In addition to treating my SIBO with antibiotics, part of my treatment involves an anti-microbial diet - the goal of which is to starve the bacterial overgrowth in my gut. I was instructed to follow this diet by my functional medicine doctor. I do not intend to give any medical advice, just let you know what I’m up to, in case you might benefit from it, too. Please talk to your doctor or health professional before making any drastic changes, which can be dangerous!
I am currently following the SIBO Specific Diet, which is one of the most restrictive, yet one of the most tried-and-true for SIBO patients with more severe cases like mine. The diet is a combination of the low FODMAP diet and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). What I like about it is that it very clearly outlines what is allowed and what is not, by using green, yellow, and red colors to indicate safe, moderately safe, and “unsafe” foods. Many other SIBO diet plans I’ve seen are not quite as detailed, which can lead to confusion - like, well, what the fuck can I actually eat?
But something important to be aware of with the SIBO Specific Diet is that it can easily lead to black-and-white (or, shall I say, red and green!) thoughts and feels about food. I’ve definitely experienced this while exercising all the restraint I have to avoid the foods I love that are non-compliant with the diet. Mentally labeling these foods as BAD makes it easier to avoid them, but this of course can be a slippery slope! I freaking LOVE food. I am a true #foodie - I love exposing my palate to new and exciting flavors, and I feel strongly about cuisine as an integral part of culture. It is not my intention to be on this diet forever (nor is that a good idea for anyone, probably!), just for however long it takes to heal my gut. I am thrilled for the day when I can start re-introducing foods so that I can eat more normally.
Something to note - I’m avoiding certain things that are allowed on this diet plan. For example, I’m currently not eating any nuts, beans, or legumes. I’m not drinking any alcohol, coffee, or fruit juices. The only dairy I’m having is ghee, which is free of lactose, whey, and casein, proteins which are difficult to digest. I’m avoiding all added sugars, so no candies or sweeteners. As for oils, I’m cooking with coconut and avocado and garnishing with raw olive (which is hard to break down when heated).
If all of this sounds depressing as fuck, well, it kind of is! Yet dwelling on what I can’t have really doesn’t serve me. Every day I try my best to practice gratitude 🙏🏼for what I have: great healthcare, supportive friends and family, and access to the food I need.