Hello again Bgone,

I have a controversial idea that most people with Candida also have a problem with SIBO to a lesser or greater degree.

Once I figured this out and treated it, all my symptoms vanished. My stool has returned to normal. I'm just not sick anymore.

The controversial part about my idea is that I don't think we need bacteria in the upper GI. You can make a case for the Aerobic Lacto's being there to keep invading Anaerobes in check, but IMHO, you're better off without either. The upper intestines just aren't designed for fermentation.

The more you study gut anatomy, the more this will become apparent.

The easiest way to do this, and not damage your lower GI anaerobic bacteria, is to take powdered vitamin C. The method I used was take around 1/4 teaspoon every hour or so, with and between meals, until you feel diarrhea coming on. Then back off. This is called taking it to bowel tolerance. Continue as long as you feel you need to.

I started to feel better very quickly, and my energy levels now are ridiculous. I've started running again.

You can throttle the process by taking calcium/magnesium carbonate. The diarrhea stops quickly.

I do other things to annoy them as well, such as strong spices, curries, turmeric, etc. and lot's of black tea, which contains antibacterial Tannins.

It's cheap, and it works like a charm. It can be done from time to time to clear things out. Or you can keep up the regimen as you choose.

One thing to be aware of with Vitamin C, is that you should taper off rather than stop abruptly. Theoretically you could get something called "relapse scurvy."

T.

I totally agree with you Tony.
When I told you in the other post, there are bacterial species present in the small bowel, wasn't because I am planning on increasing my bacterias in the small bowel but accepting the reality they are there. There is probably some limited amount of bacterias in the small bowel having benefical functions. ( pathogen antagonistic and digestive ) What I can not claim is the small bowel should be totally sterile. I don't find scientific evidence of it but only personal opinions. Regarding to SIBO, I also believe is my biggest problem now and I have reasons to believe in it. First, I have taken tons of strong antifungals for long time and my digestive symptoms are still there. My symptoms are a lot of stomach gurgling, bloating, bad digestions, and it points to fermentation in the wrong place. Second, the cause of candida overgrowth can be lack of stomach acid. Many people, like me, had H. Pylori ( I don't know for how many years I had it ) and H. Pylori cause Atrophic Gastritis and damages to the parietal cells. Even after eradicating the H. Pylori, there is not proof the acid production recover totally. If heal ocurr, it will be long term. Lack of HCL is one of the main cause of pathogenic intestinal overgrowth. So, even if an intestinal candidiasis was triggered by Antibiotic intake, some hidden causes could be present. Another point is candida creates an immune difunction state and immunesuppression is linked to lack of HCL. People who don't produce stomach acid will get SIBO for sure because HCL kills bacterias during the digestive process and sterilzes the food. I also have to mention my CDSA showed improper digestion of fibers, and it is caused by lack of acid or pancreatic enzymes. Yes, I have been in IBS forums reading about SIBO, and I have found how many people thought they had candida but SIBO was the real cause. I have read a lot of stories about it and a lot protocols to eliminate SIBO. The main problem is we need to recover HCL production, if not, SIBO will come back soon or later. I don't advice anybody to take non-systemic Antibiotics like Rifaximin, Vancomycin, Neomicin, etc because those Antibiotics will destroy the colonic flora too. Systemic Antibiotics can help and have less impact in the colon but we need to be sure of taking one or two that cover aerobics and anaerobics species. Cipro has good activity against aerobics but poor against anaerobics. The natural way could be very effective but take more time. Colloidal Silver , GSE, Olive Leaf Extract, HCL capsules, herbal bitters can reduce the amount of bacterias in the upper gut. Ascorbic Acid ( vitamin c ) is another good weapon. Everything that be acid will be antibacterial. Some people have used Cranberry juice to attack SIBO. There are many good protocols from Dr. Leo Galland, Dr. Zoltan Rona, Dr. Mark Pimentel, and Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. Keep in mind some MDs think SIBO is an overgrowth of pathogenic bacterias in the small bowel, but other think, it is an increase in bacterial numbers, no matter if good or bad. I am toward to the last thought.

Jorge

Hey Tony, when I reach my "tolerance" how do I know how much to take after??