Question: How can I help my candida and sibo if I have a coconut allergy? That includes capryllic acid.

Coconut allergy is rare, and people with coconut allergies might respond different to products containing coconut oil. Being allergic to the oil of the coconut is more rare since only the protein component of a food or chemical agent can react with the immune system. Most coconut oil is cold pressed, or virgin which means some of the proteins from the coconut can still be present in the oil. Refined or chemical and pharmaceutical grade coconut oil goes through a more complex extraction process to get purely the oil. Still, if you have a coconut allergy, it is possible you will also be allergic to coconut oil.

For people who have an allergy to coconut oil specifically, while the likelihood of an allergic reaction to caprylic triglycerides is fairly low, it still may be an ingredient you want to avoid. There are many natural antifungals and antimicrobials that will still be effective for dealing with SIBO and Candida. For example a combination of garlic extract (allicin) and oregano can help to tackle Methane-dominant SIBO. Similarly, berberine may help to tackle Hydrogen-dominant SIBO. Two other great antibacterials for SIBO include grapefruit seed extract and black walnut. Caprylic acid is useful to disrupt Candida and certain bacterial biofilms which can make the treatment more effective especially for persistent infectons.

Question: What is the accurate way to test of your GI has full of candida or sibo constipation?

If you are dealing with digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation and feeling tired or fatigued it could be Candida overgrowth or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Symptoms for both conditions are very similar so it is important to get the right diagnostic tests. For SIBO, the gold standard is the breath test. It is the most accurate and determines if the SIBO is hydrogen or methane dominant. When you have an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine, the carbs you eat can ferment before they are broken down. This fermentation process releases hydrogen gas. I recommend the lactulose breath test. A comprehensive stool test can be used to look for Candida overgrowth and SIBO. With the stool test, your stool is directly analyzed for levels of

Candida and the lab can determine the species of yeast as well as which treatment will be effective. It can also look at the flora of the large intestines to determine a bacterial overgrowth. This functional medicine test can test for multiple gut infections at one time. Some good places to get your stool test include Genova, Doctor’s Data, and Great Plains. For Candida the antibodies test and the organic acid test are also available. For both Candida and SIBO a comprehensive gut protocol must be followed. Natural antimicrobials help to break down the biofilms that Candida and bacteria uses to protect themselves. When used in combination with probiotics and a low-sugar diet, they work with your immune system to stop the growth of Candida.

Question: My wife Mary had her gallbladder removed 15 months ago and hasn’t been the same since. Her symptoms: no appetite, gets full after a few bites, sick stomach etc. 5′ tall, is down to 92 lbs from 118. Has had various tests with 5 doctors, but no improvement. Has an appt. with a gastroenterologist, earliest June 7. A little far away, but that’s the earliest date. I researched and came up with Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome. She has all the symptoms. Mary was a vibrant woman, full of life, but is rapidly declining and I’m worried. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for allowing me this platform to air my concerns.

Any health issues or symptoms arising because of gallbladder removal is called postcholecystectomy syndrome. The most common causes of postcholecystectomy syndrome relate to changes in bile, complications from surgery (adhesions, cystic duct remnant, duct injury), retained gallstones, and excessive bile that is malabsorbed in the intestines. If you are experiencing symptoms following a cholecystectomy, talk to your gastroenterologist or primary care doctor. Ask for vitamin and pancreatic enzyme levels to be tested, since bile is required to metabolize fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and some postcholecystectomy issues affect pancreatic enzymes. Since enzymes are needed to digest fat, malabsorption can cause rapid weigth loss, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, feelings of fullness and diarrhea. Another issue is bile acid diarrhea. Ask your gastroenterologist about prescribing cholestyramine, a bile acid binder. Consult with a natural health practitioner if you want to go the holistic route. They can prescribe digestive enzymes, a bile replacement supplement, fat-soluble vitamins (which are depleted in fat malabsorption) and/or herbs (dandelion, milk thistle, turmeric, bitters) to support the liver. Overeating can further strain the liver, pancreas, and ducts. Eat several small meals a day and in smaller portions. Going too long without eating is also bad and can lead to bile acid diarrhea and intestinal discomfort. Chew your food and eat slowly: taking the time to allow enzymes to mix with your food is essential for digestion. Eat a low-fat diet: be mindful of the amount of fat in each meal. Keep it under 3 grams per meal. Foods that protect the liver and increase bile production are bitter foods like mustard greens, arugula, acidic fruits like kiwi, and beets. Ginger can increase gut motility and bile production. Betaine HCL boost stomach acids to help break down food and absorb nutrients.

Disclaimer: It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen or when experiencing symptoms.