SIBO, Hashimoto's &
cardiovascular risk resolved

Presentation & Background

G.D. came to Paul having lived with a complex cluster of symptoms for years — each treated in isolation, if at all, without anyone identifying the unifying root cause. Her occupational demands and a significant history of psychosocial stressors had placed a sustained load on her HPA axis, contributing to fatigue, mood dysregulation and systemic inflammation.

Presenting Symptoms

• Persistent constipation and bloating — unresolved despite dietary adjustments
• Seasonal and environmental allergies
• Chronic fatigue and low energy impacting daily function
• Mood instability — irritability and emotional reactivity
• Cognitive difficulties — reduced mental clarity and concentration
• Widespread joint and muscle aches and pains
• Anxiety and low mood / depressive symptoms
• Elevated cardiovascular risk — cholesterol ratios placing her at a risk score of 6.5 out of 10

Key Findings

Advanced Blood Panel

• TPO Antibodies: 398 IU/mL — the hallmark of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A direct driver of fatigue, cognitive difficulties, mood disruption, musculoskeletal pain, and gut motility impairment — every one of her core complaints.
• Total Cholesterol: 6.90 mmol/L, LDL 4.06, cardiovascular risk score 6.5/10
• Ferritin: 40 ng/mL (low-normal) — contributing to energy depletion and impaired thyroid enzyme function
• TSH low at 0.369 mU/L — requiring careful clinical interpretation in the context of current medication and elevated antibodies

SIBO & Gut Dysfunction

The gut was identified as the central thread connecting the entire clinical picture. SIBO drives systemic inflammation, impairs nutrient absorption, disrupts the gut-brain axis, and sustains immune activation — all of which were present in G.D.'s case. Without addressing the gut, no other intervention could hold.

The Programme

SIBO Maintenance Diet

A targeted low-fermentation protocol to reduce bacterial fuel supply while maintaining adequate nutrition. Meats, fish, poultry and eggs formed the backbone. Vegetables were carefully selected to reduce fermentable fibre during the active treatment phase. Refined carbohydrates — croissants, crackers, oatmeal bars — were replaced with wholefood alternatives. Protein and healthy fat were added to breakfast to stabilise blood glucose. Bone broth and slow-cooked soups provided gut lining support throughout.

Supplement Protocol

• Allimed (professional-grade allicin) — potent natural antimicrobial for SIBO, plus Saccharomyces boulardii to rebalance the microbiome during treatment
• Psyllium husk — bowel regularity and transit support
• High-potency magnesium — bowel support, sleep quality, nervous system relaxation, cardiovascular health
• Red Rice Yeast — natural statin-equivalent for the elevated LDL and cardiovascular risk
• Adrenavive I (bovine adrenal glandular) — adrenal support addressing the HPA burden revealed in her history
• Electrolytes for cellular hydration — particularly important given the marginally elevated calcium and albumin

Nervous System Support

Buteyko breathing was recommended as a daily practice — not a lifestyle add-on, but a clinically integral nervous system intervention. Chronic sympathetic activation suppresses gut motility, elevates cortisol, and sustains inflammatory signalling. By activating the parasympathetic system, Buteyko breathing directly addressed the nervous system dysregulation underpinning multiple symptoms. Referral to a specialist Buteyko practitioner was provided.

Results

The transformation G.D. experienced was a gradual but unmistakable shift from a body under siege to one that felt, in her own words, "far more comfortable." Constipation that had been a daily burden began to ease. The bloating started to reduce. Fatigue lifted as the adrenal support and nervous system work took effect. Mood stabilised. The cardiovascular risk factors were actively being addressed through both the SIBO diet and the Red Rice Yeast protocol.

Summary of Results

• Persistent bloating and constipation significantly improved
• Fatigue reduced; energy levels improved
• Mood more stable; irritability and anxiety less intrusive
• Cognitive clarity improved
• Joint and muscle aches easing alongside systemic inflammation reduction
• Cardiovascular risk actively being addressed through diet and targeted supplementation
• Hashimoto's identified and a management strategy in place
• Client reports feeling "far more comfortable" in her body overall