Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives NSD and diet-related; Probiotics or not?

To take probiotics or not? The usual answer is obviously yes, but in my case, I wonder if it might worsen the problem. I have overgrowth of gut bacteria in the small intestine, where it doesn't belong in the first place (called SIBO). If I ADD bacteria, even good bacteria, might that be bad if the bacteria are collecting and living in the wrong area of my digestive system?

I started NSD one month ago. I suppose I'm starving all bacteria, both the good and bad, by depriving them of starch, so a probiotic seems appropriate, but the SIBO factor complicates it. I did take an antibiotic fairly recently. Perhaps I should repeat the antibiotic, then introduce the probiotic while continuing NSD. Still, the overgrowth is known to usually return.

Helllllp.... thanks!

The general idea is that good bacteria destroys the bad ones so your gut flora can be back in balance. If you're concerned with supplements, have you tried water kefir?

Hi and thanks. No I haven't tried water kefir. I'm pretty new at the nsd project (i made a feeble attempt last autumn but didn't stay with it, but this time I'm strong and ready and doing great at the one month point). I have no idea about water kefir so I need to expand my knowledge another notch. I'm all ears. Feel free to point me to a thread or other info. Thanks!

Can good gut bacteria be a problem if misplaced in the digestive tract? I guess that's what I'm wondering. I don't think you can have too much good gut flora in the large intestine, where it belongs, but if it's living in the small intestine, could that create or exacerbate problems? Very tricky i think. I guess trial and error is the only way to get the answer, but I sure don't want to make matters worse!

Brian, I've now read the information and watched the videos about water kefir on your blog. I may try it at some point, but I'm concerned about the fructose in it, which can aggravate IBS. I'm trying to find my way with a combo of nsd/scd/low fodmaps, with the exception of adding amylopectin rice to balance things out. I previously took the probiotic Culturelle (Lactobaccilus GG), and I'm thinking of starting it again. I'm on Simponi and methotrexate. I've come a very long way in the last few years. Overall I'm doing fairly well compared to the misery of several previous years, but my gut issues continue to be a problem, and since they ARE the root of autoimmune disease, I have a very long ways to go.

Hello there,

I supplement with sauerkraut and organic yogurt for good bacteria. If you live in the States, should be able to find all natural sauerkraut somewhere rather easily.

Make sure only has... cabbage, water and salt and it is in a glass jar. Most likely will advertise on jar that has beneficial bacteria.

Best to you,

Tim

Here's a delicious recipe for "hot pink kraut". The same Dr. has a 7-step protocol on how to cure SIBO. Just minus the starchy foods on step 2. Or add tiny amounts of various ones and see how you react?
ps. As dotyisle said, veggies, salt and water is ideal and I'm not sure what reaction the lemon juice has on the ferment(other than speeding it up and taste) but Dr. GraceBG I feel would have taken that into consideration.
http://drbganimalpharm.blogspot.ca/search?q=sauerkraut
Good luck

Dreamflyer,

Dotysile is correct about the fermented foods, but it can get really expensive really quick (local health food store around here sells it for $10+ per jar). In my research, water kefir is inexpensive and any sugar / fructose gets fermented and removed. I'm hypoglycemic and took it every morning for many months - I never felt any sugar crash from taking it.

As you mentioned, you have to give it a try (unfortunately most of us are 'trial & error' test subjects) but also suggest you get a Gut Ecology Profile Test should you want verification.

Lastly, if your body can handle the rice, make that a main part of the starch in your diet - especially if you get heavy into the leafy greens. Without it, you'll need to substitute psyllium husk / acacia fiber to balance out the insoluble fiber from the leafy greens that are healing your root issues.

CoatTails, thanks. The 7 step protocol sounded very scary with regard to step #3 involving green banana flour and potato starch. Yikes. Perhaps I just lack understanding of the full program, but I do appreciate any and all information. There are so many varying approaches. I'm reading and reading, but not jumping around diet to diet at least. As I explore and read, I'm continuing with extremely low starch (= nsd with slight weak moments or mistakes) plus SCD and low fodmaps approach.

Brian, very helpful! I think the rice will keep me happier long term. Do you suggest once or twice a week, or how often?