Ms. H experienced poor health during high school, suffering from various ailments. While researching on her own, she became aware of the possibility of having SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and eventually discovered the option of fecal microbiota transplantation. This time, we spoke with Ms. H in detail about her journey to deciding on the transplant, her current health status, and the dietary approach she discovered on her own.
Profile
・Disease Name: Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
・Migration Period: June 11, 2025 to July 17, 2025
Number of Transplants: 6-session course
・Transplant-designated medical institution:
Shirotani Bio Wellness Clinic Internal Medicine & Orthodontics Kobe Sannomiya
(Formerly: LOOKS Ashiya Clinic)
Interviews
Did you come to suspect that gut bacteria might be related to your own health issues as a result of your own studies?
Mr. H: Yes. When I was in high school, I fell ill and visited various hospitals, but my condition didn’t improve much. So, while researching online, I began to suspect I might have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). I found an article about fecal microbiota transplantation on Dr. Shirotani’s clinic website and decided to try it once.
The concept of SIBO still seems to have low recognition in Japan. Did you also refer to information from overseas?
H: Yes. I was using AI and other tools to translate English articles into Japanese to gather information. I felt that overseas, there was information available not only about diet, exercise, and mental approaches, but also about more advanced treatments like drug therapy.
Fecal microbiota transplantation is by no means an inexpensive treatment. What made you decide to try it anyway?
Mr. H: I tried various things like improving my lifestyle and diet, but I felt it wasn’t leading to a fundamental solution. That’s when I took an intestinal flora test and discovered my gut microbiome had low diversity. This test result made me think that transplantation might be the way to achieve a better state.
Before receiving the transplant, you had been experimenting with dietary therapy and other approaches on your own, hadn’t you?
H: Yes. At first, I tried the low-FODMAP diet, but it alone didn’t work for me. I was surprised to learn that diets touted as “good” online didn’t suit me, and conversely, that fermented foods can actually cause gas buildup in some people. I realized that foods generally considered beneficial, like yogurt, don’t work for everyone. It took a long time of trial and error to find a diet that suited me.
Did you experience any pain during the transplant procedure itself?
Mr./Ms. H: I was able to undergo the procedure with almost no discomfort. Although I felt tense during the procedure, the procedure itself was completely fine.
How is your health at present?
Mr. H: I think I’m in pretty good shape now. Of course, I still have times when I feel unwell, but compared to before, I feel like the duration of those periods and the severity of the symptoms have lessened.
What Mr. H continues to do to maintain a healthy gut environment
Mr. H has been consistently practicing the following while paying attention to his physical condition.
- How to Choose Oils: I consciously avoid oils like vegetable oil and carefully select the type of oil I use.
- Avoid processed foods: Since processed foods often contain hidden sugars and additives, I try to avoid them as much as possible.
- My commitment to seasonings: When cooking at home, I pay close attention to the seasonings I use.
- I make a point of preparing homemade meals: I find that homemade meals, where I know exactly what goes into them, provide a sense of security and contribute to my mental stability.
Finally.
Ms. H began experiencing unexplained health issues during high school. She researched on her own and discovered the possibility of SIBO. While trying various diets, she realized the importance of finding methods suited to her own constitution rather than blindly accepting information found only online. Objectively understanding her gut environment through a gut flora test ultimately led to her decision to undergo a gut flora transplant.
Currently, Mr. H is in stable health and preparing to begin his new life in graduate school. This interview revealed how Mr. H has sincerely confronted his own body and logically pursued the optimal solution. While fecal microbiota transplantation remains a relatively unknown treatment, it may represent a promising option for people like Mr. H who suffer from unexplained discomfort.
Important Notes Regarding Testimonials
- This article is based solely on the personal experiences of patients and their families and does not guarantee the effectiveness or course of treatment.
- The progression of symptoms, response to treatment, and degree of recovery vary from person to person, and not all patients will achieve the same results.
- When selecting or implementing a treatment method, be sure to consult thoroughly with your primary physician or specialist. Make your decision after comprehensively considering your own medical condition, constitution, lifestyle, and other factors.
- The treatment details described in this article (transplant method, course, duration, cost, etc.) are specific to a particular patient’s case and may not apply identically to all medical institutions or situations.
- This testimonial is published at the request of the patient and their family, with care taken to ensure individuals cannot be identified.
