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Have you heard of the Nemechek Protocol?
It was developed by an autonomic dysfunction physician, Dr. Patrick Nemechek out of Arizona.
If you suffer from unexplained bloating that you can’t seem to get rid of, it may be a hidden case of SIBO. I went from chronically bloated (like 7-months pregnant bloated…) to flat tummy in less than 2 months by simply following Dr. Nemechek’s advice. Keep reading to learn more!
Parents around the world have been using this protocol with great success for their autistic children.
But there’s also hope for those of us battling SIBO, as this protocol focuses on restoring bacterial balance.
The best part of it all? It’s really just 3 foods or food-based supplements.
I know, I know…
I usually belong to the camp that believes “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” But when I read Dr. Nemechek’s research and ideas behind the protocol for SIBO, it made total sense.
If you can give me just a few more minutes of your time, I’d love to share this information with you, and you can do with it what you will.
But I will say this, it just might change your life like it is changing mine.
For this post, I’m just going to focus on the SIBO side of things. I’ll probably do another post dedicated to the autism side in the future.
What Is the Nemechek Protocol?
The protocol identifies SIBO and brain inflammation as the likely culprits behind developmental delays, ADHD, Autism and more.
If you haven’t already heard or read the research, the gut is often called our “second brain.” There is an undeniable link between gut health and brain health, which is why such incredible results can be had when you focus on restoring and balancing these two areas.
The Nemechek Protocol consists of 3 things:
- Inulin (or Rifaximin for adults)
- Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Fish Oil
And it involves eliminating:
- Omega-6 Oils
- Probiotics
- Digestive Enzymes
To be honest, I kinda freaked out a little about the no probiotics thing. I’ve ALWAYS been told to take probiotics for good gut health. And for the majority of people, that’s perfectly fine! But in severely immunocompromised individuals with major gut bacteria issues going on, Dr. Nemechek cautions against them.
We’ll discuss that more in a bit.
For all the details about the protocol, check out Dr. Nemechek’s book, The Nemechek Protocol for Autism and Developmental Disorders: A How-To Guide for Restoring Neurological Function.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Nemechek, Dr. Patrick (Author)
Last update on 2025-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Don’t let the title fool you, this protocol is for so much more than autism.
The Governing Principles Behind Dr. Nemechek’s Protocol
As I mentioned earlier, this protocol is two-fold. It deals with reducing brain inflammation and reversing SIBO.
1 – Science Behind Fatty Oils and Reducing Inflammation
The members of the fatty acid family are all necessary and beneficial in their own way, but they must remain in the proper balance to really support health.
When this balance is thrown out of whack, inflammation results. Countless doctors now believe that inflammation is the root causes of many diseases, so this is a key part of the protocol – and also the reason why it’s useful for so many chronic conditions.
Our ancestors ate a much more balanced diet than we do. Their Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio was estimated to be about 1:1, which is ideal. Today, however, our ratios are more like 15:1, which is indicative of a highly inflammatory state. When Omega-6 levels go unchecked, they induce inflammation and encourage disease proliferation.
It should come as no surprise that Americans as a whole have such high levels of Omega-6s. Pick up just about any box of food from the grocery store, and you’ll see a list of inflammatory Omega-6 oils in the ingredients list.
So ultimately, the Nemechek protocol seeks to increase Omega-3s & 9s and drastically reduce Omega-6s. It achieves this through supplementing with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and high-potency fish oil.
2 – Science Behind Reversing SIBO with Inulin
I’m not going to dig too deep into what SIBO is because if you’re reading this, you probably already know.
But super complicated story short:
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when the type of bacteria that’s supposed to live only in your colon get stirred up and migrate into your small intestine.
This bacterial overgrowth damages the intestinal wall, releasing a substance called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into our tissue. When our white blood cells notice the LPS, they react by releasing highly inflammatory cytokines into the blood.
This is what is commonly known as leaky gut.
On top of that, some studies indicate that the actual bacteria can interfere with the autonomic system. Certain bacteria can send signals to the brain that alter our autonomic system and slow digestion.
Dr. Nemechek puts it this way:
The bacteria have learned the first rule in real estate: Location is everything.
The colon was no longer “enough” for the bacteria, so they decided to move to a better neighborhood where they could get a steady supply of nutrients to feed on and replicate.
Once bacteria feeds on these nutrients, they release waste products in the form of toxins and gas that cause our frustrating digestive issues.
Changing your diet to a cleaner one is very helpful and can give you great gains, but those gains eventually plateau because diet alone doesn’t solve the root issue, which is a bacterial imbalance.
Left unchecked, bacteria will simply continue to filter into the small intestine.
Dr. Nemechek suggests that you have to reestablish neurological control of the intestines in order to see lasting results. That’s why the Nemechek protocol addresses the gut AND the brain.
While the oils work to balance the Omega-3:6 ratio, the inulin works to push small intestinal bacteria back into the colon where it belongs, while also feeding the good bacteria. Basically, the good bacteria that’s supposed to be in the small intestine feed off the inulin. This results in an acid being produced that the trespassing bacteria don’t like, which makes them revert back into the colon where they belong.
Studies also indicate that inulin can have powerful immunomodulating effects.
Nemechek’s Recommended Supplements and Their Dosages
I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Nemechek’s opinion that the vast majority of supplements are a waste of money. With little to no regulation, the supplement industry can be extremely dishonest and scammy.
Sometimes what’s listed on the label isn’t even in the bottle.
That’s one of the reasons why I added scam alerts to my monthly email to readers. I take note of any dishonest marketing practices I come across and health scams I read about, then share those with you. If you’d like to receive those emails, you can click here to sign up + gain access to the Detox Library full of free ebooks, meal plans, detox protocols and more.
For this reason, I highly suggest sticking with the list of approved brands if you decide to try the Nemechek Protocol. Besides the foods/supplements below, Dr. Nemechek recommends the antibiotic Rifaximin for adults in lieu of the inulin. He says that in most adult cases, inulin is simply not enough.
However, I know many adults (myself included) are seeing results with just inulin. You’ll need to do your own research to make the best decision for your unique circumstances.
Here’s a video that explains the difference in how inulin and Rifaximin work:
As for the rest of the protocol, here are the tried-and-true brands that you can trust:
1 – Now Inulin Powder
It’s organic and sourced from blue agave with no fillers or preservatives. I just mix it in about a cup of water and drink it, but you can also add it to applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt, whatever.
The maximum inulin dose for adults in 2 teaspoons, but you need to work up to that, and many people don’t need that much. When it comes to inulin, it’s sort of a “watch and see” approach because everyone’s gut conditions are unique.
It’s recommended to start at a small amount like 1/8 of a teaspoon. Stay there for a week or so, watching for any new, worsening or improved symptoms. If your symptoms stay the same or improve, then you can increase to ¼ tsp after 1-2 weeks. Continue increasing the dosage until you either “hit your sweet spot” as far as relief of symptoms go or you hit 2 tsps.
It’s not at all uncommon to only need max 1 tsp to achieve the desired results, which is the alleviation of SIBO symptoms and reversal of bacterial imbalance.
- NOURISHES FRIENDLY BACTERIA*: Inulin, a fructooligosaccharide (FOS), is a soluble prebiotic fiber...
- VERY LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX: Inulin has a pleasant flavor that adds a mild sweetness to foods and...
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Note: Symptoms like gas and bloating do tend to worsen when first starting inulin, but it should only last a few days.
2 – Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
These are available in either liquid form or as capsules. I use the liquid form as it’s more concentrated, so it doesn’t take as much to get the job done.
And no, it doesn’t taste fishy and no gross fishy burps afterward. It actually has a slight lemon flavor that’s easy to gulp down in a spoon.
- WHY OMEGA-3S - Research shows that the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA in fish oil support heart,...
- DOCTOR-RECOMMENDED FORMULA - Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Liquid features high concentration...
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ultimate Omega liquid contains 2840 mg of Omega-3s in 1 teaspoon. Dosing goes by age, and each dose represented below is once per day:
- 0-6 Months: 150 mg
- 7-12 Months: 300-450
- 1-5 Years: 450-600
- 5-7 Years: 600-1000
- 8-10 Years: 1000-1500
- 11-14 Years: 1500-2000
- 15-18 Years: 2000 – 3500 mg
Adults 18 years and older need a minimum of 3000 mg per day.
3 – California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (might be able to find cheaper at your local grocery store)
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2019 UPDATE: The California Olive Ranch brand has formulated a new EVOO product they’re calling the “Destination Series.” This type is NOT COOC-certified. Before you buy, check for the COOC seal.
As with many supplements, olive oil is easy to adulterate, and many of the olive oil bottles you see on store shelves are not 100% pure olive oil. It’s critical to use only 100% pure extra virgin olive oil that’s certified by COOC.com.
California Olive Ranch is the brand Dr. Nemechek approves, and the one that I use, although there are others approved by COOC.
The dose is 1-2 Tablespoons per day and cooks with it. I’m only a couple of weeks in, but I take 1 Tbsp in the morning and sauté all my vegetables in it – and sometimes eggs, too.
Foods and Supplements to AVOID on the Nemechek Protocol
If you’ve had SIBO for long, you know that the list of foods to avoid is looong. In my case, Lyme disease was the culprit behind my SIBO and autoimmune disorders. Within a year of diagnosis, I was having allergic reactions to almost everything. At one point in time, my list of “safe foods” consisted of beef, carrots, green leaf lettuce, and cucumbers.
It was terrible, and part of the reason why I lost so much weight. Anyways, I digress…
The Nemechek Protocol only involves eliminating 3 things:
- Omega-6 oils
These include:
- sunflower oil
- safflower oil
- soy oil
- corn oil
- cottonseed oil
- grapeseed oil
- peanut oil
- vegetable oil
- margarine
- shortening
If you have to buy something processed, stick to products made with coconut oil or palm kernel oil (as long as you aren’t allergic, of course). You’ll notice the vast majority of packaged/processed foods contain some sort of Omega-6 oils.
- Probiotic supplements
Dr. Nemechek believes that probiotics have the potential to increase the numbers of all bacteria, as opposed to just the “good” guys. While on this protocol, he advises to stop probiotic supplements, but fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kefir are fine.
- Digestive Enzymes
With the gut in such a fragile state, Nemechek believes digestive enzymes could do more harm than good. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but again, this is one aspect you need to do your homework on and determine what will be best for you.
My Experience on the Nemechek Protocol
I just started the Nemechek protocol for SIBO about 2 weeks ago. I’m journaling everything, and I’ll update this post as I go along.
So far, I can tell you that my bloating and gas flared up the first 2 days after taking inulin. I didn’t react at all to the oils.
Around Day 6, I started seeing a change in BMs. They were easier and more productive.
About a week into the protocol is when I noticed the most exciting change!
It requires a little back story:
I mentioned earlier about my extremely limited list of foods I could eat. Anything outside of that, the lymph nodes in my neck would swell tremendously. They actually swell whenever I eat ANYTHING, no matter what it is, but it’s usually manageable. Only for certain foods (like chicken of all things) would they swell to a point that was scary.
Well, around day 8 of the Nemechek protocol, I noticed that my lymph nodes weren’t swelling as bad after eating! Granted, it’s only a small difference, but there definitely IS a difference. I can’t tell you how much that means to me to have hope of eating normally again!
I’ve lost over 25 pounds since my SIBO and autoimmune conditions first flared up. I didn’t have any weight to spare as I’ve always been very petite, so this weight loss put me in a dangerous place.
I’m waiting to be on the protocol one month before I weigh myself again, but I think I’m finally starting to absorb nutrients again!
How Long Does It Take the Nemechek Protocol to Work?
The answer to this question will be different for everybody, but as Dr. Nemechek says, the process usually requires a little patience.
You didn’t get this sick overnight, and your healing won’t happen overnight either – unless, of course, the Lord intervenes.
He compares it to hair growth. We don’t usually notice our hair growing day by day, but it is. And after a month, you’ll see it’s a bit longer. Then after several months, it’s time for a haircut.
So if you decide to try the Nemechek protocol for SIBO or any of the other conditions it can help, plan to be on it for the long haul – at least several months. I personally will do it faithfully for 6 months before deciding one way or the other.
I hope this information helped you a bit today. Have a question? Ask it in the comments, and I’ll be sure to answer!
Updated Dr. Nemechek Protocol review
Updated July 31, 2018:
I’ve been on the Nemechek Protocol for about a month now. I’m not doing the Rifaximin as of now but that may change. So far, I’m still at the bottom dose of inulin at 1/8 tsp, 1 tsp of fish oil, and 1.5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. I’ve attempted to increase the inulin dosage, but I get severe bloating when I do that.
Around week 3, I started getting nauseous after taking the supplements. I’m not really sure what’s causing that, but I’ve asked around in the Nemechek Protocol community, and it seems to be par for the course and something that I need to just push through.
I have noticed that eating something helps it go away almost immediately, so I take all the supplements when I first wake up, followed by a light breakfast, and nausea leaves.
As good news, constipation is a thing of the past! I can tell this protocol has been great for keeping things moving, which goes a long way to avoiding the toxin buildup that I struggled with before.
I also mentioned that I was waiting to weigh myself until I had been on the protocol for 1 month. I weighed myself today, and I haven’t lost a single pound the whole month! That’s great news for me as I’ve been losing weight dramatically each week, and I didn’t have any weight to spare to begin with.
That makes me think perhaps I’m starting to absorb nutrients again, which was one of my biggest reasons for starting the Nemechek Protocol for SIBO.
Nemechek Protocol Review: My Experience After 3 Months
Updated: October 1, 2018
Well, it’s been 3 months now, and there have been a lot of changes! At the beginning of September, I finally got a prescription for Rifaximin (Xifaxan). I had some pretty crazy “steroid rage” while on it, which is weird because it’s an antibiotic, but no other side effects other than that.
Around Day 5 of taking the antibiotics for SIBO, I noticed a significant decrease in bloating. Now, I’m about 3 weeks post-Rifaximin, and I have little to no bloating anymore.
I’ve also seen an improvement in my food sensitivities. I can now eat more foods (including chicken again!) with very minor reactions. Considering my lymph nodes blew up like a pufferfish to E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G before, I consider that such a blessing!
At this point, I’m considering switching from Nordic Naturals fish oil to NOW DHA capsules because the latter has more EPA, which is really important for adults. As for the extra virgin olive oil, I’m still at 2 tablespoons, which is what Dr. Nemechek recommends.
Overall, I’ve seen enough steady, slow improvement that I will most certainly stick with the Nemechek Protocol long term!
8 Month Update: Continuing the Fight Against SIBO
Updated: March 4, 2019
Well, I meant to update at the 6-month mark, but life has been hectic. So here we are in March 2019, and I’ve been on the Nemechek Protocol for 8 months now.
It’s funny. I remember reading testimonials from others who were 6 months to a year into it and thinking:
“But that’s sooo long! I want to feel better now! It’ll take forever for a year to get here!”
And yet, 8 months have flown by. Now I’m reaping the benefits so many others have experienced – benefits that I had previously only dreamed of.
So things were going great until the beginning of January. I’m still not sure what happened, but I started having terrible tummy troubles that started an hour or so after eating a store-bought salad. Within days, my SIBO symptoms were back full force!
It’s all a guessing game, but I suspect some sort of food poisoning with that salad (I’m looking at you, romaine!).
Dr. Nemechek believes food poisoning is where many SIBO cases begin.
Regardless, I decided to do move forward with another round of Rifaximin. So to recap, I started the second round of Rifaximin about 4 months after the first.
This time, I didn’t see the stark, immediate gains I did last time. By day 10 of the meds (last day), my SIBO symptoms had only improved a little.
Not gonna lie, I was very disappointed. I fully expected to see the night and day difference like the first round.
However, after a few days of sulking, I started noticing an improvement in BMs, bloating, and food sensitivities. Now nearly 2 months post-Rifaximin Round 2, I continue to improve. So this time, it seems improvement was ‘slow and steady’ vs immediate. Interesting!
But hey, improvement is an improvement, so I’ll take it.
I mentioned in the previous update that I was considering switching to the NOW fish oil, and I did. It didn’t make me nauseous at all, and I’m getting higher doses of EPA, so it’s a win!
I have to admit I’ve gotten a little lazy with remembering doses.
By the way, that happens when you start feeling better! Desperation drives us to stick to treatment routines exactly as intended. When you feel better and don’t have those constant symptom reminders, it’s easy to get slack. So beware, and keep that in mind!
Right now, I’m enjoying feeling well. A few weeks ago, the Lord really helped me during a Sunday morning service, and I’m praising Him for what appears to be a “break” from all this.
I’ll update again when I’ve been on the protocol for 1 year! As always, post any questions in the comments, and I’ll respond as best I can!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any negative reviews of the Nemechek Protocol?
Yes, actually. In all aspects of health, everyone is different, and every physical body responds differently. So there are some people who don’t improve on this protocol. They are far outweighed by those who do, but still, you should know that it doesn’t have a 100% success rate.
In talking with others, it seems many of the negative reviews stem from people with severe histamine issues who cannot tolerate high doses of fish oil.
Is there a ‘Nemechek Protocol for Adults’ book?
Not yet, but I’ve heard one is in the making! For now, we have the autism book, his blog, and youtube videos to guide us through the process.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Nemechek, Dr. Patrick (Author)
Last update on 2025-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease 5 years ago and was taking Antibiotics and Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drug which seemed to help. However, I still suffer from some of the symptoms. My symptoms have always been chronic fatigue, joint pain, and even neurological problems in controlling hand and leg movements. I am a 54 year old female. the Antibiotics wasn’t really working and I could not tolerate them for long due to severe side effects, so this year our family doctor started me on Natural Herbal Gardens Lyme disease Herbal mixture, We ordered their Lyme disease herbal treatment after reading alot of positive reviews, i am happy to report with the help of Natural Herbal Garden natural herbs I have been able to reverse my symptoms using herbs, my symptoms totally declined over a 8 weeks use of the Natural Herbal Gardens Lyme disease herbal mixture. My Lyme disease is totally reversed! Their official web page is www . naturalherbalgardens . com this is a herbal store that will be leaving it’s footprint in this world. I’m 54 and have never been this healthier
Hi Janet,
That’s great! I’ve never heard of them, but I’ll have to check them out. So so happy for you that you’ve found relief from your Lyme symptoms. I know how bad they can be. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Jordan!
I find this article very interesting and I’m definitely going to do some research on the
Nemechek Protocol. I’ve never heard of it and am curious. My journey began by trying
to find a way (natural way) to help me live a better life with Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroid, asthma and migraines. During this process, I found out that I have SIBO. I was treated once before but have developed it again and I’m trying to do it myself this time rather than making a 2hr round trip on the regular to see a Functional Med. doctor again (plus the costs$$$).
When I was treated for SIBO the first time, I was given digestive enzymes and probiotics by the Functional MD, along with Rifaximin. Then I was referred to a Nutritionist who put me on the FODMAP diet which eliminated inulin. So it seems the exact opposite to the Nemechek Protocol. It helped to a degree….maybe 50% so I’m open to anything that could help me. Would you guide me in the right direction to find some reliable information on this subject please?
Hi again Kristi!
When I was first diagnosed with SIBO, I was “prescribed” the same thing without the Rifaximin – FODMAP diet, high potency probiotics and digestive enzymes. I didn’t get better, and actually during the process of all the radical diet changes, I developed multiple food allergies to the point where my list of OK foods was like 5 items long….miserable.
I just found Dr. Nemechek and his protocol about a month ago. I’ve been on the protocol about 2 weeks, so I don’t have a ton of experience with it yet, but I’m documenting everything. I will say that the inulin tends to cause symptoms to flare in the beginning, but it doesn’t last long.
There is a very helpful Facebook group that you can join – https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheAdultNemechekSupportGroup/
It has thousands of members that have been through/are going through it, and they’re really great at answering questions! You can also read Dr. Nemechek’s work at his site: https://www.nemechekconsultativemedicine.com/blog/ He also has some great videos on YouTube that can explain things more clearly.
I’m new to your site so I have a lot of poking around I want to do ;D
I just found an article on the MTHFR gene mutation which I also
have… I’m compound heterozygous; one copy of 677 and one copy of 1298.
In my understanding, this gene mutation can be a factor in someone developing
SIBO. Is that something you’ve been told as well?
Thank you for your blog, Jordan! I always get excited when I find someone who
understands the frustrations that I experience. It gives me hope!
Hi Kristi!
It’s so nice to “meet” you 🙂
Yes, I’ve been told MTHFR mutations can play a role in so many things. When I think about its far-reaching nature, it kinda makes my head spin! But it makes sense considering it’s our genes we’re talking about.
It’s all just been a little (ok, a lot!) overwhelming. I went from being what I thought was “healthy” to being diagnosed with 7 chronic conditions within a year following my Lyme disease diagnosis. I completely understand your frustration!
That’s one of the reasons I started this blog. To connect with others in the same boat and become a resource of information for them and hopefully point people in the right direction of feeling better!
Have you ever heard of nutrigenomics? It’s the study of nutrition and its ability to turn “on” and “off” certain genes. My research so far has been very interesting, and I think very applicable to autoimmune conditions and chronic illnesses like SIBO. I can’t tell you how much $$$ I’ve spent and products I’ve tried and protocols I’ve followed that have led nowhere or resulted in minimal improvement *cue frustration!* But I have noticed that it’s the food-based, nutrition-focused things that have made the most impact in combination with detoxing. That’s why the idea behind nutrigenomics has been so fascinating. Anyways, I’m rambling lol. Thank you, Kristi, it is so nice to hear from someone who understands!
Hi Jordan,
Thank you for sharing your journey.
I’m really interested in the protocol as I completed SIBO treatment (Rifaximin, Siebecker’s anti-SIBO diet) a few weeks ago and discovered my breath test numbers are higher now than they were prior to treatment.
I’ve been reading up on the Nemechek protocol and I’m a bit confused as it seems the inulin is preferred for children and Rifaximin for adults. I’m not opposed to doing another round of Rifaximin, nor am I to inulin, but I’m just wondering if you have any further information on this.
Many thanks. Best of luck over the coming weeks and months. I’m excited for you…and therefor the rest of us!
Hi Rachel!
I got worse on a FODMAP diet too, which I believe is what Siebecker’s diet is?
Nemechek does recommend Rifaximin over inulin for adults with severe cases. I personally don’t have access to Rifaximin right now (no doc to prescribe it), so I’m doing the inulin and seeing small gains. Many adults just do the inulin with great success, but perhaps an equal or greater amount need the Rifaximin.
Here’s a great Facebook group that’s helpful with answering questions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheAdultNemechekSupportGroup/. Most of the people in the group have been on the protocol longer than I have and may be better equipped to answer questions.
I don’t know if you’ve seen it, but he also has a video about why SIBO often returns after Rifaximin: https://youtu.be/N8uOB1sbf2s
I hope that helps! I’m so looking forward to absorbing nutrients again and have already seen movement that direction!
Best of luck to you as well 🙂
I had my first appointment with Dr. Nemechek for Autonomic Disfunction/SIBO on Tuesday. I am excited to begin and hopeful it will have a positive outcome. I am going to take the Rifaximin. I will keep you posted.
Lanise,
That’s so exciting! I wish I could have an appointment with him in person – maybe someday. Did he give you the VNS machine? Yes, please do keep me posted. So excited for you!
Hello Lanise! Even though your post is 1.5 years old maybe you will see this. I was wondering actually what kind of a person is Dr. Nemechek? Is he kind and patient? Do you get the impression he cares? Did you feel rushed? How long is the first appointment? Thank you! Cathy
Hi there. Thanks for the article, I’ve been struggling with SIBO as well and stumbled upon Nemechek’s videos and protocol. Just wondering how things are progressing? I have a prescription for Rifaximin, but I’m wondering if I should take the inulin along-side it during and after the course.
Hi Jae,
Sorry to hear you’re struggling with SIBO as well. It is my understanding that inulin is no longer needed after successful treatment with Rifaximin. I can’t get a prescription right now (doc is afraid how I’d handle it due to my severe weight loss), so I’m only doing the inulin. Those who do Rifaximin often need more than 1 round over the course of a few months, but once bacterial balance has been achieved, Dr. Nemechek says inulin is no longer needed.
I am slowly starting to gain weight back and my mental clarity & brain fog has improved tremendously! I’m still dealing with the bloating, but it’s not every meal like it use to be. Slow but steady progress! Please let me know if you have any other questions along the way, and I’ll do my best to answer them or point you to someone who can 🙂
Please keep us updated on your progress! I started the protocol for myself and my children a week ago and Haven’t seen an big changes yet, but I’m trying to be patient and let the body take its course. We suffer from numerous food sensitivities, anxiety and my son has a speech delay. I tried the GAPS diet several times with no results so I’m hoping this different approach will help.
Hi Andrea!
I definitely need to update this post with my latest experience on the Nemechek Protocol. It’s been such a blessing! I’m just now on full doses of everything (about 5 months into it), and I’m finally seeing a turning point. It’s really hard to explain, but I feel like my brain fog is dissipating. I’m thinking more clearly, I’m not having as hard a time finding words, anxiety is way better, etc.
As for my food sensitivities, my lymph nodes still swell a little but NO where near as bad. That round of rifaximin was a game-changer for that, along with the severe bloating. I’m 2 months past just 1 round of it, and I’m still showing little to no signs of SIBO. I think hitting the full dose of EVOO and DHA is keeping the SIBO at bay as the autonomic nervous system heals.
The best advice I can give is what you’ve already indicated – patience and perseverance. Stick with it and give it time. This protocol really is a long-term game. I’m almost at the 6 month mark and starting to see even more gains, especially cognitive-related ones.
Hang in there! I sincerely hope this is the key for you and your family!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I have already seen tangible progress with my son after 6 weeks – it’s such a great feeling!
That’s so great, Andrea! Yay!
Do you think possible to use some inulin plants directly? Such as chicory root “coffee”. I also have yacon in my garden, whose root is sweet from inulin.
I don’t see why not. The only problem is it’d be very hard to measure exactly how much inulin you are getting from those sources. For instance, there is some inulin in the sugar-free chocolate chips I use and my stevia powder, but I don’t count that toward my overall inulin intake on the Nemechek Protocol. Hope that helps!
Hey little lady! So glad to have found your article. Girl, I’ve been suffering horribly for years now. No doctors will listen to me, and they tell me that my problems are in my head. I’ve finally found a great little gyno that nail it on my thyroid condition. I have full blown hoshimotos and all kinds of auto immune quirks. She has recently tested me for systemic candidia and I’m on nystatin and fluconozol,,, 5 months now. But I’m thinking I’ve got SIBO along with it. I need all the help i can get sister. Any advice will be much appreciated, I’m so tired of being so sick and tired.
Hi Tammy,
I’m not a doctor, but it sounds like you’re in good hands. In my experience, very few doctors are knowledgeable about systemic candida, so if your doc is aware of it & treating for it, that’s a good indication, you’re headed in the right direction.
Have you presented the Nemechek Protocol for SIBO to your physician? It sounds like she’s pretty open-minded, so I’d print out some info for her and see what she thinks. Maybe point her to some of Dr. Nemechek’s youtube videos. They’re super helpful!
Even if you just do the fish oil and EVOO part, that will help tremendously with inflammation. I’d ask your doc about the fish oil first though as I believe it can throw off thyroid panel results.
Hi
I am wondering have your children had any sibo osssues and if so have you started them on the protocol too?
Hi Katy,
Thankfully, my children haven’t shown any signs of SIBO, so I haven’t started them on the protocol. I am, however, going to have them take fish oil gummies as this protocol has opened my eyes to the omega-6 dominance in our food today.
Check out the fb group that I linked to in one of the earlier comments. It’s full of parents who are doing the Nemechek Protocol for their children, and they could provide you with some first-hand experience and advice.
So you don’t need to be on the fodmap diet if you do this? You can eat what ever you want if you follow this?
Dr. Nemechek doesn’t insist on any particular diet, although I do think he somewhat recommends low carb. However, I always err on the side of caution when it comes to my health, so I stuck to a whole foods diet that was low in sugar. I didn’t completely eliminate FODMAPS, but I did limit them. For instance, I love brussels sprouts, but I only eat them about once a week to be on the safe side.
I think the best approach is one that combines the Nemechek Protocol with a diet that works for your body, which only you know what that is.
But I definitely wouldn’t go crazy with the FODMAPS 🙂
Pls pls tell me what one would take if histamine issues – fish oil is high in histamine. Also what if you had cdiff come out after rifaximin?
Hi,
To begin, I’m not a doctor, so please verify anything you read online with your healthcare provider.
With histamine issues, Dr. Nemechek suggests starting with Rifaximin first then easing very slowly into the fish oil. You can also pair them with antihistamines. If that doesn’t work, you may be one who needs the tVNS unit he provides.
As for the cdiff, he says it needs to be addressed and dealt with before moving forward with the protocol. I don’t know of anyone who has developed cdiff after this protocol, so I can’t provide much insight there.
I hope you find your fix and feel better soon!
At the end of your article you say there is no book for adults but there actually is an e-book that is available on Kindle and Kobo called A Simplified Guide to Autonomic Dysfunction. I’m just reading it now.
I could be wrong, but I think that’s more of an overview/education book. From what I’ve heard, he’s working on a complete protocol book like what he did for autism but for adults who are battling ANS dysfunction but don’t have autism.
Very interesting subject , thanks for posting.
Hi,
I have many of the same symptoms that you describe when I eat soy. I do not have an allergy to soy, rather a food “intolerance.” That means I cannot digest soy because I am lacking the enzyme necessary to do that. If I stay away from soy, I am fine. Soy is in almost EVERYTHING that comes in a box or a package. Even some olive oil brands are supplemented with soy and not pure.
I was thinking this could be helpful for you when you mentioned the store bought salad. Many salad dressings have soy in them.
I hope you feel better and find your cure.
T
Hi Tess,
Thanks so much for your concern and taking the time to comment. I have since learned that about salad dressings. I now make my own with lemon juice, evoo, and spices. I also like the thousand island from Primal Kitchen.
I’ve been doing much better!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey, Jordan. I’ve been on the protocol for a couple of weeks and just made an appointment with Dr. N ( his next available – for a year from now!) I’m wondering how you’re doing now, and if you still feel the protocol is working for you. I want to see Dr N because his VNS device is the thing I feel will be most helpful for me and my poor beleaguered sympathetic nervous system (atrial fibrillation, cerebellar stroke, PTSD & hypervigilance since the stroke ). I actually found him in an online search for a VNS device. Have you considered trying to get his VNS device, either the class II medical version from Dr N or the new “wellness” version that’s just coming out now but only gives you 5 minutes at a time of neurostimulation? Thanks again.
Hi,
That’s exciting you got an appointment with Dr. Nemechek! I’ve definitely considered it but just can’t swing it financially right now. Fortunately, I’m doing so much better with simple, inexpensive things that I’m not really in a situation where I feel like I HAVE to see him.
To be honest, since I’ve gotten better, I’ve grown a little lazy on the protocol, though I still try to incorporate high dose EVOO and fish oil. So yes, I’m still doing well 🙂 but I’m not super strict on the protocol anymore.
I would definitely go for his VNS device as opposed to the new wellness version. I don’t think they’re all that comparable, with the “true” one being superior as far as efficacy IMHO.
Thanks for your thoughts, Jordan. Glad to hear you’re doing so much better. Just got a prescription for rifaximin and will be starting my first round of it this week.
I hope it helps you!
Did you get a yeast infection after the Rifaximin? It’s awful. Just curious. I’ve been trying to look all over the internet to see if anyone else had the same experience.
No I didn’t. Sorry to hear you’re struggling with it! Any chance you can go to your regular doc for an antifungal?
Hi, I just saw this and wondering how you are doing now? My son is doing the Nemechek protocol and just finished rifaximin 3 days ago. I haven’t seen any changes during the 10-day dose or since then. How long until I do?
Hi Robert,
Sorry to hear your son is struggling with this. In my experience and many others (according to some FB groups I’m in), the best results usually happen in the weeks following – in the 2 to 4 week range. I have certainly heard of cases where people had to do back-to-back rounds to see positive changes.
If he hasn’t seen any changes in 4-6 weeks, I’d talk to your doctor about another round. Be on the lookout for subtle changes though. Success on the Nemecheck protocol is usually slow and steady.
I read this because my 10 year old was recently diagnosed with FM/ SIBO. But what peaked my interest was your comment about the swollen neck lymph nodes. I have had this issue for a year now. My doctor has ruled out all the scary stuff already. I know that certain foods (gluten and dairy though I am not celiac) bother my stomach and my SVT. How did you link the lymph nodes/ food/ auto immune? I’m at a loss as to what to do next.
Hello I’m suffering extremely from sibo, ulcers, hyperacidity, malabsorption which causes constant gnawing hunger pains and bubbling and stomach growling and bloating. Wanted to see if you can chat with me a little bit about dr. Nemechek protocol would me the world to me