Case Study: Gut Health Journey #4

Blog Post by Coach Julie

NCI Certified Nutrition Coach L1 & Certified Mindset Coach
Specializing in Woman's Health and Gut Health

**Please Note:  This is my journey.  The protocol that I am following is individualized to my situation.  I am not a doctor nor am I offering medical advice.  Should you wish to seek coaching for your individual situation please fill out the coaching call application and Coach Kayli or I would love to help you.

I have now begun Phase 3 of my journey to gut health.  Phase 3 is the SIBO kill/die off phase.  When this phase began, I was to discontinue the mastic gum and the DGL encapsulations and immediately begin the 4 SIBO supplements.  The 4 new supplements are: Oregano Oil, Berberine, GI Detox and BioFilm Defense. Oregano oil is a natural antibiotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It has also been shown to help stabilize intestinal flora balance.  Berberine is usually a natural alternative to some diabetes medications including metformin.  Studies are showing that it has a benefit to gut microbiome and has shown to improve symptoms of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.  The BioFilm defense helps support healthy levels of biofilm and provides nutritional support for detoxing the gut.  It is also an aid for bloating, gas and GI distress.  Lastly, the GI Detox is exactly what it sounds like.  This is a supplement that will help bind all of the harmful microbes we are trying to flush from the body and get them out of the body. I will also be continuing the Phase 1 practices during this phase.  Those steps included diet changes, starting S. Boulardii, starting colostrum, walking after meals, managing stress, getting good sleep, and keeping my workout intensity lower.  These are all in place to help my body naturally detox and heal.  The diet changes will keep inflammation to a minimum.  The S. Boulardii and colostrum help support the gut during the detox and die off process.  Walking after meals aids with digestion and minimizes bloating and discomfort.  Managing stress, getting good sleep and keep my workout intensity low are all about reserving my energy for my body’s healing and fighting the infection.  It is normal to experience fatigue during this phase so keeping some energy is vital for allowing your body to recover.  The typical expected symptoms associated with die off include: fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and flu like symptoms. 
I began the Phase 3 protocol on June 3rd.  This phase could last anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 weeks, however based on the length of time I’ve been experiencing discomfort, it’s more likely going to be closer to 12 weeks for me.  So far I am 2 weeks in and I am experiencing some discomfort.  Nothing has been intolerable at this point.  I have noticed some nausea and some heartburn, which I suspect to be from the Oregano Oil.  I haven’t noticed a huge change in bowel habits as of yet.  The biggest challenge has been the medication schedule.  The GI Detox has to be taken in the morning with a full glass of water and has to be kept an hour away from other medications, supplements and food.  So I have to wake up earlier to take this pill, then an hour after I can take my BioFilm Defense and my other supplements and medications, but I can’t eat until 20 minutes after my BioFilm Defense, so my morning routine, I have to make sure I have an hour and 20 minutes plus whatever time it will take for me to eat my breakfast before I need to be somewhere.  This makes things a bit challenging sometimes and I have to make sure I am planning ahead.  
All in all, things are going smoothly considering how long I’ve been sick.  I have been much more ill in the past when I tried to correct my gut with the Western medicine approaches.  The symptoms I’m experiencing are mild and I still feel better than my previous “normal” state.
I will do another update in 4 weeks.  At that point, I should be at the halfway point so it will be interesting to see how I am at that point.