1. Explanation: It's not "irritable bowel syndrome," you "have" dysbiosis

For decades, IBS was considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Today, functional medicine has identified that between 60% and 80% of IBS cases are actually SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).

Normally, the small intestine should have few bacteria. When bacteria from the colon migrate upward, they prematurely ferment carbohydrates, generating toxic gases (hydrogen and methane), inflammation, and disrupted bowel movements. This protocol doesn't aim to mask the symptoms, but rather to reduce the bacterial load and repair the damage.

2. Possible Causes of the Condition

• Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) Failure: This is the "cleaning" system that sweeps bacteria into the colon during fasting. If it fails (due to stress or constant snacking), bacteria accumulate.
• Low Stomach Acidity: Hydrochloric acid is our sterilizing barrier. Without enough acid, bacteria survive and colonize.
• Previous Food Poisoning: A past infection can generate antibodies that damage the nerves of the intestine (post-infectious autoimmunity).
• Use of Antibiotics or Acid Inhibitors: Drastically alter the protective microbiome.

3. Identify your Subtype (Symptoms)

Knowing your tendencies is crucial for adjusting the protocol:

• IBS-D (Diarrhea): Post-meal urgency, loose stools, colicky pain. Associated with hydrogen SIBO.
  Focus: It needs more "binders" and S. Boulardii.
• IBS-E (Constipation): Severe bloating, odorless gas, slow transit. Associated with SIBO of Methane (archaea).
  Focus: Needs more Minerals (Magnesium) and prokinetics.
• SII-M (Mixed): Alternation between both states.

4. Importance of the Protocol (5R Strategy)

Using laxatives or antidiarrheals only perpetuates the problem. This protocol follows the international standard of Functional Medicine known as the 5Rs :

1. Remove: Kill bacterial/fungal overgrowth and remove inflammatory foods.
2. Replace: Return enzymes and acids necessary for digestion.
3. Reinocular: Introduce specific probiotics that do not worsen fermentation.
4. Repair: Heal the leaky gut lining.
5. Rebalance: Manage stress to activate digestion.

5. Complete List of Recommended Supplements

• NaturalGuard: (Berberine, Allicin, Oleuropein).
• Oregano Oil: (Ratio 5:1 with MCT Oil).
• Saccharomyces boulardii: (Non-bacterial probiotic).
• Nattokinase or Serrapeptase: (Biofilm Breakers).
• Detox Support: (Activated Carbon, Zeolite, Diatomaceous Earth).
• Essential Minerals: (Magnesium, Zinc and trace elements).
• NAC (N-Acetylcysteine): (Antioxidant and mucolytic).
• Silymarin 80%: (Liver support).
• B-Active Complex: (Nervous and energetic support).

6. Detailed Scientific Support

Each component has been chosen for its clinical evidence in functional digestive disorders:

7. Protocol Phases and Daily Schedule

PHASE 1: Preparation and Relief (Duration: 5 to 7 days)

Objective: To calm acute inflammation, start the Low FODMAP diet and open elimination pathways before attacking the bacteria.

PHASE 2: "Weeding" - Antimicrobial Eradication (Duration: 4 Weeks)

Objective: To reduce the bacterial/fungal population in the small intestine. This is the active phase of treatment.

PHASE 3: Repair and Motility (Duration: 4 Weeks)

Objective: To restore the mucosa and ensure that the bowel moves correctly to prevent relapses.

8. Optional or Advanced Supplements

• Digestive Enzymes (Betaine HCl + Pepsin): If you feel like food is "stuck" in your stomach for hours, you likely have hypochlorhydria. Adding this with every main meal is a game changer.
• L-Glutamine Powder (5g - 10g): The ultimate leaky gut repairer. Use it in Phase 3 to seal the barrier.
• Iberogast or Ginger (Extract): Natural prokinetics. If you suffer from constipation, taking ginger extract on an empty stomach or before bed helps activate intestinal cleansing.

9. Relapse Prevention

• Meal Spacing: This is the golden rule. Leave at least 4 hours between meals without snacking (not even a latte). Your gut needs this empty time to complete its cleansing cycle. If you snack, you interrupt the cleansing process.
• Conscious Chewing: Digestion begins in the mouth. Chew until the food is liquid. The stomach has no teeth.
• Nighttime Prokinetics: Maintaining a low dose of Magnesium or Ginger before bed long-term helps those prone to chronic IBS.

10. Therapeutic Diet: Low FODMAP (Temporary)

During Phases 1 and 2 , a low-FODMAP (fermentable carbohydrate) diet is strongly recommended. This isn't a permanent measure; it's to stop feeding the bacteria while you eliminate them.

Key Principles

• Eliminate High Fermentables: Garlic, onion (use only infused oils), legumes/beans, wheat, dairy (lactose), apples, pears, artificial sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol).
• Prioritize: Clean proteins, healthy fats (olive oil, coconut), and low-fermentation vegetables (carrot, cucumber, spinach, zucchini, green beans).
• Fruits: Only berries (strawberries, blueberries), kiwi, orange or pineapple in moderate amounts.

Note: In Phase 3, reintroduce foods one at a time every 3 days to detect sensitivities.

11. Lifestyle and the Gut-Brain Axis

Your gut is connected to your brain by the vagus nerve. If you're stressed, your gut shuts down.

• Gargling and Singing: These stimulate the vagus nerve. Gargling vigorously with water for one minute a day activates the nerve connection that moves the intestines.
• 4-7-8 breathing before eating: Inhale on count 4, hold on count 7, exhale on count 8. Do this 3 times before each meal to switch your body into "Parasympathetic" mode (rest and digestion).
• Sleeping on the left side: Anatomically favors gastric emptying and transit through the colon.

12. Warnings and Contraindications

• Acute Abdominal Pain: If you experience sharp, stabbing pain that does not subside, stop taking the supplements and consult a doctor (it could be something more than IBS).
• Activated Charcoal Interaction: Remember that Detox Support absorbs medications. Separate its use from any prescription medication (thyroid, contraceptives, etc.) by 2 hours.
• Pregnancy: Do not use Berberine or high doses of Oregano. Always consult a doctor before starting any detoxification protocol.