elemental diet experiences

Hoping to hear others' experiences with the elemental diet...I'm not having much luck finding anything on the IBS board or through search.

I have UC (7 years now) and was diagnoses with SIBO about a year ago. My UC is still under control but a little bleeding every once in a while. For SIBO, I've done both rifaximin and herbal antimicrobials, as well as Siebecker's SIBO diet. Nothing's worked and I'm now on day 11 of my 14-day elemental diet.

I expected to feel better by now but definitely am feeling worse. Is this normal? Will I feel better once I'm done with the elemental formula and start re-introducing food? My main symptom before the elemental formula was major bloating and distended stomach. The bloating hasn't really gotten better, but I also get major stomach gurgling, completely liquid stools (not like diarrhea but like when you're prepping for a colonoscopy) since I have no fiber in me, nausea, even stomach aches (although that's probably because I'm not eating enough "food"). Thoughts? Feelings? Anything would help--I'd really appreciate to hear from anyone who has perhaps been through this. Thank you!

The elemental diet for SIBO is typically VERY effective at reducing gas. When I'm in a UC flare I have tons of gas, no matter what I do. That said, there may be some 'die-off' symptoms you're experiencing such as gas, discomfort.

Those of us with UC in combination with SIBO are a bit more complicated. Though SIBO treatment can dramatically help UC symptoms, it isn't actually the cause of our UC. Therefore, treating SIBO can be more hit-or-miss with regard to efficacy.

I urge you to consider that some of the symptoms you're experiencing are direct from the UC condition, and less from SIBO, hence the lack of improvement with the elemental diet. Also, don't rule our the possibility of C. Diff, especially if you have undergone antibiotic therapy (prescription or herbal) in the recent past (I dont think you mentioned when, so I figure better safe than sorry).

Anyway, I hope you feel better soon, and that you find some answers! Good luck!