gastroenterological problem.

My symptoms are: bad breath, slightly white tongue (it is not candida according to the ENT specialist).
It seems to me that bad breath gets worse during the digestive phases.

I have impeccable oral hygiene. Dental floss, I go to the dental hygienist every six months, waterpick, I brush my tongue etc.

What tests have I done: Helicobacter pylori test, SIBO test, abdominal ultrasound, blood tests, stool tests, food intolerances, lactose test, celiac disease test, stomach acidity test, ENT specialist ruled out the presence of tonsil stones.

These tests only revealed a dysbiosis that I have healed.

What I tried: no carb diet, no dairy diet, took enzymes, ppi, nasal washes, motility medications, castile soap.

The situation is slightly improved but not cured.

What is left for me to try?

What could be the cause?

Hello everyone,

When I take probiotics (Akkermansia) first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, I get a strong Herxheimer reaction.

When I take them at lunch, I have virtually no reaction.

When I took them at lunch, I hadn't eaten for three hours, and after 30 minutes I ate again.

Is it possible that the probiotics aren't working at all if I take them at lunch?

Fatigue, brain fog, and tingling in your hands or feet could point to a problem with your B12 levels, even if your bloodwork is technically “normal.” There’s an important distinction between B12 deficiency (serum B12 <150 pg/mL) and B12 insufficiency (150–300 pg/mL), and both can affect your energy, mood, and neurological function—especially if left unaddressed (Ankar A. & Kumar A., 2024; Obeid R. et al., 2024).

Deficiency often causes obvious symptoms like numbness, memory issues, megaloblastic anemia, and depression, while insufficiency might just show up as mild fatigue, brain fog, or occasional tingling (Obeid R. et al., 2024). Risk factors include vegan or vegetarian diets, age-related absorption issues, gut conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease, and long-term use of medications like metformin or PPIs, which interfere with B12 absorption (Langan R. & Goodbred A., 2017; Ankar A. & Kumar A., 2024).

Standard serum B12 tests aren’t always reliable, so testing methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine can help uncover a functional deficiency even if B12 looks “normal” on paper (Ankar A. & Kumar A., 2024; Obeid R. et al., 2024). Optimizing levels means choosing bioavailable forms like methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, supporting gut health (especially if you have low stomach acid), and pairing B12 with folate, B6, and magnesium to support methylation and energy metabolism (Langan R. & Goodbred A., 2017; Obeid R. et al., 2024).

Bottom line: if you’ve got unexplained fatigue, mental fog, or weird neurological symptoms, it might be time to dig deeper than just the standard B12 test.

My significant other (M29) has been on the SIBO journey for around 2 years, being pushed around by traditional GIs who didn't know squat about overgrowth and dysbiosis. He recently started seeing a holistic/ integrative MD who did a stool test through Genova Diagnosics that showed extreme overgrowth in Citrobacter freundii and klebsiella pneumoniae and no growth of any lactobacillus species.

He was put on a 10 day course of Bactrim that made him feel the most normal he has in years, bowel movements improved, he was able to pass gas, had an appetite, the color in his skin returned, he had energy- it was amazing. Following the 10 day antibotic course this holistic doc wanted him to start Designs For Health GI Microb X immediately for 6 weeks while also supplementing with Vitamin D, Methalated B Complex, UltraFlora Spectrum Probiotic, twice a day Designs for Health GI Revive, and Magnesium Citrate. Problem is, my SO has a peanut/ tree nut allergy and the GI Microb X contains Black Walnut Husk... we're at a loss.

We've called the office with our concern and they just told him to just not take the GI Microb X when we asked for alternative options. He's been off his antibiotics for 4 days and feels like his old symptoms are returning (trapped gas, abdominal pain, brain fog, constipation, etc). We're trying to do our own research to find out what the best alternative antimicrobial would be but are stumped. Any suggestions? His next follow up is 5 weeks away and he wants to be proactive with fighting this dang thing off.

Thank you in advance you kind strangers! This was cross posted on the r/Sibo thread!

Honestly so confused don’t know what to do. Who to see. Feel like giving up..

For years I’ve been suffering with suspected epididymitis, bladder pain, penis pain and feeling of inflammation all around my body. All my urine test come back negative

I have done a gi map extremely high klebsiella.

I have done sibo test extremely high Hydrogen positive .

I have constant brain fog my irons borderline low I have low red blood count.

I have severe LPR reflux which I’m certain is sibo causing it.

How on earth do you deal with all this at once? I have kidney disease as well so I have been told not to use herbal medications. Because how bad things got I did try them no result.

I have been put on so many antibiotics over the last years which I’m certain has made it all worse. As well as ppis for 5 years also making it worse.

My kidney disease is autoimmune iga nephropathy. Meaning the antibody iga attacks my kidney. I feel like it’s getting so much worse with the gut issues .

I’ve seen several gastroenterologists not a single one helped. I’ve seen at least 5 urologists no helped. Last one said Chronic prostatitis and left it at that.

I spend hours a night on google trying to find a solution or even where to start I just don’t know how to deal with it anymore it’s ruined the last 4 years of my life and I’ve gotten no where

I’m pretty sure it’s all connected . I want to tackle the klebsiella but in my situation How on earth does someone deal with all this at once . I just need someone to tell me how to even start

Hi there!

I’ve been dealing with excessive gas for almost 2 weeks now post eating two small to go bags of lesser evil popcorn… I ate it , had painful bloating and gas, heard gurgling like I’ve never heard before, and whatever I ate for the rest of the day I had a similar reaction. The next morning I woke up with D* but it ended after the one time.

Out of fear of a flare up I barely ate for 5 ish days. Obviously the anxiety didn’t help with the gas production. I tried walking a lot 6-8K steps a day and two of those 5 days I walked 12-18K steps a day… so lots of walking in very little food. Additionally, what I did eat was chicken broth and chicken and as someone who has dealt with low ferritin levels my whole life due to low protein diet I felt like I was eating too much chicken which also caused more gas lol.

Despite this… I was having nearly perfect BM’s … and at night I would have that same loud gurgling and bubbling and movement in my stomach and some gas.

When Sunday rolled around I woke up so starving and so fatigued from then until today (Friday) … I’m assuming from the lack of food and the increase in activity and low ferritin from the days prior. The gas would bubble up throughout the day and each day got better. At this point the fatigue and the ravenous hunger has finally gone away but I’m still experiencing this type of stomach gurgling and vibrating and sounds.

It’s important to note I started a low fodmap diet (to an extent) on my own in December… and I’m starting to think I was doing it for too long and now my microbiome is off hence the gas. Additionally, I sort of think the not eating enough after the popcorn caused it to stay in my body and ferment further. Right now, the gas gets excessive when I’m going to bed, and each day the time it occurs has gone down

Anyways.. I’m meeting with a gastrointestinal doctor on Monday and then going to test my allergies on Wednesday as well. It’s just my literal two symptoms are just the stomach gurgling , vibrating, bubbling, excessive gas at night OR after eating a lot of fiber at once. I’m just curious if this sounds more like a microbiome dysbiosis more than anything?

So I've been doing this modified restricted diet, for over a year now. Where I mainly cook with coconut oil and somewhere in between that I started buying coconut butter as well too. Because why not, I need all the fighting power to kill this fungus infection.

Coconut oil, I've been using actually longer than that. I started with the AIP diet in late 2023, then I went to diet with high saturated fat which was carnivore. And the I did kept and then the modified version I'm on now.

See the thing, it's nothing at all wrong with saturated fat. I definitely believe in it's benefits, that is if your body composition is intact and made to accept it well. Which I my case, it wasn't at all. Because before all these health diets, I was eating of literal unhealthy foods. That was causing me gallbladder pain for years on end, I just was too brain fogged out to even realize it back then.

So that caused a lot of bile sludge to back up in my gallbladder, maybe even gallstones too. All the bad eating also caused me to have jaundice at one point, and develop a sensitivity to oxalates. Which I'm sure is just a domino effect, of one organ not functioning then slowing down the other.

Now with consuming so much coconut oil over time. My cholesterol scores wasn't too baas just slightly over the 200 mark. But with seeing that I always knew something was, affecting my gallbladder. As I'm a very skinny guy, and even tho we can get high cholesterol too. It just didn't make sense with my bland way of eating these days.

I had symptoms of high blood pressure. My feet would constantly swole, my hands felt like a overweight person hand when texting on my phone, I was developing a weird irritating mood, my stomach was always bloated, my mouth & gums always were swollen too. I was losing circulation at the bottom of my leg, where I'd develop bruising and lost my hair on the bottom legs.

All of this was coming from, the cholesterol in the coconut oil. Like coconut oil is one of the most amazing things you can consume. But in my case, with a very backed up gallbladder. That just mean things couldn't flow properly. Which drove my cholesterol up, which caused inflammation in every part of my body from head to literal toe.

It kind of took me until a week ago, with testing out cooking with olive oil again. That I finally felt my feet flat, my stomach was flat for some parts of the day, my mood was back to my normal laid back vibe, my fingers felt actually skinny again. So it seems like I'll need to be doing a gallbladder diet. So I can work on getting that sludge flowing again.

The other thing I've come to a conclusion about is my thyroid. Most days my hormones would feel out of whack, muscles will be weak and no energy. I remember also a few years ago, i had a large goiter on my throat. Just like with my other health issues and the state my mind was in. I didn't do any research or see a doctor, which I'm sure has gotten worse. But I'll notice to this day my thyroid will always feel very weak, it used to hurt all the time. Back when I was consuming the wrong foods and I never understood why.

Which was just another result of my gut problems, I wasn't addressing. The thing is, a lot of us don't fully check the WHOLE picture. They just listen to everyone with saying to take probiotics, eliminate gluten & dairy, go carnivore, go vegan, keto. But when your immune health is in crisis. You need to check everything, pay attention to pains in your organs. As that's usually the signs your body is telling you this isn't working.

I didn't have insurance for many years and I couldn't think clear at all with the more severe brain fog. So my behavior was always just to fight thru it and be strong, as I didn't have anyone to help or who would understand this health. Because when most are healthy and enjoying life, all they can say is "I'm sorry to hear that". Then you have to figure out the names of these issues and the way to eat yourself, as your doctor might not even suggest the correct diet. I still have a ton of things wrong with my microbiome, like my candida infection. But maybe if I can get this gallbladder working right again, I feel the body will finally be able to detox properly.

Can’t figure out what’s going. I don’t want to eat. Feel like something is stuck in my stomach . Multiple bathroom trips a day.

I have an appointment with a GI doctor in two weeks. Not sure what to advocate for- tests? Bloodwork?

I literally cannot think, my brain feels like mush. I’ve been taking 2 a day for 4 days and I can’t think or stay awake…

Just learned about this and curious if there has been any recent research or updates on how this is evolving to cure other ailments such as Alzheimer’s for example. Just watch a few documentaries on gut health that were a few years old so wondering if there is later research on this. Thanks!

I think I asked my whole question in the title oops.

I have had gut problems for more than 8 months and still don’t know the problem- could be DIBO, IBS, IBO. I have an appointment with a new doctor in 4 days but in the meantime I’ve had to deal with constipation. Can anyone recommend what to do to relieve this until i see the doctor soon. I was thinking hydrogen citrate, but just don’t want to spend money on something I will use just a few capsules and leave the rest stored unused.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Type 2 diabetes affects 10.5% of adults globally, projected to rise to 12.2% by 2045, with 90% of cases being Type 2 diabetes
• A study revealed that gut microbiome responses to high- and low-carbohydrate diets influence blood sugar and metabolic health
• Dysbiosis in the gut microbiome is linked to Type 2 diabetes, affecting carbohydrate metabolism, fat storage, inflammation and glycemic control
• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from gut bacteria reduce inflammation and enhance insulin sensitivity, playing a key role in preventing diabetes and metabolic imbalances
• Optimizing gut health through mitochondrial support, healthy carbohydrates and targeted supplementation like Akkermansia muciniphila improves glycemic control and overall metabolic function

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/04/03/unlocking-your-guts-power-to-control-blood-sugar.aspx?ui=24f509bb43e8c3bf931263d5eb2c8c18782b2771efb53c80b48baabcfcadf770&sd=20060130&cid_source=dnl&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1HL&cid=20250403&foDate=true&mid=DM1728079&rid=262684328