Note: No matter what foods you are eating make sure you are taking a good probiotic enzyme blend with DDS-1 I recommend CanXida Restore by Canxida.com, 1 capsule a day will make sure you get the best results.
Knowing the right foods to eat with SIBO is often frustrating, as every body is different in nutritional irritations and needs. Studies on SIBO, particularly with diet, are limited. The general guidelines are to make food from scratch, and eat easily digested food and simple carbohydrates, sugars, and other nutrients that are quickly absorbed in the digestive system and do not sit around in the small intestine where bacteria can benefit from them. You will likely need to experiment with your diet to find the right combination to get needed nutrients and determine what upsets your GI tract. You may have to alter your diet over time as your body heals. Remember that eating right may not completely cure SIBO, but it can alleviate side effects and help the body.
There are three common diets for SIBO. While each requires strict regiments, use them as guidelines more than absolute rules.
- Low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) is often used for GI conditions such as IBD and IBS. SIBO patients must adapt the guidelines as FODMAP allows fibers, grains, sugars, and other fermentable carbs that can feed bacteria.
- Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD): Developed in 1994 by biochemist Elaine Gottschall’s Breaking the Vicius Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet, the diet focuses on foods that will and will not feed excessive amounts of bacteria in the body.
- Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet (GAPS) is similar to the SCD diet with some modifications such as fewer beans and no baking soda.
Here are some further guidelines for food considerations in a SIBO diet:
Drinks
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is critical. A general guideline is to aim for eight cups a day: two with every main meal, and one between each meal.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit should be eaten in moderation, and only when it is ripe. Non-starchy, fresh vegetables are important for their nutrients. Lightly steam or cook vegetables for easier digestion, as raw veggies can upset the GI tract. Some particular fruits and veggies to look for are:
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Citrus
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Bok choy
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green Beans
- Eggplants
- Lettuce
- Parsnips
- Sweet potatoes (Yams)
Meat, Poultry, and Dairy
- Beef
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Lactose-Free Dairy
- Aged cheese
- Plain yogurt
Sugars
As most sugars can be fermented and feed bacteria, the only known acceptable sweetener that breaks down fast enough is:
- Honey
When baking with honey, use 1/2 to 3/4 cup per 1 cup of sugar, and either shorten baking time or reduce oven temperature as honey will brown baked goods more easily.
Grains and Carbohydrates
Carbs are important, as they provide food to the body and not the bacteria. This category is often the most challenging to learn which foods are acceptable for each individual, particularly for those with gluten or wheat sensitivities. Eat smaller portions of each grain and learn which to avoid and which to incorporate into your personal diet.
- Potatoes (non-white)
- Pasta
- Rice (avoid wild rice)
- Bread (Oat and wheat whole-fibers preferred)
- Whole-grain cereals (read the labels to make sure ingredients are clean, easy to understand, and do not add in vitamins such as calcium carbonate as these latter additions are often synthetic and difficult for the body to break down)
Some beans can be added later in the diet.
Other Foods
- Nuts are okay later on in the diet
- Oils (pure forms, such as olive or flaxseed)
- Oregano (may help destroy excessive bacteria)
- Garlic (may help destroy excessive bacteria)
- Vinegar
- Any plain, unsweetened, or homemade condiments such as horseradish, ketchup, or pickles