Help with Streptococcus SIBO?

Hi there,

I just wanted some advice from people on treating symptoms associated with an overgrowth of Streptococcus SIBO.

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 18 months ago but despite following a strict paleo diet (so gluten/dairy/soy/grain/processed food/sugar free) and supplementing with probiotics, I was still getting symptoms of

1. Brain Fog - by far my biggest complaint. I only very rarely have days where I can think super clearly and feel really calm and energised. Most of the time I'm quite apathetic and "fogged up".

2. Constipation - I also feel completely disconnected from my appetite, so I can eat and eat all day but never feel full. Which isn't so good when you are completely constipated!

3. Dark circles under my eyes and Acne - possibly linked to the constipation and brain fog.

4. Weak joints - especially in my hands and feet.

5. General lethargy - I pretty much spend all day, everyday lying in bed. I'm not depressed, I just feel so lazy and apathetic all the time.

6. Photophobia - I absolutely cannot stand the sunlight. I also have really red, bloodshot eyes.

I then did a Bioscreen which showed that I had 10 times the normal amount of Streptococcus in my gut and negligible good bacteria.

So, I started taking vitamins and minerals (eg. zinc, multi, vitamin c, iodine, HCL with pepsin, digestive enzymes, methyl guard plus, B vitamins, a glutamine drink etc.)

I went on a short course of erythromycin about 6 months ago, and I felt good after but the feeling didn't last long.

So now, I have just started using herbs to try and control my symptoms. I have started taking oil of oregano (5 drops, 3 times a day), golden seal (1 tablet, 3 times a day), a vitex pill, and enteric coated peppermint oil.

After three days on this regime, my eyes feel and look less bloodshot and itchy, my under eye bags seem less pronounced and skin better. I also seem to be able to tolerate my food more. Because even though I follow a predominately SCD/GAPS style diet, I find that I'll just get bloated after everything.

I guess I just really wish that my constipation and brain fog would clear up so I could go out and live my life instead of sitting at home all day. I'm only 19 years old so it feels like everything is just passing me by.

I hope that these herbs do something but it's hard to tell because my symptoms don't "flair up" when something is/isn't working, they're just constantly there. Like I think I've had brain fog for the past 6 years.

Any tips? Please help me. I'd be so appreciative. Tweet