Must Have SIBO Supplements
Are you wondering how to get rid of sibo and confused what SIBO supplements you actually need to be taking during a sibo protocol?
You’re not alone.
There are so many options and information especially on the internet when it comes to SIBO supplements and it can be difficult to navigate brands, labels and product types to know exactly which supplements you should be taking.
First let me start off by saying that it is always a good idea to work with a practitioner when it comes to SIBO since it’s a very complex condition and the type of supplements that your individual body needs is based on the main factors that contributed to you developing SIBO as well as the type of SIBO you have which requires a trained professional to identify.
However, there are some standard supplements which I’m going to discuss below that are used to help eliminate SIBO and correct your digestive imbalances so you can get back to eating all your favourite foods again, symptom free!
In this blog post we’ll explore my top supplements that help to eliminate SIBO, support digestion, reduce risk of relapse and rebuild and strengthen your gut microbiome.
Do you keep relapsing? Have you had SIBO come back once, twice or more?
There’s a reason for this…If you’re working with a conventional doctor and taking Rifaximin they likely won’t be prescribing these supplements.
Rifaximin can be a good tool for eliminating the bacteria but if you don’t address the underlying reasons that led you to developing SIBO in the first place, the risk of relapse can be much higher.
Working with a holistic practitioner will help you correct your digestive imbalances, stress levels and help you restore balance to your gut microbiome to help you ensure your SIBO doesn’t come back.
If you’re ready to receive a personalized supplement protocol, address your underlying causes and eliminate your SIBO asap I invite you to apply for The SIBO Turnaround Method. This 6 month program takes you from bloated to digesting with ease and food freedom.
Learn more about The SIBO Turnaround Method below!
SIBO Supplement Suggestions Based on Stage of Protocol
There are 4 main stages of a SIBO protocol and different supplements are needed depending on which stage of the protocol you are in. I’ve outlined below the main supplements however others may be beneficial for your unique case. Dosages are to be determined by your healthcare practitioner.
Note that if you’re on medication it is possible some of the suggested herbal supplements may interfere. It’s best to check with your doctor or healthcare practitioner if they can be taken together. The below is to be used for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
SIBO Supplements for Prep Stage
The supplements at this stage depends on your SIBO test results and if you have methane, hydrogen, mixed or hydrogen sulfide present.
Methane: Allicin (garlic extract), oregano, cinnamon and thyme are generally suggested for methane overgrowth.
Hydrogen: berberine containing herbs like goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, gold thread and neem are generally suggested for hydrogen overgrowth
Mixed: a combination of the above
Hydrogen Sulfide: oregano oil and bismuth are generally suggested for hydrogen sulfide overgrowth
Biofilm disruptor: the bacteria & methanogens can create a protective barrier called biofilm that stops the antibiotics or herbs from killing them. Biofilm disruptors help poke holes in the biofilm so the herbs or antibiotics can get through to kill them more effectively. Supplements like serrapeptase, nigella, NAC and silver can be used here.
It’s important to remember that diet plays a key role in this phase in helping to starve the bacteria. For help with diet check out my meal plan below.
Does figuring out what to eat on the SIBO diet stress you out?? Check out my free 1-week meal plan for a little recipe inspiration!
SIBO Supplements for Elimination
Once the bacteria is eliminated it’s best to use food and supplements to help repair the gut lining. Often leaky gut can be driven by intestinal infections like SIBO and should only be taken once you receive a negative SIBO test with symptom reductions.
Prokinetic: prokinetics help to increase the movement/motility in intestinal tract so the bacteria don’t build back up in the small intestine where they’re not supposed to.
Prebiotic fiber: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is a good prebiotic to start with as it’s low FODMAP and helps feed and grow the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Start with a very small amount to not overwhelm the bacteria in your gut which can result in bloating.
Probiotics: a multi-strain probiotic, saccharomyces boulardi or lactobacillus rhamnosus can be beneficial at this point to help repopulate beneficial bacteria
Gut lining support: l-glutamine, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), zinc carnosine, herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow root and aloe vera all help to assist in repairing the gut lining once bacteria has been eliminated. There are many good combo products that can be used so you’re not taking each individually.
SIBO Supplements for Repairing
Once the bacteria is eliminated it’s best to use food and supplements to help repair the gut lining. Often leaky gut can be driven by intestinal infections like SIBO and should only be taken once you receive a negative SIBO test with symptom reductions.
Prokinetic: prokinetics help to increase the movement/motility in intestinal tract so the bacteria don’t build back up in the small intestine where they’re not supposed to.
Prebiotic fiber: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is a good prebiotic to start with as it’s low FODMAP and helps feed and grow the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Start with a very small amount to not overwhelm the bacteria in your gut which can result in bloating.
Probiotics: a multi-strain probiotic, saccharomyces boulardi or lactobacillus rhamnosus can be beneficial at this point to help repopulate beneficial bacteria
Gut lining support: l-glutamine, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), zinc carnosine, herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow root and aloe vera all help to assist in repairing the gut lining once bacteria has been eliminated. There are many good combo products that can be used so you’re not taking each individually.
SIBO Supplements for Rebuilding
Once the gut lining has been repaired, your focus need to be on rebuilding and strengthening your gut bacteria. The main focus in this stage should be around prebiotic, probiotic and polyphenol rich foods with less need for supplements however a few can be helpful:
Prebiotic fibers: prebiotics helps to grow the beneficial bacteria that may help you to digest higher FODMAP foods. A blend of prebiotic fibers can be beneficial to ensure diversity or rotating between various prebiotic fiber supplements. At this stage in my practice we use microbiome testing to really understand what specific prebiotics and probiotics your body needs. Having a customized plan will get you the best results in the shortest amount of time so you can start eating larger amounts of your favourite foods without symptoms.
What to Watch out for When Buying Supplements
The quality of the supplements you’re purchasing can also impact how effective your SIBO protocol is. Here’s what to look for when purchasing supplements:
The company has 3rd party testing done
Ensure they have a government approved number (in Canada this is an NPN number)
Scientific backed evidence for the formulas
Avoid purchased on Amazon as supplements may not appear to be what they say they are. Ideally purchase from your healthcare practitioner, the company directly, health reputable health food stores.
When it comes to SIBO, supplements combined with dietary changes play a key role in corrective digestive imbalances, eliminating bacteria successfully and helping restore balance to your gut microbiome.
If you need more support with your SIBO journey, join me inside The SIBO Turnaround Method my 6 month 1 on 1 program to help you eliminate your SIBO, reduce stress and rebuild your microbiome to achieve optimal gut health and resiliency- your best defense against relapse!
Apply now for The SIBO Turnaround Method below 👇👇👇
By Krista Znebel, R.H.N.©
March 15, 2025