I have severe bacterial dysbiosis  in my small intestine. I’ve had to use natural anti-microbials because the bad bacteria is antibiotic-resistant. I’ve been using grapefruit seed extract and berberine for 2+ weeks.

However, because the grapefruit seed extract hurts my stomach I’ve had to have it enteric-coated by a compounding pharmacist, and it costs LOTS! And because I haven’t had any “die-off” I’m worried that the enteric coating is somehow keeping the GSE from getting to the bad guys, if they are high up in my duodenum. I know that this enteric coating disintegrates within 20 minutes of hitting an active alkaline environment however, I’m not getting any “die-off,” at all. (Maybe GSE doesn’t create die-off?)

I have a couple of questions:

1)  Do you know if small intestinal fermentation dysbiosis occurs high-up in the duodenum, or in the jejunum? Because I want my enteric-coated GSE to be disintegrating wherever the bacteria is located. On one of your web pages, you said that certain ingredients including some herbal extracts “should” be enteric-coated, but I’m worried that mine isn’t getting into where it should be.

2)  Do you know of any better natural anti-microbials for bad bacteria (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella, plus more)? I can’t take garlic, because it’s a thiol and chelates Hg.

Thank you very much, Brett.

Response From Brett:

Hi Bernice

First of all, please understand that grape seed extract isn’t a sole cure on its own for IBS or anything related to this type of digestive condition. It is helpful as an aid, but shouldn’t just be relied on solely for cure. It’s also important to know that die-off isn’t always experienced outwardly, depending on the severity of the condition.

The condition can effect any part of the small or large intestine, but even enteric coated products would disintegrate accordingly and via the bloodstream would get to the appropriate place, so I don’t think this is a concern.

The best course of action which I recommend is to consider taking a cutting edge broad spectrum nutritional health supplement such as  Total Balance Women’s Premium version (which contains 50 mg of standardized Grape Seed Extract amongst it’s 90 + ingredients).

In addition take xtend-life’s Omega 3/DHA supplement (high DHA content!!) at 4-5 caps per day – as a good start to help balance your digestive system fully.

Additionally, taking Aloe Vera (orally) twice a day could help further. And intermittent courses of acidophilus and bifidus probiotics to help balance out the bacterial levels. Along with this start, ensure that your diet is optimal and your fluid intake is high. This all helps.

Bernice, monitor your levels and stages and I can help adjust any regimes as they progress if you wish to update me, in case anything else can be added, depending on the severity and stubbornness of the condition.

I hope this helps initially.

Brett