Does inulin cause die-off?
Inulin causes a fermentation effect that simply causes the bacteria to migrate further back down towards the colon and does not cause die-off.
How soon should I increase the inulin dosage after starting?
/in /by Dr. NThe sole purpose of The Nemechek Protocol is to lower excessive inflammation. Only once inflammation is lowered can the brain shift into repair mode and recovery begins. Inulin is just one way that we achieve this and the fish oil and olive oil each provide further reduction via different mechanisms. The oils however, can take up to 6 weeks to fully start working so when starting the protocol you need to wait 6-8 weeks to effectively assess if 1/8th tsp of inulin is sufficient. If it is not and you see no noticeable changes you can try to increase by 1/8th tsp. If it is there is no need to increase further and if/when the dose of inulin ceases to be effective you will need to switch to Rifaximin. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.
How do I determine if my dose of inulin is effective?
/in /by Dr. NReversal of bacterial overgrowth with inulin will lead to a drop in propionic acid and often results in what I refer to as the awakening, especially in younger patients. The awakening occurs within the first 1-2 weeks and is manifested by the children showing more eye contact, more alertness, more engagement, and possibly even more stimming or insomnia. Once the awakening occurs, the dose of inulin used is adequate because the sudden improvement in the child’s behavior is evidence that the bacteria have been suppressed. No further increases in inulin dosage are necessary if the awakening occurs. If the initial dose of inulin does not trigger an “awakening” (more engaged, better eye contact, more aware of the world around them) then you may need to increase inulin slowly but do not exceed the ½ tsp dose. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.
I know inulin, fish oil and olive oil are a potent and effective combination. But what do each of the three supplements do independent on their own?
/in /by Dr. NInulin (and Rifaximin) rebalances the gut bacteria. Excessive gut bacteria creates an overgrowth that allows fragments of bacterial cell membrane called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to leak into the bloodstream, trigger widespread inflammation and trigger the formation of inflammatory primed-microglia within the brain. Fish oil helps reduce inflammation throughout the body and reduces the inflammatory behavior of primed microglia. Olive oil blocks the inflammatory effect of omega-6 oils that are so prevalent in our modern diets.
My child seems to be FODMAP sensitive (so no onion, garlic etc.). Can he still take Inulin?
/in /by Dr. NFODMAP sensitivity is evidence of bacterial overgrowth, and inulin helps reverse bacterial overgrowth. I believe the benefits that occur after starting any diet that restricts carbohydrates (GAPS, FODMAPS, Feingold, gluten, casein, etc.) is from a relative, non-specific decrease in the overall bacterial load within the gut. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.
Does eating inulin based foods (bananas, onions, garlic, artichokes) contributes to your inulin protocol dose?
/in /by Dr. NNo. Those foods do not offer enough fiber to get the proper fermentation to impact gut bacteria. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.
My child cannot tolerate inulin, what should I do?
/in /by Dr. NIf a child is unable to tolerate inulin, I consider that Inulin Intolerance and recommend using a course of the prescription rifaximin to balance the intestinal tract. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.
Can I use inulin gummies?
/in /by Dr. NI no longer recommend inulin gummies. It has been my experience that some children seem to react negatively to dyes or other ingredients in a gummy, so I recommend using pure inulin powder. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.
I want to switch from inulin gummies to powder. How much of the inulin powder does each gummy contain?
/in /by Dr. NThere is no direct translation between products. I recommend starting at 1/8th tsp of inulin if switching. Nemechek Blue inulin can be purchased here at a 10% discount for members of the Nemechek Navigator.
I increased inulin and now my child is extremely hyper. Should I lower it again?
/in /by Dr. NOne cause of disruptive behaviors in some children is when excessive doses of inulin are used to balance the intestinal tract. As the inulin dose is increased, a child might become more anxious, hyperactive, hungry, thirsty or aggressive. Beyond the dose of 1/2 teaspoons a day, it is rare to see any added improvement in symptoms and the higher dose has the potential to increase hyperactivity, hunger, thirst, anxiety, or aggression and may cause discomfort from excessive gas, cramping, or bloating. Members of the Nemechek Navigator can purchase Nemechek Blue inulin here at a 10% discount.