Rifaximin and herbals worked for 2 weeks, then I relapsed instantly — now I’m trying Itopride, LDN, and a strict low-fermentation protocol
Current status
Still struggling- Still struggling
- Somewhat resolved
- Mostly resolved
- Fully resolved
The story
BACKGROUND: Dealing with severe gut issues since childhood, which triggered autoimmunity (Graves' Disease) 5+ years ago. Symptoms: severe weight loss, muscle wasting, pale stools (fat malabsorption), brain fog, and severe MCAS/POTS (tachycardia and panic attacks immediately after meals).
MY SYMPTOM-BASED DEDUCTIONS: I don't have fancy microbiome mapping, but my symptom clusters are undeniable: Sulfur Intolerance: Garlic, Epsom salts, and sulfur supplements cause severe neurological crashes (Suspected H2S overgrowth paralyzing mitochondrial Complex IV). Amino Acid Intolerance: Free amino acids (L-Glutamine) trigger severe adrenaline/panic (Suspected ammonia putrefaction crashing my genetically slow COMT enzyme). Fiber Intolerance: Any fermentable fiber creates a massive gas balloon that physically crushes my inguinal hernia (Suspected facultative anaerobe expansion due to an epithelial oxygen leak). FAILED PAST TREATMENTS: Standard "kill" protocols (Rifaximin, herbal antimicrobials) gave me zero bloating for 14 days, but I relapsed instantly. I realized I was treating the smoke (the bacteria) instead of the fire (the host's broken colonocytes leaking oxygen). CURRENT PROTOCOL: I am currently rebuilding the host engine to restore epithelial hypoxia. The Siege Diet: White rice, 100% MCT oil (bypasses toxic bile), peeled/boiled gourds, poached lean meat. Digestion Hack: Pancreatin 10k taken at the exact first bite to absorb food high up before bacteria can steal it. Mito Rebuild: NMN (250mg), PQQ (20mg), Liquid CoQ10 (200mg). H2S Clearance: Vit B2 (10mg) + Ionic Molybdenum (fuels SUOX/SQR). Barrier/MCAS Shield: Rebamipide (100mg), Quercetin (250mg), PEA (400mg), Vit C (1/2 tsp). Motility: Itopride HCl (50mg) + LDN (1.5mg) to drive the MMC.
THE FUTURE PLAN: Once the bloating stops and the mitochondria are rebuilt, I will introduce Tributyrin (300mg) + Pentasa (500mg) to hit the PPAR-γ switch, force the colonocytes to burn oxygen, and lock the gut into a hypoxic fortress to naturally suffocate the overgrowth.
Your turn
Have a story like this? Add yours.
Every story shared sharpens the pattern for the next person searching for answers.
Symptoms
Tests & diagnoses
Treatments
Each treatment this contributor tried, in the order that mattered, with their own reported result. The ones marked with a trophy are the treatments they credit as decisive.
Part of standard "kill" protocols; gave zero bloating for 14 days but relapse was instant.
Current "Mito Rebuild" protocol item.
Current H2S clearance protocol item.
Future plan to introduce it to hit the PPAR-γ switch.
Current digestion hack; taken at the exact first bite to absorb food high up before bacteria can steal it.
Current motility protocol item to drive the MMC.
Reported to cause severe neurological crashes in the context of sulfur intolerance.
Reported to cause severe neurological crashes in the context of sulfur intolerance.
Free amino acids, specifically L-Glutamine, reportedly trigger severe adrenaline/panic.
This is one person's reported experience aggregated by GutPattern, not clinical advice, a treatment protocol, or a diagnosis. What helped one contributor can do nothing — or harm — for someone with a different underlying cause. Sudden, severe, bloody, feverish, or worsening symptoms belong with medical care. Always discuss care decisions with a qualified clinician.
0 comments
Join the discussion — sign in to reply, ask a follow-up, or share your own outcome.
Sign in to reply