Note: Please read new information added below after the graph.
The Gut microbiome
Three months ago in the U.S., I started experiencing bloating after meals. I suspected an antibiotic I took earlier had disrupted my gut bacteria. The bloating caused abdominal swelling near the diaphragm, making breathing harder and leaving me uncomfortable.
My sons, both dental surgeons, suggested I try a probiotic, but it didn’t help with my sleepless nights. I avoid U.S. hospitals due to the high costs of emergency visits and didn’t want my travel insurance exploited with unnecessary procedures.
After a week, I came back to the UK, still dealing with the issue, which was growing more painful and causing many sleepless nights. Eventually, I had to call for an ambulance to take me to the hospital. Once I was finally seen, the doctor decided to perform a CT scan. The results indicated a back problem, and the doctor theorized that some nerves were pinched, which was causing the abdominal pain. I had never experienced back pain before.
I reminded the A&E doctor that I was not aware of any spinal nerve that could cause gut pain, which is typically supplied by the vagus nerve. Despite this, he concluded that I would likely have to endure this pain indefinitely due to my back issues and prescribed painkillers for the rest of my life before closing my case.
Returning home, I found no relief from my agony. I refrained from taking the prescribed painkillers, uncertain of what was truly causing my distress. I recall that upon my initial visit to the hospital, they attempted to administer a morphine injection to mitigate the pain. I refused it, knowing that morphine can impair breathing, affect heart function, and lead to constipation, all of which would have greatly exacerbated my situation.
Two days later, the pain remained severe, compelling me to summon an ambulance once more. At the hospital, the attending physician examined my CT scan and determined there was little they could offer. No additional tests were recommended. I was informed that the issue was due to 'wear and tear.' After enduring hours of discomfort, I chose to head back home again.
A few days after, I consulted my primary care physician, who suspected that I might have an ischaemic bowel requiring immediate hospital care and potentially surgery to remove the damaged section. He gave me a letter for the emergency room. When I arrived at the hospital, I was examined by multiple doctors over several hours before being sent to the surgical department for possible emergency surgery during the night.
Upon arriving at the surgical department, the hospital registrar summoned a surgeon, who promptly suggested I start taking Omeprazole along with another medication. I am quite sceptical of this course of action. Having conducted extensive research on this drug for various articles, I know that Omeprazole is frequently prescribed for a range of stomach issues, even when patients are merely taking Aspirin for its blood-thinning properties. This medication carries notable side effects and heightens the risk of bacterial infections such as Clostridium. I questioned the surgeon about the necessity of this drug given its questionable track record. He dismissed my concerns, insisting that it was effective and urging me to follow his recommendation.
Luckily, the registrar comprehended my worries and permitted me to remain in the hospital until I could meet with the senior surgeon on duty. By noon, I had my consultation, during which the surgeon assured me there was no serious issue and recommended I return home and modify my diet, as he felt this would alleviate my symptoms. He determined that I have IBS, indicating that there is no medical cure for this syndrome and I must learn to manage it for the rest of my life.
Reluctantly, I somewhat agreed with him and returned home, continuing to try different probiotics and changes to my diet. He also prescribed an ultrasound of my abdomen and gallbladder and a Gastroscopy. These were duly done in the ensuing days, with no cause found.
A week later, with no improvement and the pain worsening, I sought help from my hospital cardiologist. He recommended increasing a specific medication to enhance my cardiac output. Shortly after following his advice, I noticed a 50% reduction in my pain.
Suspecting that there was a possible compromise of the blood flow through my abdomen I concluded that perhaps my superior mesenteric artery might be partially blocked because an improved blood flow had helped, I shared this hypothesis with my general practitioner, who agreed and referred me to a different gastroenterology hospital for an abdominal vascular examination for which I had to wait for an appointment.
My blood tests regularly showed high levels of pancreatic amylase, a sign of pancreatitis. In my quest to ease my digestion and reduce bloating, I explored various probiotics. As the pain grew more intense, I returned to my GP, who discovered significant tenderness in a specific area on the left side of my abdomen. Concerned that I might need immediate surgical intervention, he referred me to another hospital and provided a letter for the emergency room. That morning, I had taken a new probiotic, and by the end of the day, when I was supposed to go to the hospital, I started feeling somewhat better, so I decided to delay my visit. Over the next three days, the pain vanished. Six weeks later, the pain has not returned, and I have fully recovered. I continue taking the probiotic.
I now realise how awful this condition is. Millions of people in every country suffer such symptoms. My experience is a confirmation of the many articles I have written discrediting these illnesses and saying that there is a cure for most of them. Here is the list:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus), causing irritation. Please read the article in this forum.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder affecting the large intestine, characterized by symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea or constipation.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A term primarily used to describe disorders involving chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
4. Crohn’s Disease: A type of IBD that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, causing a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
5. Ulcerative Colitis: Another form of IBD, this condition specifically affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum, causing long-lasting inflammation and sores.
6. Celiac Disease: An immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, leading to damage in the small intestine and nutrient absorption issues.
7. Diverticulitis: Occurs when one or more diverticula (small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system) become inflamed or infected, causing severe abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
8. Gastroparesis: A condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and feeling full quickly.
9. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Occurs when there is an unusual increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine, which can cause pain, diarrhoea, and nutrient absorption issues.
10. Gastritis: Inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining, often resulting from infections, certain medications, or excessive alcohol consumption.
11. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Open sores that develop on the inner lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine, often due to infection with H. pylori bacteria or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
12. Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and gas.
13. Gallstones: Hardened deposits that can form in your gallbladder, causing pain, infection, or other complications.
14. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic and is often caused by gallstones, alcohol use, or certain medications.
Each condition has its own specific set of symptoms and treatments, as far as I am concerned, but please do consult a healthcare professional for an accurate medical diagnosis and appropriate management plan.
My experience, however, underscored the importance of the gut microbiome, which had perhaps been affected when I had taken an antibiotic three months earlier. Further reading revealed that as we age, beneficial bacteria struggle to survive, the Covid vaccines have been a disaster for patients' guts. Maintaining a healthy gut requires a balanced diet rich in vegetables, proper salt intake, and the use of probiotics.
Now we have a new calamity at our doorstep. The addition of the genotoxic ingredient Bovear in dairy cows, My speculation is that Bovear, works on the gut microbiome, somehow displacing or modifying the existing bacteria to a less functional microbiome. This would cause bloating and constipation to the animals, thus reducing the effusions from their bodies. Humans consuming this milk shall have the same effect with severe gas bloating and inability to eat well.
No medical doctor, out of the ten I saw, had mentioned the significance of the gut microbiome or suggested checking it. I found that the National Health Service does not cover such fundamental tests for patients suffering from the conditions listed earlier.
The numerous hospital stays and scans I experienced would have amounted to around $200,000 in the USA, and likely incurred substantial expenses for the UK government as well. These costs could have been avoided with more prudent diagnostic methods. If the National Health Service offered microbiome services, many chronic illnesses could be managed more effectively. This would lower healthcare expenses and enable patients to return to work and boost productivity much sooner.
The lesson I learned from my experience is that I didn't suffer from any syndrome, nor did I require ongoing medication for pain management or any surgical intervention. I ponder how many millions endure chronic gastric illnesses because of the mistaken beliefs in traditional medical practices.
Please note that the gut and immune system are closely linked. In fact, the microorganisms in our gut comprise a significant part of our immune system. They help fight off pathogens, control inflammation and even regulate our mood. An imbalance in our gut microbiome can therefore lead to various health problems, including allergic reactions, digestive disorders and much more. Therefore, using an immune suppressant is precisely the opposite of what one needs.
The graph below illustrates the additional symptoms commonly experienced by patients with bowel issues:
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Following my own experience, I'm committed to discovering a much more effective alternative to simply taking a probiotic without thought. There must be a superior method. Stay tuned for updates.
Some New Information:
This has been a long time coming. As promised, please read the following:
Every person has their own gut bacteria which keeps them well. I had been well all my life. I never had a problem even after taking antibiotics, but this time after taking an antibiotic it almost destroyed my life, and I was on the verge of having emergency surgery which could have left me debilitated.
It has taken some three months to bring my microbiome under control. I have been researching various labs doing microbiome tests and most offer tests which are rather expensive. I decided to take a more profound look with myBioma, and I visited their offices in Vienna to have a better understanding. The insights were remarkable with a very young, dynamic staff who did their utmost to bring this to a reality.
With the stealthy introduction of Bovear in milk, yoghurts and all other milk products, I suspect many more people will start suffering from Gastrointestinal problems. So, I think that it is of the utmost importance that every well person keeps a record of what their existing microbiome is.
Individuals experiencing health issues should consider having their microbiome assessed and seek suitable treatments. For those with persistent health problems, particularly digestive disorders, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause rather than being continuously redirected without finding effective solutions through traditional medical approaches.
The company which appears to provide the most advanced service is myBioma who provide a test for £123.50. myBioma's testing kit provides a comprehensive analysis that can guide you towards making informed choices. Plus, using the code 'thesymmetryforum', you can enjoy a 20 Euro (£16.80) discount on your order and start your own journey to a healthier you! There is no postal fee to pay at any stage. Please click various headings on their website to see what they are offering before placing your order. Their system is tailored to meet demands from the UK. You may have to click on the top Globe Icon to change the language to English.
The results take about three weeks and will be sent to you via your mobile phone in the format below:
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Early testing might hold the secret to improved health. I plan to maintain a close contact with myBioma diagnostics to track the outcomes of these anonymised tests and determine if we can uncover new insights.
© 2025 M. Amir All rights reserved
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Disclaimer: This educational article focuses on health benefits from individual perspectives and doesn't imply widespread results. It is important to seek a doctor's advice before taking any action, including the above test. It's meant to enhance, not substitute for, medical advice and doesn't detail all possible uses or risks. Always prioritize professional medical advice over information provided here.