Stop the treatment, wait for the symptom to clear, and restart the treatment to see if the same symptoms return. A surprising number of times it does not.
The entire goal of The Nemechek Protocol is to lower excessive inflammation. Because only once inflammation is lowered and maintained can the brain shift into repair mode, and recovery begins. Inulin is just one way to lower inflammation, and fish oil and olive oil provide further reduction via different mechanisms. The oils, however, can take up to 6 weeks to fully start working, so you need to give it at least 6-8 weeks, in some cases, for neurological recovery to commence. Continued improvements in neurological development will begin to occur at an increased pace over the following three-six months.
If a child’s protocol shifts from inulin to rifaximin because the inulin no longer helped control bacterial overgrowth, then shifting back to inulin is generally not be helpful. But if the change to rifaximin was done incorrectly and there still may be a chance the inulin will be effective, then yes, you can shift back to inulin.
Inulin is a fiber that feeds bacteria which makes mild acid and this causes invading bacteria from the colon to retreat. Rifaximin is an antibiotic and seems to clear the overgrowth bacteria within the small intestine directly.
No. The addition of inulin between rounds will not prevent relapses. I only utilize inulin in conjunction with Rifaximin in a small percent of cases where further inflammation reduction is required.
As children age, the inulin becomes less and less effective at controlling bacterial overgrowth. I believe this is due to the natural maturation of the intestinal bacteria as children mature into adulthood. So yes, I believe as children become adults they will eventually require rifaximin.
Choosing Between Inulin versus Rifaximinn• If under 8 years of age, I use inulin to balance intestine bacterian• If between 8-14 years old, I may start with either inulin or rifaximinn• If 15 years of age or older, I recommend starting with rifaximinnI recommend starting with inulin in young children because it is often effective, safe, inexpensive, and does not require a prescription to obtain. Inulin is widely available from several manufacturers. Inulin is also appealing as a natural fiber that many parents prefer who are understandably fearful of using any more antibiotics.
I am aware of the study, and I am not concerned about the long-term impact of inulin in children. Inulin is present in onions, garlic, bananas, and other foods, and a large portion of the world’s population has been consuming inulin for thousands of years without any ill effect. Many studies have demonstrated its effectiveness and safety even in small newborn children.
If inulin is kept in a cool, dry place, I imagine it would be good for 6 months or so.
Side effects of inulin generally occur in the digestive system. Some people may experience stomach pain and gas if they consume too much inulin. Less common side effects may include nausea and/or diarrhea.