SIBO Treatment
Week one of SIBO Treatment
It has begun! I find the first week of treatment to be kind of like the first week of a new diet or workout: I'm prepped and ready to commit to my new routine. It's a little bit exciting to change up my daily habits, and it's a little bit invigorating to know I'm doing something good for my body.
However, on about day four of this new routine I find myself craving normal habits. I'm tired because it's Thursday but also because these herbal supplements leave me a bit lethargic. My body wants its normal boost of coffee to get me through the final two work days of the week. I'm sad that I can't look forward to Friday evening's glass of wine, and, honestly, I'm already a little anxious about making weekend plans. My friends are loving and supportive and happy to change plans to accommodate my treatment, but that doesn't mean I don't want to go get drinks. It doesn't mean I'm not craving the excitement of going to a new restaurant or grabbing a beer after our hike. My rational mind is SO grateful for the ability to treat my SIBO symptoms, but my irrational brain is stuck in a viscous cycle of questioning why I'm even doing this treatment: Is it worth it? Will it even do anything? Will I have to stick to this type of diet forever? What if I mess it up?
It seems so silly as I write those thoughts out on the page but that's my reality and It's okay to have those thoughts! One thing I did learn from the first round of my SIBO treatment is that these thoughts and emotions are completely normal, but how I reframe my mindset is a game-changer. Below I've listed a few activities that have helped me reset my mindset during treatment: Journal: As soon as you feel yourself sinking into any uncomfortable feelings open your journal and ask yourself “how do I feel?” Let it all out. Then ask yourself “why do I feel this way?” Try to get to the core of your feelings. Finally, ask yourself “what can I do to feel more comfortable and supported in this moment?” At best, you might be surprised at what you think of. At worst, you’ll get the feelings off your chest.
Walk: Whether you’re walking around the block or all the way to your favorite tea shop, embrace the fresh air. Take slow breaths in and out. Feel the breeze on your face. Remind yourself that you are grounded and present.
Give yourself permission to relax: Do not underestimate how much effort it takes your brain to readjust your schedule and habits during SIBO treatment. Do not underestimate how much work your body is doing for you during treatment. It’s okay to go to bed early, it’s okay to sleep in, it’s okay to skip your workout, it’s okay to pop on the tv and enjoy a show, it’s okay to ask your partner for extra support. Listen to what your body needs.
Yoga: Sign yourself up for a relaxation yoga class. Not only does yoga allow you to stretch out the body and stimulate digestion, but it also provides a space for you to explore your mind/body connection. Feeling more connected to your body during SIBO treatment is a way of honoring yourself and the time you’ve committed to this process. This connection can also help you in notice the positive and negative changes your body experiences during treatment, which will ultimately affect your recovery process after treatment. It also feels really nice to be apart of a larger community instead of feeling isolated.
No matter how you choose to listen to your body during this two week treatment period, know that you are dong great! As best you can, try to release the pressure valve and just enjoy your commitment to the process. To read more about how I keep a food diary during treatment click here.