Now that you know the Methane dominant SIBO protocol I’m on, what is Methane dominant SIBO?
Hydrogen and Methane SIBO
There are two versions of SIBO (actually THREE – see this): Hydrogen dominant, and Methane dominant. The first time I tested, I had Hydrogen and very little Methane (which I still think was inaccurate based on my past, symptoms and characteristics).
The second time I tested, it was Methane dominant. The next time I tested, I barely produced any Hydrogen and mostly Methane, with the Methane levels about the same or just slightly higher than the previous time.
Hydrogen Dominant SIBO
The focus of this post is not on Hydrogen dominant SIBO, but I want to at least briefly describe it.
I like to think of SIBO in two “phases.” The first phase is Hydrogen. The second phase is Methane.
SIBO presents itself when there is too much bacteria in the small intestine.
That bacteria causes unabsorbed carbohydrates to ferment. And that process of fermentation creates hydrogen as a byproduct.
In other words, if you have too much of this bacteria in the small intestine, you will test positive for Hydrogen dominant SIBO.
What is Methane Dominant SIBO?
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Let’s quickly pull out the science,
Anaerobic fermentation of the undigested polysaccharide fraction of carbohydrates produces hydrogen in the intestine which is the substrate for methane production by intestinal methanogens.
And now I can break it down into terms we can all understand. Methane is a colorless, odorless, inert gas. According to Chris Kresser,
To be more specific, when you have an increase in methane after drinking this solution, or if you just have high levels of methane at baseline, that indicates an overgrowth not of bacteria, but of these methane-producing archaea. Unlike bacteria, which primarily produce hydrogen, the archaea are what produce this methane, and they do this actually not by fermenting carbohydrates. So bacteria produce hydrogen and the way they do that is by fermenting fibers. The methane production works differently. The archaea consume the hydrogen that’s produced by the hydrogen-producing bacteria, and then they produce methane as a by-product of that process.
Methane Dominant SIBO is Stubborn
Research has indicated that Methane dominant SIBO is much harder to get rid of than Hydrogen dominant SIBO.
And I am living proof of that.
Want to test at home to see if you might be producing too much methane? There is an at-home device that can help.
Things to know about Methane dominant SIBO
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- There is a major correlation between delayed intestinal transit and the production of methane (source)
- The association between CH4 (Methane) and constipation suggests that CH4 has an active role in the development of constipation (source)
- Methane production has everything to do with how the gut is colonized initially because there are no archaea initially in the gut (source)
- Not everyone produces Methane, making it an issue that does not (potentially) affect everyone
- The approach to healing via medication and supplements is/can be different than Hydrogen dominant SIBO
- Methane dominant SIBO can make you smell like a barn
The Best Way to Fight Methane Dominant SIBO
You can read article after article that will tell you the best way to fight Methane dominant SIBO. But here’s a little secret I’ve learned during these past couple years battling SIBO (wait, who am I kidding, I think I’ve had SIBO for at least 10 years now, but only diagnosed a couple years ago): there is no best way.
You might need to try many different approaches in the ultimate battle win against SIBO.
For me personally, I began starving the gut bacteria on a Monday, and by Wednesday was feeling so much better. I had completely suppressed all symptoms, and then I found out that my antibiotic was shipping from Australia by the end of the week.
Thus, I got so excited that I ate all the FODMAPS (plus some rice and beans) on Sunday night.
I woke up on Monday morning with zero after effects. Zero.
From now until my antibiotics come, I’ll be adding in FODMAPs here and there, daily (to promote some of that bacteria to resurface). But for the most part, I’m still keeping to SCD.
I am excited to see what happens and to continue fighting this battle.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
Xox,
SKH
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Why kind of antibiotics are you getting from Australia? It’s been a month since I’ve been off Neomycin and now it’s coming back. : (
Hi, Janet! I got the Rifaximin in Australia. But if you want to know the truth? I’m almost at the 2-week mark, and I don’t think it’s working this time. I am 100% confident that the only thing that will work for sure to suppress symptoms is the low-fodmap diet and then healing it will take work on my underlying issues. Good luck!
Hi Sarah! I too have SIBO and just finished up 2 weeks of Rifamxin. I have no relief ( maybe just a tiny bit ) but really nothing has changed. I believe I have methane dominant sibo ugh
2 weeks was probably not enough. 🙁
Sarah, I have SIBO. Diet and herbal supplements give me relief. Metagenics Candi Bactin AR And BR are amazing. Lots of herbals and no sugar, gluten or starches. Biotics also has supplements that work great. FC Cidal and Dysbiocide.
DeeDee
I was diagnosed with SIBO Methane via a breath test in October 2016. I went on a moderate carb diet, grain-free diet (the PHD, by Jaminet) and took a botanical protocol (Atrantil). Two months later I was symptom free and have remained so. I never gave up FODMAPS.
HI Sadie, Can you give me some more info about what you did? I do not want to take antibiotics and I want to beat this and doing the FODMAP diet seems incredibly confusing, conflicting information and I need another solution, help please! What was the moderate carb diet?
Hi! Just search SIBO and you will find everything I did. The truth is that I believe I would not have healed to the place I’m at today without the antibiotic. You can read my current SIBO Status 2017 update here -> http://bit.ly/skh2017ss
I am so grateful for your post. It pointed me in the direction of Atantril and diet and it has been working!! Even though my mom passing away this last week, my gut was so so much better. I have been doing low fodmap for a while and then I cut out most all veggies except lettuce. I use some meal replacement bars and crunchy things that are protein and carb balanced and that has been great!!
Hi, Amanda! First…I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My heart goes out to you. Second, I am glad to hear that my suggestions are working for you. All my very best in life and healing. xoxo
How do I learn if I have SIBO Methane? I took a breath test and was considered borderline. Because I had a previous poop test that suggested SIBO, the doctor treated me with xifaxan. I do have MTHR issue. Probably methane? Thanks for your thoughts. I’m pretty unhappy right now and doctors don’t seem to have a clue.
I know this is a year later, but I was wondering if you got any answers. I seem to be in the same boat you are, mthfr and all. I have had tons of tests.
Erin
Hi Erin! Yes, just read some of my recent SIBO posts 🙂
Hey Sarah!
I’m currently in a SIBO relapse right now and being treated with Xifaxan + Neomycin again. My test a few years back revealed high levels of hydrogen with moderate levels of methane. My questions for you are regarding supplements to continue/stop/start WHILE son antibiotics:
1.) My DigestGold – usually is a miracle-worker but hasn’t been working at all for the last few months. Did you notice this happening with your SIBO as well?
2.) Probiotics- I take VSL3# and they’ve always been beneficial in the past. Should I stop them while in treatment or keep taking them? Are these antibiotics killing the good bacteria as well?
3.) Atrantil – I’ve never taken this before but I am interested in starting. Do you recommend it as a maintenance therapy after completing antibiotics? Or is that “overkill”?
4.) I also have Crohn’s – have you read any research regarding IBD patients being affected by SIBO higher than general population? Or immunotherapy medications affecting SIBO bacteria levels?
Just curious to see what your experiences were/what you have learned. ???? Thank you
Hi Marilee – Hope this finds you well. To address:
1. No, the DigestGold works great for me.
2 -3. Read this –> http://bit.ly/skh28tsibo
4. I have Colitis as well, too – so I’m a double patient like you 🙂 That said, I’m not sure on your question because I don’t take any medications for the Colitis (well, sort of, LDN).
Finally, I am **NOT** any sort of medical expert, so please make sure to run all these questions by your doctor. Have a wonderful day, and thanks for reading!
Thank you for sharing! I can’t get a dr to get me on antibiotics for a long enough period to kill this! How did you get your Xifaxan ? Did you have to have a Dr perscribe?
I’m so desperate to get this right. I feel like I’ve studied enough and have enough intuition to treat myself the best, but obviously that’s hard to do!!
I can’t even begin to thank you enough for your wealth of knowledge! I so resonate with you..
I’m assuming you had a Dr send a prescription out of state for cost reasons?
Yes, read through this thread of comments 🙂
I took a medication known for causing weight gain, I stopped and realized it might’ve changed my gut. I learned about Methanogens recently and soona after found a study on the medication I took as a drug that’s associated with methanogen gut population problems. I’d like to get rid of most of them and didn’t want to believe that even milk is associated with more methanogens. I haven’t gotten my microbe population analyzed yet, but can I get another microbe in there to outcompete them in my gut and/or ask for Rifaximin and Neomycin together. I remember before the medication that losing and maintaining was easy and my gut seemed in balance.
Sarah,
I tested positive for hydrogen (126) and methane (25). What should my treatment be?
My gastroenterologist refuses to use neomycin. He said it can cause hearing loss.
He only prescribed xifaxin.
Please help!
Hi! You’ll need to check with a doctor (maybe get a second opinion) on treatment. I used Neomycin – I think 2 or 3 times – no hearing loss 🙂
Hi. Just received test results from my breathe test. Tested positive for SIBO, Methane predominant. I will start antibiotics next week. If I’m reading your posts correctly you recommend the fodmap diet? Thanks!
Hi! I think it will help with your symptoms. I don’t think it’s “the cure.” Also, I would NOT do it while ON the antibiotics. Read my 28-Day Rifaximin and Neomycin Journal for that.
Hello Friends,
I am a 58yrs old lady suffering from IBS C & SIBO . Gut motility is low.
Had this problem since childhood.
I had a rectocele which was operated upon.
I have tried Rifaxin but gives temporary results. Tried Pyschiatric drugs too.
Always having constipation & flatulence. fed up of my life but still going on.
Please help me if you have been suffering like me & been cured.
Hi Sarah, Can you cite the article of how sibo methane can make you smell like a barn? I’ve struggled with a fecal body smell for years and my providers think I’m imagining it. I also tested positive for sibo methane and am wondering if that’s the missing link. Thanks!
Hi Elle – There are several. Just Google the correlation. 🙂
We who have methane sibo, should we follow a low fodmap diet or should we eat as usual? Should we eat a lot of carbohydrates? Shouldn’t carbohydrates be reduced to kill arcades / methane?
I didn’t do the test of what kind of SIBO I have, it’s been few weeks now since I have it. What really helps me is the oregano oil, Digestive Enzymes and keto diet. And Yakult drinks also it has Probiotic milk with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota. I only take them for a day but I feel better already.