About SIBO; Lactobacillus Reuteri.

Its benefits and how to use it.

Who’s got SIBO ?

What are the tell tail signs?

 SIBO - Small Intestine Bacteria Overload is a condition that habits and lifestyle factors have created. A modern phenomenon ;They are health conditions indifferent to race, sex and age. Even following an otherwise healthy lifestyle may not have protected you because factors creating bacterial and fungal overgrowth are so widespread.

SIBO is so common that in a group, the majority will have this condition. As large as obesity but hardly talked about.

SIBO is man made like Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity, and often caused by bad eating habits, stress, antibiotics and sometimes genetic makeup. SIBO is exasperated by herbicides, pesticides and stomach acid blocker drug, freely prescribed. 

Tell Tail Signs

• Excessive Gas, Bloating, Adverse reaction to onions and beans …
• Food intolerance - food allergies.
• Emotional distress: anxiety, depression, anger within 90 mins of consumption of some foods.
• Muscle & joint pain of fibromyalgia, preventing simple physical activities like gardening or cleaning the home.
• Bowel urgency - IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Overweight / Obesity.
• Type 2 Diabetes.
• Autoimmune Conditions - Rheumatoid arthritis or Thyroid issues.
• Persistent and recurrent skin rashes - eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.

You might even feel fine and not even be aware of the triggers of unhealthy microbiome. It might not kill you now but can definitely cause acute illness if left unattended.

No one previously ate GMO laced corn, which was a boom for the farmers yields but inflicts unexpected effects on human health with appetite stimulation being just one example. Seizures another. Diabetes which used to be rare has now become a mainstream condition and should be of grave concern.

We were not previously exposed to polysorbate 80 which is added to ice cream to thicken, preserve and stabilise. No one took Statin drugs to reduce cholesterol. Are Statins really necessary and the answer to cholesterol issues.?

There is now more IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) than ever before. Hypertension, colitis and Crohn’s disease are at an all time high.

Auto immune diseases, skin rashers, food allergies and neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s ...) are almost becoming the norm and this is not how it should be.

Triggers include simple practices like consumption of sugary food e.g. ice cream & diet soda or ranch dressing. Ibuprofen and other accepted conventional “solutions” like insulin, steroids and statins. Often accomplishing little. These tend to treat symptoms and not the cause. They might give temporary relief but not a long-term solution. These might alleviate the outward signs but they are not addressing the underlying microbe overgrowth that has taken hold of your GI tract.

We have become an All You Can Eat population instead of like our hunter gatherer ancestors – Eat to Live.

Consequences of SIBO include:

• Premature ageing, autoimmune conditions like arthritis or lupus emerge. The risk of coronary artery disease, insulin intolerance, blood sugar increase, blood pressure raise, fatty liver, diverticular disease & even colon cancer.
• Uncorrected SIBO exposes you to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases and is considered foolhardy not to take steps to address this. SIBO can result in many health conditions and lead to numerous visits to doctors, prescriptions and even procedures which might not be necessary if SIBO is detected and treated. The treatments given are often just bandages over symptoms and not addressing the actual root cause.

Your colon performs several crucial functions and it is imperative this is healthy. It is here that water is absorbed from semi-liquid digested food. The colon is home to trillions of microbes - some good and some bad. Some assist with digestion. Some produce vitamins the body needs and uses. All compete for survival and nutrition.

To be healthy, the friendly microbes need to dominate, but more often these days, this is not the case.

If unhealthy bacteria are allowed to proliferate, the bowel microbes return to the colon, and if really bad, these even enter the bloodstream. The body is not prepared for this onslaught in the GI tract.

It is time to redefine many previously held beliefs. Maybe things are not best managed with drugs that block inflammatory pathways, force blood sugar and blood pressure down. These treat the symptoms and not the cause.

In short, SIBO invades the small intestine, allowing the unhealthy bacteria to proliferate in the colon and outdo the good bacteria.

Recent Advancements

We have made what is considered unprecedented medical advancement in recent decades, but the bacteria living in our colon have been ignored with regard to their role in human health.

Removing wheat and grains from the diet has undoubted and substantial life-changing health benefits, including easy weight loss, loss of appetite, no more prediabetic symptoms, no need for BP pills, and a 70% increase in arthritis. But recovery is not 100%.

Research has, however, shown that we need more to conquer residual health issues and build a super gut. We need to recultivate the healthy microbes in the GI tract. Research has exploded, and some amazing results have been published.

It has been suggested that now common mental and emotional struggles like depression, social isolation, hatred, anxiety, and even ADHD result from a disruption to the intestinal microbiome. Even sleep disorders, joint pain, food intolerances, obesity, autoimmune conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases occur due to damage to the microbes in the GI tract.

Lost microbes and bacterial species, research has discovered, can explain persistent health issues, and if restored to the gut, the results are impressive—both relating to health and appearance.

How to decrease people’s reliance on medicines and improve human health.

In order to power a healthy microbiome, we need to rebuild the microbes and bacteria in the GI tract and cultivate healthy habits. This can and does improve the overall quality of life, freedom from disease, and the regain of youthfulness. Smoother skin, accelerated healing, and an increase in empathy for others are just some of the benefits of developing a SUPER gut.

Humans are influenced by trillions of microscopic creatures, and many health struggles that can be blamed on a disrupted microbiome can be reversed through lifestyle and diet changes. SIBO and SIFO, if caught early, can be fixed. You need a balanced microbial universe in the GI tract, and you need to understand and re-establish your good microbes.

Start with good food. You can choose to use a specific probiotic yogurt to eradicate SIBO.

Earth & Thyme's ProGurt has been developed with your health in mind to stack the odds in favor of reversing SIBO. It’s a simple, friendly way to achieve great results.

Standard probiotics do not manage SIBO. This yogurt has been specifically crafted to amplify bacterial counts, making them significantly higher than those found in original probiotic products or normal yogurts.

Strictly speaking, ProGurt is not a yogurt—but it looks, tastes, and is used just like conventional yogurt.

The difference is that the bacteria in ProGurt are specifically designed for the treatment of SIBO, and they exist in trillions within the yogurt. These bacteria are cultivated for a specific goal: to help your GI tract become a Super Gut.

WHY ProGurt?

Lactobacillus reuteri is a great option to help restore your Gut Health.

Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic bacteria that should be found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Sadly, this probiotic has been seriously compromised due to poor eating habits, antibiotics, stress, and sometimes genetics.

Its potential health benefits are huge—but don’t just take our word for it. Do your own research. I have included some suggested links at the end of this document.

A Summary of Uses

1. Digestive Health

• Improves Gut Microbiome Balance – Helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, reducing harmful pathogens.
• Alleviates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Reduces bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements.
• Prevents Diarrhea – Effective against antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea.
• Relieves Constipation – Promotes bowel regularity by improving intestinal motility.

2. Immune System Support

• Boosts Immunity – Enhances the immune response by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Reduces Respiratory Infections – Decreases the frequency and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections.

3. Oral Health

• Reduces Dental Plaque – Inhibits the growth of harmful oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans.
• Improves Gum Health – Helps reduce gingivitis and periodontitis by reducing inflammation and bacterial load.

4. Skin Health

• Eczema Relief – Alleviates symptoms of eczema, especially in children, by modulating the immune response.
• Skin Hydration & Anti-Aging
  • Prevents water loss and restores the skin’s natural beneficial flora.
  • Strengthens and tones the skin.
  • Boosts collagen production and elasticity.
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Provides complete protein and vital amino acids.
  • Contains AHA (Lactic Acid) to control the acid mantle, soothe, tone, and hydrate.
  • Removes dead skin layers for a younger appearance.
• Acne Management – Helps reduce skin inflammation associated with acne and psoriasis.
• Anti-Inflammatory & Blemish Control – Repairs, lightens, and brightens. Potent antioxidant. Balances skin pH.
• Vitamin, Mineral & Protein Mix – A one-of-a-kind cosmetic.

The benefits of improving overall skin texture, locking in hydration, and soothing irritation are well-documented. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles, reduces dark spots, cleanses pores, and brightens the complexion. The probiotic improves the skin barrier and strengthens the skin microbiome, calming sensitivity while moisturizing and balancing pH levels.

I will do another blog post focused on the benefits and uses of probiotics for skin and hair care. Earth & Thyme has also added a range of natural pre/probiotic skincare products available in the shop.

5. Cardiovascular Health

• Lowers Cholesterol – Balances lipid proteins, influences lipid metabolism, and reduces body fat. Helps lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and improve overall lipid profile.
• Manages Blood Pressure – Helps reduce blood pressure due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Mental Health

• Supports Mood Regulation – Improves gut-brain axis communication, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Enhances Sleep Quality – Aids in the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, promoting better sleep and vivid dreams.

7. Women's Health

• Vaginal Health – Helps restore healthy vaginal flora, reducing the risk of bacterial vaginitis and yeast infections.

8. Infant and Child Health

• Colic Relief – Proven effective in reducing crying time in infants with colic.
• Enhances Growth – Supports healthy gut development in infants and children.

 

Are you a candidate for ProGurt ?

If you cringe at the idea of using antibiotics, you can choose to use ProGurt, which, in our experience and preliminary research, has reversed SIBO for ourselves and many others.

You can help prevent frequent recurrences of SIBO by including Lactobacillus reuteri in your diet, taking advantage of its ability to remain in the upper GI tract and continue to produce the necessary bacteria to prevent SIBO.

A Quick Summary: Do You Have SIBO?

Ask yourself if you experience any of the following:

• Intolerance to foods like legumes, onions, tomatoes, etc.
• Conditions like IBS, fibromyalgia, autoimmune, or inflammatory diseases.

Use your best judgment.

We know for sure that burying your head in the sand and enduring uncorrected SIBO/SIFO has many risks, as outlined above.

Correcting SIBO/SIFO

Small Intestine Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) requires effort to correct, and die-off reactions can be expected. However, the power to take control of your health is enormous, with lifelong benefits.

ProGurt has been formulated to ensure that the correct microbes are present to colonize the upper GI tract. These microbes must produce good bacteria that are effective against the bad bacteria while supporting the proliferation of healthy bacterial species.

While our yogurt is still a work in progress, and we will continue refining and updating it, our own experience has been very positive. The feedback from others involved in testing it has also been excellent.

SIBO vs. SIFO

Many people with SIBO also have SIFO. ProGurt will have mild antifungal effects, but pure Curcumin is another excellent option for dealing with SIFO.

Signs of SIFO:

• Persistent or recurring rashes
• Sugar cravings
• Mood swings

To address SIFO, use Curcumin alongside ProGurt, but continue Curcumin for an additional four weeks. A starting dose of 300 mg is suggested, increasing to 600 mg if needed.

However, our main focus here is SIBO, and SIFO will be discussed in more detail in another blog post.

Expected Benefits

With ProGurt, expect relief from:

• Years of muscle and joint pain
• IBS symptoms
• Weight loss struggles
• Mood imbalances and overall well-being

Preventing Recurrence

SIBO can reoccur. For this reason, we suggest a maintenance amount of ProGurt. Our L. Reuteri yogurt helps prevent the resurgence of undesirable microbes.

Does This Work for Everyone?

Most people experience significant relief and benefits from eradicating SIBO and maintaining a healthy GI tract. However, some individuals may experience frequent recurrences. This could be due to underlying issues, which can be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Using Lactobacillus Reuteri- ProGurt

• Fortified Foods

  • Found in probiotic-enriched yogurts, beverages, and dairy products.

  Topical Products

  • Used in creams or gels for skin health benefits.

  Infant Formulas

  • Added to formulas to improve digestion and reduce colic.

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  How Much Should I Use?

  125 grams per day is recommended. This can be continued for a minimum of four weeks, but it can also become a long-term part of your diet.

  Like taking antibiotics, you may experience several days of die-off reactions, which can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Disrupted sleep

  This confirms that toxins are being flushed out of the system.

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  Safety and Considerations

  • Generally considered safe for most people, including children and pregnant women. However, pregnant women should consult their doctors before using this yogurt.
  • Possible mild side effects – bloating, gas, or an initial increase in bowel movements.
  • Immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic illnesses should consult a healthcare provider before use.

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  Is It Worth It?

  Absolutely. Imagine a life without:
  ✅ Obesity or excess weight
  ✅ Type 2 diabetes or hypertension
  ✅ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fibromyalgia

  No more dependence on prescription drugs that only mask symptoms instead of treating the root cause.

  The benefits?
  🌟 Great health
  🌟 Accelerated healing
  🌟 Deeper sleep
  🌟 Better day-to-day functioning
  🌟 Reduced wrinkles
  🌟 Restored youthful muscle and strength
  🌟 Increased empathy

  Master Your Microbiome – Master Your Health

  You have tremendous power over your health, the way you feel, and your mood. Use it.

  Everything affects your microbiome – food, light, people, stress, experiences, even the water you drink. Paying attention to these small details can have big rewards.

  Smart Health Choices:

  ❌ Avoid sugars
  ❌ Avoid synthetic sweeteners
  ❌ Banish processed foods, especially those with emulsifiers and preservatives
  ❌ Avoid wheat and grains
  ✔ Drink high-quality water
  ✔ Choose organic, real, whole foods whenever possible
  ✔ Get off stomach acid-suppressing drugs
  ✔ Limit alcohol consumption
  ✔ Use antibiotics only as a last resort

  Balance Is Key

  💡 Motto: Everything in moderation rather than anything in excess.
  No need to become fanatical—just use common sense.

 

Some reading for you to gain more insight and form your own opinions. 

1. Role in Human Health and Diseases

📄 Article: "Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Diseases"
🔗 Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
📌 Summary: This comprehensive review discusses the various health benefits of L. reuteri, including its immunomodulatory effects and potential therapeutic applications.
🔗 Link: Frontiers

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2. Benefits for Skin Health

📄 Article: "Probiotic 'Glow of Health': It's More Than Skin Deep"
🔗 Source: PubMed Central (PMC)
📌 Summary: This study explores how dietary probiotics, including L. reuteri, can improve skin and hair quality by enhancing skin thickness and promoting folliculogenesis.
🔗 Link: PMC

📄 Article: "Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as a Novel Topical Cosmetic Ingredient: A Proof of Concept Clinical Study in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis"
🔗 Source: PubMed Central (PMC)
📌 Summary: This clinical study evaluates the efficacy of L. reuteri DSM 17938 as a topical treatment for atopic dermatitis, highlighting its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
🔗 Link: PMC

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3. Probiotics in Skincare

📄 Article: "What Do Probiotics Have to Do with Your Skin?"
🔗 Source: Healthline
📌 Summary: This article discusses the role of probiotics in skincare, including their potential to balance the skin microbiome and reduce conditions like acne and eczema.
🔗 Link: Healthline

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4. Dietary Sources and Gut Health

📄 Article: "What Foods Contain Lactobacillus reuteri?"
🔗 Source: Wellgard
📌 Summary: This resource lists foods rich in L. reuteri and discusses how incorporating them into your diet can benefit gut health.
🔗 Link: Wellgard

📄 Article: "The Antifungal Properties of Lactobacillus reuteri"
🔗 Source: Kait's Cupboard
📌 Summary: This article highlights L. reuteri's antifungal properties and its role in reducing certain strains of Candida.
🔗 Link: Kait's Cupboard

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These resources provide a solid foundation for further exploration into the benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri in dietary, health, and skincare contexts.