SIBO and The Elemental Diet with Dr. Corey Schuler

The Functional Medicine Radio Show With Dr. Carri

In this episode of The Functional Medicine Radio Show, Dr. Carri’s special guest Dr. Corey Schuler talks about SIBO and The Elemental Diet.

Dr. Corey Schuler is the Director of Clinical Affairs for Integrative Therapeutics. He is a certified nutrition specialist, licensed nutritionist, chiropractic physician board certified in clinical nutrition, and Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine. He also has earned degrees in nursing and phytotherapeutics. He has a private integrative medicine practice in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Main Questions Asked:

• What is SIBO and The Elemental Diet?
• Are there any antibiotics that can contribute to SIBO?
• What are the lab markers that indicate someone may have SIBO?
• What are the treatment options for SIBO?
• What is the 4S approach?

Key Points Made by Dr. Schuler:

• The large intestine is where fermentation happens, the small intestine is where absorption happens.
• SIBO is where certain foods will cause massive bloating in the small intestine and may be the major factor in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. SIBO is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.
• The conventional treatment of IBS has been terrible.
• Highly processed foods, antibiotic feed meat, and antibiotics in general can contribute and cause SIBO.
• Heartburn can be an indicator of SIBO.
• There are a variety of tests you can use to find SIBO including blood tests, stool tests, and other malabsorption tests.
• Measuring certain gases like methane and hydrogen after drinking glucose or lactulose quickly is another test.
• Getting tested and knowing for sure your body can’t process a particular type of food can be the motivation you need to make a change.
• Fructose tests can be useful but are often neglected because fructose won’t be lethal immediately.
• Patients who suffer from headaches, about 60% are positive for SIBO. The pain medication taken to treat the headache could be contributing to SIBO.
• Diet is the most reliable and effective way to treat SIBO but takes the longest time to take effect.
• Proteins can be difficult to process if you have SIBO, eliminating carbohydrates to reduce the bacterial growth is part of The Elemental Diet.
• The Elemental Diet is not very palatable but it is effective.

Resources Mentioned:

FODMAP Diet

Podcast Interview with Dr. Norman Robillard

Dr. Schuler’s website

Dr. Schuler’s facebook page

Book – Reclaim Your Energy and Feel Normal Again

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