Just do it! I wish I had tried the elemental diet much earlier. Especially for IMO, where there are few treatments proven effective.
- Doug
How Doug Manages Methane Overgrowth (IMO) with mBIOTA Elemental
Can you share a bit about your journey with your GI condition before discovering mBIOTA Elemental?
"My IMO symptoms started two years ago. I did not have GI issues previously. In addition to constipation and bloating, I was experiencing dizziness, brain fog, body aches and fatigue. My Gastroenterologist ordered scans, scopes and even gallbladder and stomach emptying exams. Everything was normal. She prescribed PPI medication which didn't help.
After several months a friend mentioned SIBO and I did some research on my own. At my next appointment I asked my Gastroenterologist and she had me take the Triosmart breath test. It came back positive for methane (IMO). Over the following eight months I tried two courses of antibiotics, Allicin, Berberine, Oregano, and various enzymes and probiotics. Nothing seemed to help."
How did mBIOTA Elemental impact your symptoms and overall quality of life?
"After months of various treatments with no results, I tried the mBIOTA Elemental diet. After two weeks my methane dropped to 0 ppm (from a high of 50+), and my symptoms abated. Unfortunately after restarting food, my high methane level and symptoms returned after a few weeks. But getting even a temporary break from the symptoms was a huge relief.
Since then I've continued to use mBIOTA in two ways to help manage my IMO symptoms. First, I will drink two or three shakes a day along with my normal diet. I'm 15 lbs under my target weight and even if I eat low FODMAP/low fermentation, I simply can't get enough calories. If I eat more, my symptoms spiral. The mBIOTA shakes are a way to get calories and nutrients without taxing my gut and setting off the IMO symptoms.
The second way I use mBIOTA is I will occasionally (every 2 or 3 months) do a 2 week course to really bring down my methane and symptoms. These "resets" give me a nice break from the symptoms and give my gut a chance to heal."
What were your initial thoughts or hesitations about starting an elemental diet, and how were they addressed?
"Prior to my first elemental diet I was worried about the taste and about if I would get hungry. Regarding the flavor, I quickly became used to mBIOTA (I prefer Orange) and it has not been a problem. I always drink it with ice.
After a few days on the shakes the bloating subsides and I start to get hungry. At this point its very important to drink the shakes slowly throughout the day. In addition to hunger pangs, my energy level will drop suddenly. So I mix a shake and carry it with me when I go out."
Can you describe your daily routine while using mBIOTA Elemental, and any tips you have for new users?
"During a full elemental diet I drink two shakes in the morning, then one mid morning, two more at lunch, one mid afternoon, and two more in the evening. I try to drink the shakes slowly over the course of 30 min or even an hour. I always mix in a blender using warm water, then add ice (if you mix with cold water you get clumps of powder in your shake).
Knowing your target calories for your height/weight, and then setting the number of shakes you will drink each day is important. I'm 15 lbs below my ideal weight due to the IMO symptoms. I need at least 2400 calories a day not to lose any further weight, so I try to drink 8 shakes a day.
I found I was experiencing some symptoms of oral thrush, a known potential side effect of elemental diets (candida fungus loves simple carbs). I also experienced bloating in my upper abdomen, even after my methane levels had dropped (I measure each morning with the home tester from Foodmarble). However, a few week course of a prescription anti fungal quickly cleared up the oral and abdominal symptoms."
Can you describe your daily routine while using mBIOTA Elemental, and any tips you have for new users?
"During a full elemental diet I drink two shakes in the morning, then one mid morning, two more at lunch, one mid afternoon, and two more in the evening. I try to drink the shakes slowly over the course of 30 min or even an hour. I always mix in a blender using warm water, then add ice (if you mix with cold water you get clumps of powder in your shake).
Knowing your target calories for your height/weight, and then setting the number of shakes you will drink each day is important. I'm 15 lbs below my ideal weight due to the IMO symptoms. I need at least 2400 calories a day not to lose any further weight, so I try to drink 8 shakes a day.
I found I was experiencing some symptoms of oral thrush, a known potential side effect of elemental diets (candida fungus loves simple carbs). I also experienced bloating in my upper abdomen, even after my methane levels had dropped (I measure each morning with the home tester from Foodmarble). However, a few week course of a prescription anti fungal quickly cleared up the oral and abdominal symptoms."
Anything else we didn’t ask that you’d like to include?
"I appreciate the fact that the mBIOTA team is working with Dr. Pimentel and Dr. Rezaie at Cedars Sinai, and that mBIOTA has clinical evidence (clinical trial results) showing it is effective."