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So test results ordered by my naturopath indicate too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria in my little ol' gut (for anyone interested, there was moderate detection of klebiella/enterobacter/serratia group and rare detection of alpha hemolytic strep). He has recommended (which I think he does for all patients), a liver and colon cleanse protocol from these people in conjunction with fiber & probiotic supplementation. Here's some background on what I've been dealing with.

I am wary of all things medical at this point, even (or perhaps especially?) naturopathy - there seems to be too much "one size fits all", and from the reading I've been doing, I'm not convinced that "cleaning out" the colon with herbs and fiber is necessary or even beneficial. I've found arguments that taking probiotics orally doesn't really do much for the gut. The probiotic he gave me contains inulin, which I don't think I tolerate (but I'm hyperanalytic of every little thing my gut does, so who knows?).

The reason I haven't just up and given the cleanse the old college try is that I'd have to wean my toddler first and I'm not into forcing that process, esp. if it's just to do a colon cleanse that I'm not sure I advocate.

So: the question. Has anyone had positive experiences with such a thing, or has anyone completed one and found it to be hooey? Any other suggestions for dealing with microfloral imbalances in a less invasive way?

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I have SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) so basically too much bad bacteria and not enough good (diagnosed with a breath test and stool test). Per my doc at the time, I did Cleansemax two times. (and about $100 worth of probiotics from that same company). Talk about needing to be near a restroom for 30days! and absolutely zero benefit. Inulin will feed those bad bacteria too. So watch for that. I hate to say this, but I have no beneficial ideas for you! I am still in the midst of trying everything under the sun. Good luck!

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I read somewhere on the internet (ah yes - it was here: girrlockholmes.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/247/)that enteric-coated peppermint oil is good for SIBO - I'm not sure if that's what I've got, but wanted to share that tidbit in case you hadn't heard it yet. – Jessica G Aug 17 2011 at 1:50
Jessica, Oh believe me I have tried it. I am not joking when I say I have tried everything. That stuff just made my whole world taste like peppermint, its like you become a peppermint. No benefit for me though. – Senneth Aug 17 2011 at 17:07
Hey Senneth, do you still have SIBO/ If so, this might help you: syontix.com/… – Tom Apr 27 at 19:43
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Can you tell us more about the tests? What was needed, how was it done, etc?

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Sure - it was a stool panel performed by Diagnos-Techs. Not sure exactly how they did their tests though. – Jessica G Aug 16 2011 at 14:21

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