Bacterial Overgrowth (methane) and Cleanses

Hi everyone - I've been suffering from constipation, bloating, stomach cramps, etc. for a few years now and after a hydrogen breath test the doctor finally determined that this is caused by a bacterial overgrowth in my small intestine (I'm a methane producer, so you can blame me for global warming) 

I tried two different rounds of antibiotics and VSL priobiotics but nothing has helped yet.  I avoid greasy, starchy foods that tend to cause the stomach cramping.

Someone at work told me about Total Health Secrets which has a cleansing program.  I'm normally vary wary of these sites but this one looked interesting.  Has anyone tried it?  Or can anyone suggest any alternative treatments for getting rid of the bacteria?  I'm sick of not being able to button my pants!

Hi, I just wanted to ask what kind of antibiotics you have taken, and for what length of time?? I ask because my daughter from being born suffered with serious diarrhoea, causing very bad complications. She was hospitalised many many times. It took until she was 3 before they found out the cause. She had IgA deficiency with bacterial overgrowth. We found a fantastic paediatrician who was simply a lifesaver. She put my daughter on a years course of antibiotics (cefelexin) and after about 3 months we started to see the benefits. She was able to attend nursery, make it to the bathroom, not scream in pain from stomach cramps and best of all, no open weeping sores on her private parts. I'm not sure if any of this helps, but although she still has the igA deficiency and the bacterial overgrowth it is now under control. The consultant explained that any antibiotics must be taken for a least six months, and further courses may be necessary in the future. It's not something which can be fixed quickly. I hope you find some help with this, because I know how it can affect your life. A word of warning about total cleansing. Be sure to ask your doctor first as we were told washes and cleansing can sometimes make this worse. Take care x x

Thanks for all the responses - I will definitely check in with my doc about additional rounds of antibiotics. My problem is constipation - i didn't even really have much D when I got prepped for a colonoscopy!


I've been taking the VSL probiotics, no change yet. The cleanse that was recommended addresses the "good vs bad" bacteria and actually includes probiotics - my co-workers swore by it, they claim it is all very safe and healthy but I will definitely have my doctor check it out. The website is totalhealthsecrets.com and they are based in Oakland, CA. At this point I'm willing to try anything...

I don't know what VSL probiotics are, but maybe try stwitching to another brand? They all have different combinations and loads of bacteria, so maybe you would benefit more from one that has a higher concentration of a different strand.

If you're having problems with constipation, there are several things you can try. One is more fiber. You can get this from pills, drinks, or good old-fashioned prunes/juice. Look for products that have a higher level of soluable rather than insoluable fiber. I read online that insoluable fiber doesn't dissolve in water, and it what provides bulk to stools for people with D. Soluable fiber dissolves in water and provides the moisture that people with C need. You can't (at least I don't think you can) get fiber that's 100% one or the other; they all have some of both. But most products lean towards one or the other, so look for soulable. Prune juice will be very soluable.

Next, you can try magnesium supplements. Magnesium is what they put in calcium supplements to keep normal people from getting constipated (if you are taking calcium supplements, or in a multi-vitamin, you should stop or take less, unless you were put on them by a doctor; calcium is naturally constipating).

The other easy thing to try is aloe vera capsules. These are a natural laxative.