The Zero Carb or Carnivorous way of eating has the potential to reverse SIBO symptoms.
Hypothesis

If SIBO is essentially a carbohydrate malabsorption problem, then eliminating carbohydrates entirely may cure the SIBO symptoms. When SIBO bacteria take up residence in the small intestine, they disable the Migratory Motor Complex (MMC) which is the muscular wave that sweeps food through the small intestine. When the MMC is disrupted, it allows the bacteria to ferment food in the small intestine that would normally be fermented in the large intestine. By depriving the bacteria the carbohydrates they need, they die off and eventually the MMC is restored.


What do I eat?
Just meat! Steak, hamburger, chicken, fish, eggs and minimally processed bacon. 

What about sausage or salami?
Try not to eat processed or cured meats. They contain a lot of fillers/preservatives that are not ideal. The level of processing you want is grinding to make burger or sliced turkey. Keep it simple. 

What should I drink?
Water! (And lots of it!) 
Coffee and Tea are OK too but don’t add anything to it other than lemon in tea. 

How do I start?
Easy! Just start cooking your favorite kind of meat. Don’t use oil to cook your food. Just use animal fats like lard or tallow if you need it. Or use ghee (clarified butter). Season with salt and eat! 

Phases
There are three phases to this way of eating. 

Phase 1 is the adaptation phase. Your body is learning to transition from burning primarily carbs for fuel to burning primarily fat for fuel. This is not an easy transition but once completed you will feel amazing! No more “hangry” and you’ll just eat when you’re hungry. 

Phase 2 is refinement. You’re fat adapted and now you’re narrowing down which foods work best for you. Some people do better with just red meat, others like more variety. 

Phase 3 is maintenance mode. You are stable, having no more SIBO symptoms and are experimenting with adding foods back into your diet if you choose. 

Known issues
Most people are addicted to carbs and sugar. Quitting cold turkey is the best way to kick the habit. If you have cravings, eat some fatty meat like a ribeye or other cuts with lots of salt. That usually stops the cravings. 

Electrolytes are imperative! As your insulin drops, your body will absorb less sodium, magnesium and potassium. I use Base Salts. (Whatever brand you choose make sure it has magnesium chloride, the other kinds of magnesium may cause GI distress) If you’re feeling foggy, lethargic or just wonky in general try bumping up your electrolytes. Your blood pressure may drop as well. if you are on blood pressure medication then pay particular attention to this. 

GI issues
As your body adjusts to not eating fruits and vegetables all of the bacteria in your gut will die off as it’s not being fed any more. This is normal and fine but can be a bit unpleasant. You still have plenty of bacteria so don’t worry! Your stools may be loose at first but everything should firm up after the adaptation phase. Also remember that too much fat may cause loose stools. Once your body adjusts, things will normalize and you will be “regular” and your bowel movements will be easy and small. I ate mostly chicken, white fish and turkey during the first few weeks while my body transitioned. These low fat meats caused the least GI distress.  

Portion Size
Your plate is going to look weird since you’re not making a “side” to go with your meat. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. You CAN and SHOULD eat until you’re satisfied. Don’t worry about eating too much, it is impossible to eat too much meat. 

Meal Frequency 
Eat when you’re hungry. Don’t eat when you’re not hungry. This sounds simple but we are conditioned to eat 3 (or more) times a day. It’s ok to go 12, 16 or even 24 hours without eating. The longer you go between dinner and breakfast the better for your metabolism and the faster you will become fat adapted. Try to keep your “eating window” to 8 hours for optimal results. The SIBO bacteria is used to being fed all the time so having no food for 8-12 hours helps. That said, just eat when you’re hungry. It doesn’t have to be complicated. 

FAQs
Can I eat dairy?
You can, but it is better to wait until phase 3. Try to stick with harder/aged cheeses with the fewest ingredients like cheddar. 

What about a cheat meal?
If you’re serious about curing SIBO, you have to be really strict until you’ve restored your MMC. That may take up to 6 months depending on how bad your case is and how long you’ve had it. Just remember it is worth a few months of strict eating to stop a lifetime of terrible SIBO symptoms. 

How do I eat at a restaurant?
This can be tricky. The easiest is to just order a steak and skip the sides. If you are
like me and have a hard time skipping the sides, just ask the server to only bring you the meat. It can cause some raised eyebrows but who cares? It is normal now to order a burger with no bun so that is easy and sashimi appetizer is a good way to get protein with no veggies. If you’re out with friends don’t feel compelled to explain yourself. You can just say “I’m doing a Whole 30 elimination diet” - most people know what that is and will move on. Or you can get into it but people are usually defensive and also think vegetables are important for health (they’re not). 

What should I eat for a snack? 
You shouldn’t need a snack. If you’re eating a good meal you will just get hungry many hours later. Your blood sugar isn’t on a carb roller coaster so you won’t feel hungry (especially once you’re in phase 2). It is also OK to be hungry! Just go with it. Drink some water. Then have a meal when you’re really and truly hungry. Eat as much as you want at your meal.