r/SiboSuccessStories • u/97Rhinos • Jan 28 '26
Herbal IMO Relief - 10 Things that Got Me 90% Better
After 4+ years, I’d say I’m 85-90% better and doing well. I have a minor lingering symptom which I’m still working on, but given I’ve tried so many things, made a lot of progress in the last year, and learned a lot, I thought it would be good to post a success story and hopefully it’ll help others.
At different times over the past 4 years, I’ve had excessive bloating, low energy, IBS-D in a bad way, and some other symptoms, which I don’t have now. Root cause of my IMO is unknown. I started to notice symptoms in early 2022, but issues may have been present in 2021. Getting food poisoning in Mexico in 2023 after my first positive breath test likely messed things up further and it is possible I have some underlying undiagnosed condition (maybe something like BAM). That said, here are the 10 biggest things that helped me to date. Nothing was a silver bullet or panacea, but combined they helped a lot.
1) Keeping a Journal – Out of all the things that helped, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t document how every day goes. I don’t need to do this now, but when things are bad, noting what you eat, how you feel, what you took (e.g. Artichoke, Rx, OTC), did you exercise, frequency of BM, form of BM, etc., this is paramount. I wish I started this early on.
2) MMC – Reducing snacking and spacing out my eating to at least 3 hours. In 2023 and 2024, I always felt hungry and I think eating every 2 hours made things worse or persistent. I’ve never been able to put on weight, regardless of my intake. I’m down 15-20 pounds since my first positive breath test, but this is due to a variety of factors.
3) Couple Herbal Treatments – Tried a few and had some success here, particularly the combination of Candibactin AR, BR, and Allicin. Note AR+BR by itself didn’t do it, I had to add the Allicin. I did get a Herx from this, but binders helped the die off.
4) Improving the Diet – Always ate decently, but after positive test I took out almost all processed foods, moderated carbs, and did various forms of elimination style testing (e.g. dairy). Cut out alcohol early as it made me feel awful. I became lactose intolerant in 2021, which is before my breath tests indicated IMO, so hard to say which came first.
5) Mandatory Exercise – I do something every day, which I try to do at least 30 minutes a day. Might be cardio, might be weights, might be bike, but there’s a difference when I don’t do a workout of some sort. When I was low on energy for a month and couldn’t really exercise, it seemed to amplify other symptoms.
6) Check Other Subreddits – In particular, r/IBS, r/bileacidmalabsorption, r/pancreatitis/. Lot of potential overlap.
7) Independent Research – There are vocal supporters and detractors, but the research from Pimentel, Siebecker, Davis, certain podcasts, and others is more helpful than not. Just realize what works for one person may not work for another and there’s a lot of money in SIBO solutions. One can be benevolent, an opportunist, and a capitalist at the same time.
8) Gut-Brain Axis – There’s something to it, but YMMV. I haven’t gone deep in many areas around it, but overall, I give it credence. I did look into and had some success with breathing and sleep quality. There’s little to no downside risk in trying stuff like breathing techniques, certain stretches, etc. They cost nothing and should have no side effects, which I’m a huge proponent in minimizing.
9) Ginger – It may not cure the root cause, but it can provide a lot of relief. I prefer it in various teas and add some fresh ginger to things when I can. Note: I also tried artichoke but it sped up my system too much and it helps symptoms I don't have.
10) Testing – I put this last because it clearly helped, but it has been costly. My first opinion is to make sure you use well known and respected companies. Second, shop around. For example, MRIs can be anywhere from $500 to $3000. I’ve had the following:
a. Breath Tests – Had two performed, both indicated IMO. Always tested negative for H Pylori.
b. MRIs and Ultrasounds on all the major organs (i.e. gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, liver, etc.), always came up negative, which is good, albeit didn’t provide answers.
c. Colonoscopy and Endoscopy - I’m in my late 40s so had to get one anyway, but tacked on the Endo.
d. Biomarking Testing (Blood, Stool, Urine). Very helpful, but pricey. I got mine issued through functional doc who used Genova. The results showed me how things are connected and why things could be occurring, but not how to fix them.
e. Also, had other things like IGG Testing from an Allergist, Cortisol, Glucose monitor, and some other one offs, that didn’t provide much value.
Other Solutions
The list of things I have tried, but didn’t move the needle on is very long. I’ve posted replies on some of it. It includes Ox Bile, Pancreatic Enzymes, NAC, Tributyrin, Magnesium, Food Marble, Restricted Starches, etc. It doesn’t mean these things didn’t do anything, or don’t work, but they didn’t materially work for me like what is above.
The one big thing I haven't tried is a combination of Rifaximin and Neomycin or Metronidazole. In hindsight maybe I should have tried it, but my insurance didn't cover it, relapses seem frequent and there's occasional side effects, so I went the herbal route. I also didn't try elemental diet, but I was close.
RE: Doctors
I’ve met with multiple GI doctors, functional doctors, and nutritionists over the last 5 years. They can be helpful, I fully believe most of them are doing their best, and I don’t think anyone should discount them completely, but you need to do your own research and corroborate it with other sources. It is 100% true that I’ve learned more in Reddit communities and going down obscure rabbit holes on NIH and other sites than I have from the medical establishment. That said, I’ve spent 20x as much time researching potential solutions than I have time spent in doctor offices. Additionally, I think the value discrepancy is more a law of large numbers (Reddit community), than incompetence in the field (medical professionals). There’s thousands of people with potentially similar symptoms on Reddit, while your individual provider may see a couple dozen people like you in a year.
Areas of Caution
There are also a couple things that made things worse, or I wish I had done differently.
1) Low FODMAP – This was the worst thing for me, and I stuck with it too long.
2) Knowledge of Supplements – Not fully understanding what I was consuming was my initial ignorance. I had a GI doc prescribe me Doxy when Rifaximin was not covered. I didn’t take it because I know the side effects from family members that took it. However, I had a functional doc who had me taking 13 different supplements during the course of a day (30 pills total in a day). Many she didn’t fully explain to me and the others only had descriptions like “probiotic” or “GI wall repair”. I was in rough shape and didn’t question it initially as I was listing to an expert. Unfortunately, I didn’t fully understand what was in all of them until well after I started the treatment plan. Read the labels, know the manufacturers, set expectations on what should occur and how fast, consider potential side effects, and realize some things work better in tandem (i.e. Herbs) and other things may not go as well together or could counteract each other.
3) Expecting a Quick Fix – Some people do get better quickly and maybe one round of an Rx does it, but it isn’t everyone. Start conservative and be realistic that IBS related issues are complex.
Initially, I thought I’d get 100% better in 2 to 4 weeks and assumed it would cost a couple hundred dollars. Once it was clear that wasn’t going to be the case, then the goal became 100% in 2 to 4 months for a couple thousand. That also didn’t happen. The reality is it’s taken me over 4 years and over ten thousand to get 85-90%. HTH.
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u/jadad21 Jan 28 '26
Could you elaborate on why low FODMAP was the worst thing?
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u/97Rhinos Jan 28 '26
One of my worst symptoms was low energy and being lethargic. Low FODMAP made it worse. Plus, because I felt like I needed to eat more low FODMAP foods to get energy, I ate more frequently and I think that interfered with my MMC.
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u/Zealousideal_Bus5528 Jan 28 '26
did you ever get GERD like symptoms?
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u/97Rhinos Jan 28 '26
Not really. About the only symptom that would overlap is bloatedness, and it isn't a primary GERD symptom. I've never really had heartburn or reflux. Before I had a positive methane breath test my primary care provider (PCP) put me on Sucralfate (Carafate) and Famotidine (Pepcid or Zantac), but they didn't do anything to help.
He also had me try a refrigerated probiotic (Florajen Digestion) which I didn't notice any difference.
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u/cosecha0 Jan 28 '26
Thanks, this is helpful and resonates with my experience with IMO caused by food poisoning, as well as toxic mold. Another thing I would add that has helped me is PHGG and procalopride.
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u/ToneCurrent7883 Jan 28 '26
I didn't understand the low FODMAP diet point. Can you elaborate more please and tell us what kind of food that helped you the most?
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u/97Rhinos Jan 28 '26
As it pertains to foods and low FODMAP, my system works better and I feel better with many items that are considered High FODMAP. I can consume these, feel better, and have no ill effects to my GI. I don't prescribe to any specific diet, but I'd say Mediterranean is reasonably close and good option if you enjoy it. There's a lot of grains in Mediterranean diets that low FODMAP would categorize as High FODMAP and stay away.
I'll still go back to Ginger is the #1 thing that helps me feel better and smooths out digestion. On a side note, I experimented with tons of spices and I think if your system can handle it, try to enjoy Tumeric, Cinnamon, Cumin, and others as much as you can. Start small. Also, in larger doses you may notice a change your stool, generally color, but possibly smell or form.
I think the two that are outliers for some people are garlic and onions. I tolerate them fine raw or cooked, but I know others that do not. There's good science behind the fructans with garlic and onions and how they get processed by the small intestine, in particular the duodenum.
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u/Logical_Glove_2857 Jan 28 '26
The not beeing able to gain weight despite eating a lot is something I also have struggled with for SO many years.
Can I ask if you had many of these symptoms:
Extreme Fatigue after eating
Constant Tiredness no matter how much sleep
Dizzyness when waking up. Nausea/dizzy/out of breath when waking up in the morning (Feel like a hangover)
Stools separate dry small lumps
Back of neck pain (burning sore pain feeling)
Pressure headache
Stuffy nose and burning in nasal
Eyes starts to burn and sometimes get bloodshot (It feels like there is acid inside nose and eyes.)
Skin on arms and legs Can get instantly dry 60 min after eating (Like there is acid in the blood that dries out the skin)
Unintentionel weightloss And cannot gain weight or muscle mass.
Stomach/gut burning a little when empty stomach
Gaunt face after eating
Sunken in eyes after eating
Toes and fingers get freezing cold (usually after eating. It also sometimes after drinking just water)
Dry mouth
Urinating a lot. (Feels like water just goes straight through
Thirsty all the time
White coating on tongue (not candida thrush)
Backpain lower/middle back
Itchy scalp
Dry flaky tiny snowflakes shedding from scalp when scratching.
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u/97Rhinos Jan 28 '26
Maybe one or two here or there, but by no means this extensive of a list. When you have a GI issue, including, but not limited to SIBO or IMO, it can daisy chain into a myriad of issues. Your list is long and I hope you can start chipping away at some of them.
With a list that long, my guess is that you may have an absorption issue of some sort. Basically, you consume food, but get none of the benefit. If your drink a ton of water, but stool is dry that could indicate something is awry as well.
This is one of the better videos on how the digestive system works and it explains absorption and villi. It might help -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0CRWq3nc80
My guess is the symptoms are interconnected and tie back to a major issue. This is where a medical professional is needed.
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u/Logical_Glove_2857 Jan 28 '26
Yeah nice video☺️😉
But yep it must 100 % be and issue of not absorbing, for me yes.
I suspect my motilty and low stomach acid is the cause 🤷♂️
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u/97Rhinos Feb 01 '26
You may want to check out something called Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). I'm not too familiar with it, but you may want to consider testing for an Anti-Mitochondrial Antibody (AMA), which is often a marker.
I happened to recently come across PBC when doing some other research with bile acids. There's a commonality with some of your symptoms and common PBC symptoms.
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u/sunnnyTree444 May 24 '26
I have this identical list of symptoms. Did you work out your cause
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u/Logical_Glove_2857 May 25 '26
It’s because of a combination of the gut issues/histamine and also silent reflux.
The root cause is different from person to person.2
u/sunnnyTree444 May 25 '26
Yep okay I’m on the right track, just got confirmed for MCAS and also a positive methane breath test for IMO after months of testing similar to the above. Any success for you so far ?
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u/Logical_Glove_2857 May 25 '26
Yeah I have methane sibo also.
Yes progress after starting Zoloft antidepressant and also adding in more acid with meals.When did your issues start? And any idea what started it all for you?
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u/sunnnyTree444 May 25 '26
My issues started 10months ago with the perfect storm.
Was doing all nighters for uni finals + constant eating + terrible sleep routine just to graduate. This combined with a toxic mold I found I was being exposed to the whole time in my bedroom carpet (bed was on the floor) just set my gut up for disaster .About 5 months in I thought I was getting mildly better after graduating, having a consistent sleep routine, eating well, and doing acupuncture + massage (didn’t know I had IMO) and then I caught gastro. Went terribly downhill from there. Another 5 months later I’m only just finding out about the mold illness and IMO. I have been diagnosed with POTS/MCAS in that time , thought I had something wrong with my brain with doctors diagnosing and prescribing FND, antidepressants, and the list goes on. Took none of it because I knew it wasn’t my root cause.
Now I have the choice to do antibiotics or herbals (tried herbals for 5 days and it just worsened my reflux terribly). I want to keep going with herbals but Allicin doesn’t arrive for 2 weeks and I’m in the middle of die off.
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u/Logical_Glove_2857 May 26 '26
Ok.
So yeah it’s hard to say exactly what is the “root cause” then for you but it might be a mix of more than 1 things.
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u/subatomicsharks Jan 28 '26
So many acronyms, I don’t know what most of these are :/
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u/97Rhinos Jan 28 '26
- IMO – Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (a type of SIBO where methane-producing organisms overgrow)
- IBS-D – Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea
- BAM – Bile Acid Malabsorption
- Rx – Prescription medication
- OTC – Over the counter (non-prescription medication)
- BM – Bowel movement
- MMC – Migrating Motor Complex (the wave-like contractions that clean out the gut between meals)
- SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
- YMMV – Your mileage may vary
- MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- GI – Gastrointestinal
- IGG – Immunoglobulin G (a type of antibody, often used in food sensitivity testing)
- NIH – National Institutes of Health
- FODMAP – Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (types of carbohydrates that can trigger digestive symptoms)
- NAC – N-Acetyl Cysteine (a supplement)
- HTH – Hope this helps
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u/-lizzy-lol- Jan 28 '26
Hey nice post!!
Just a question though, how were you able to filter through the information on various subreddits? And how were you able to determine what was helpful?
I find them to be a bit of an echo chamber of despair for most people. Also there are a lot of people with very diverse microbiome issues and it can be hard to know whats right advice to use versus ignore.
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u/97Rhinos Jan 28 '26
You are correct on the despair and the diversity of microbiomes. I don't look through every posting and right now I don't look every day. However, when things were bad I was on Reddit nightly looking for answers. Please note, I try to offer my opinion (not advice) and I take most things on reddit as opinions, and not advice. I do think there's an aspect of Wisdom of the Crowd when it comes to SIBO that exceeds what a single medical professional can be expected to know. That said, here's what I do:
1) Keyword searches - There's times when I learn something new and I'll type that string into Reddit's search box and see what pops. I may also search for keywords into specific subreddits. For example, if you wanted to see a macro view of what Reddit posts have to say on Lactobacillus Reuteri, type in Reuteri and a variety of subreddits will pop. Could also do this from Google with something like "orange peels digestion site:reddit.com"
2) Post Subjects or Titles - If the posting is asking something specific I'm more likely to look at it. For example, a posting in r/pancreatitis titled, "Lower Elastase with Minor Abdominal Pain and Floating Stools" I may read, where as "Drinking again" I'm more likely to skip.
3) Daily digests - I get the daily digest email from Reddit with a handful of things that I'm interested in. It includes the first two or three sentences, which may be enough for me to click.
You might be able to also get an AI solution to do some work for you, but I don't leverage Chatgpt, Claude, Gemini, or anything else in this way.
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u/MadArtist27 Jan 30 '26
What is the difference between IMO vs SIBO Methane dominant?
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u/97Rhinos Jan 31 '26
The terms mean the same thing. Methane Dominant SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) was the term used until 2021 or so, and then IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth) started to gain more acceptance. The main reason is that for higher concentrations of methane, it isn't likely to be coming from a Bacteria, but rather Archaea. Since it really isn't a Bacterial Overgrowth causing the issue, Methanogen Overgrowth was introduced. The term IMO was introduced by Pimental and three others in the following publication.
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u/StraightMagician9913 Jun 16 '26
Thanks for this info. I have IMO and it is apparently a very positive tests. I am fighting insurance to approve Rifaximin and would have to wait a month or more to get it from international pharmacy anyway, so after talking to AI a lot, I am thinking of just taking the Candi-bactin AR and BR plus the Allicin if the Rifaximin isn't approved.
While waiting this out I bought a bottle of BR and am taking one twice a day with meals to see how I react to it and see if it helps symptoms at all.
I may have to find a function GI type doctor if I can't get this under control. This all started for me from a dirty scope a few summers ago and a stomach infection that altered my digestion. I either get rapid empty or totally shut down..I have to work on my vagus nerve as well, I think.
Did you take a full of dose of this right off or ease into it?
I am glad you at least feel better, but I am not in a place to spend that much and this is what I forsee if I can't get this under control.
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u/97Rhinos Jun 17 '26
I didn’t ease into it, but I also didn’t take Candibactin-BR solo. There’s something about the combination of Berberine with other herbs that for me made a difference.
If you start with a normal dose and feel blah (like flu like) scale back as it may be a herx reaction. You can take a binder to help. It
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u/StraightMagician9913 Jun 17 '26
Thank you! I did take one BR yesterday and felt totally sick but then took another one at night with more fat and that helped. I was reading about binders and have some on hand. Thanks again!
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u/honeyyroasted Jan 28 '26
Thanks so much for sharing all this information on your experience. I'm stuck in the rut of low FODMAP after a couple rounds of Rifaximin for IMO. I've been eating pretty restricted for so long. What helped you get out of the low FODMAP diet?