Articles
Root-cause health insights from Dr. James Krystosik.
Digestive Health
Why Does Fiber Make Me Bloated Instead of Helping My Gut?
Fiber can support bowel and metabolic health while still causing gas and pressure. I explain fermentation, fiber types, sudden increases, constipation, SIBO concerns, and how I adjust it.
SIBO
Methane SIBO vs. IMO: What Is the Difference?
Methane SIBO is an older, familiar phrase, but IMO is more accurate. I explain methanogens, constipation, breath-test cutoffs, symptoms, and why the name affects treatment decisions.
SIBO
Can SIBO Cause Dizziness or Lightheadedness?
Dizziness isn't a specific SIBO symptom. I explain how diarrhea, dehydration, low intake, anemia, medicines, and blood-pressure changes may connect—and what needs urgent attention.
SIBO
Can SIBO Cause Heart Palpitations?
SIBO isn't an established direct cause of heart palpitations. I explain the indirect connections worth checking—and why a new or persistent rhythm symptom deserves its own evaluation.
SIBO
When Should You Retest for SIBO After Antibiotics?
There isn't one automatic retesting date for every patient. I explain when symptoms, treatment response, antibiotic timing, and the next clinical decision make a repeat SIBO test useful.
SIBO
Can You Have SIBO Without Bloating?
Bloating is common with SIBO, but it isn't required. I explain which other symptoms and risk factors matter—and why symptoms alone can't confirm an overgrowth.
SIBO
High Baseline Hydrogen on a SIBO Breath Test: What Does It Mean?
A high first hydrogen reading can make a SIBO breath test difficult to interpret. I explain preparation, oral fermentation, slow transit, retesting, and why one number isn't a diagnosis.
SIBO
Why Does SIBO Come Back After Antibiotics?
Antibiotics may reduce an overgrowth without correcting what allowed it to develop. I explain recurrence, motility, constipation, anatomy, medications, and the next questions I ask.
SIBO
11 SIBO Breath Test Prep Mistakes That Can Affect Your Results
A SIBO breath test is easy to perform but easy to prepare for incorrectly. I walk through the mistakes that can raise the baseline or make a result hard to trust.
Digestive Health
Why Am I Still Bloated After Pooping? What I Look For
Going to the bathroom doesn't always remove the reason you feel bloated. I explain incomplete emptying, trapped gas, constipation, pelvic-floor problems, and what to do next.
SIBO
How to Rebuild Your Gut Microbiome After Norovirus: A Functional Medicine Approach to Restoring Digestive Health
Most people recover from norovirus with hydration and time. Dr. J explains gradual food reintroduction, persistent symptoms, and when to seek care.
Weight Loss
Why Belly Fat Increases After 40 (And How to Lose It Naturally Without Extreme Dieting)
Dr. J explains how muscle loss, menopause, sleep, stress, activity, diet, and health conditions can influence abdominal fat after 40.
SIBO
Why Am I Always Tired After 40? A Clinical Perspective on Energy, Gut Health, and Aging
Fatigue after 40 is not always normal aging. Dr. J explains sleep, anemia, thyroid, medications, mood, metabolism, and possible gut factors.
SIBO
Why Am I Always Bloated After 50? A Functional Medicine Look at the Real Causes
Bloating after 50 may involve constipation, medications, diet, intolerance, or digestive disease. Dr. J explains causes, evaluation, and relief.
Weight Loss
How Much Does Alcohol Damage the Gut and Trigger Weight Gain After Age 50?
Dr. J explains how alcohol can affect calories, sleep, appetite, the gut, and weight after 50—and how to make a realistic change.
Back Pain
Does Cold Weather Cause Back Pain? A Chiropractor’s Explanation of What’s Really Happening
Cold weather may increase stiffness or change activity patterns, but it does not usually damage the spine. Dr. J explains why pain can flare.
Back Pain
Can Sugar and Drinking Soda Cause Back Pain? A Functional Medicine Look at Sugar, Inflammation, and Bone Health
Sugar and soda do not directly injure the spine, but diet, inflammation, weight, and kidney problems may affect pain. Dr. J explains.
Back Pain
Can Massage Make Back Pain Worse. A Chiropractor Looks at When Relief Turns Into Irritation
Massage can sometimes aggravate back pain when pressure, timing, or the underlying condition is wrong. Dr. J explains normal soreness and red flags.
Back Pain
Can Dehydration Cause Lower Back Pain? A Chiropractor Looks at Fluids, Discs, and Muscle Function
Dehydration may contribute to cramps, fatigue, or muscle discomfort, but it is not the usual cause of persistent back pain. Dr. J explains.
Back Pain
Can Back Pain Cause High Blood Pressure? A Chiropractor Looks at Stress, Pain, and the Nervous System
Pain and stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, but persistent hypertension needs medical evaluation. Dr. J explains the connection and warning signs.
Weight Loss
Is Cream of Rice Good for Weight Loss? A Natural Medicine Physician’s Look at Calories, Digestion, and Satiety
Cream of Rice can fit a weight-loss plan, but portion, protein, fiber, and total diet matter. Dr. J explains blood sugar and satiety.
Back Pain
Can a Hemorrhoid Cause Back Pain? A Chiropractor Looks at Pain Referral and What’s Really Happening
Hemorrhoids rarely directly cause back pain, but discomfort and straining may occur alongside it. Dr. J explains what symptoms need evaluation.
Back Pain
Can a Cane Help With Back Pain? A Chiropractor Looks at Support, Posture, and Mobility
A cane may reduce strain and improve balance for some types of back pain. Dr. J explains correct use, limitations, and when to seek care.
Back Pain
Are Adjustable Beds Good for Back Pain? A Chiropractor looks at Sleep Position, Spine Support, and Relief
Can an adjustable bed ease back pain? Dr. J explains how sleep position, spinal support, and individual diagnosis affect the answer.
Weight Loss
Is Almond Milk or Coconut Milk Better for Weight Loss? A Clear, Evidence-Based Look
Dr. J compares calories, protein, fat, added sugar, fortification, and portions to help you choose a milk alternative for your goals.
Weight Loss
Does Pumping Help With Weight Loss? A Realistic Postpartum Guide
Milk production uses energy, but pumping does not guarantee postpartum weight loss. Dr. J explains nutrition, recovery, supply, and safe expectations.
Weight Loss
How Can Body Contouring Treatments Improve Results After Significant Weight Loss?
Body contouring may address excess skin after major weight loss but does not replace fat loss. Dr. J explains options, timing, risks, and expectations.
Weight Loss
Does Acupuncture Help Weight Loss? Functional Medicine, What the Evidence Really Shows
Research does not show acupuncture as a stand-alone fat-loss treatment. Dr. J explains possible indirect benefits, evidence limits, and safety.
Weight Loss
Do Fajas Help With Weight Loss? A Functional Medicine View of Waist Trainers and Fat Loss
Fajas temporarily change shape but do not burn belly fat. Dr. J explains water-weight myths, possible uses, risks, and sustainable alternatives.
Weight Loss
Do Hot Tubs Help With Weight Loss? A Functional Medicine and Metabolic Look
Hot tubs may support relaxation but do not replace nutrition or physical activity for fat loss. Dr. J explains calories, fluid loss, and safety.
Weight Loss
Are Lollipops Good for Weight Loss? A Functional Medicine Look at Sugar, Appetite, and Metabolic Reality
Dr. J explains why low-calorie lollipops are not a reliable weight-loss tool and offers more satisfying ways to manage cravings.
Weight Loss
Why Are Many Asian Populations Slimmer? A Medical Look at the Factors Behind Lower Obesity Rates
Dr. J examines food patterns, activity, environment, genetics, and culture without stereotyping individual people or health.
Weight Loss
Can Cupping Help With Weight Loss? Benefits, Limits, and Risks
Cupping has not been shown to produce meaningful fat loss. Dr. J reviews the evidence, possible indirect benefits, risks, and realistic expectations.
Weight Loss
Can a Chiropractor Help With Weight Loss? An Evidence-Based Look
Chiropractic care does not directly burn fat. Dr. J explains how pain relief and improved mobility may indirectly support a broader weight plan.
Weight Loss
Are Protein Pancakes Good for Weight Loss? Here’s the Real Answer
Protein pancakes can fit a weight-loss plan when ingredients and portions support protein, fiber, and overall calorie needs. Dr. J explains.
Weight Loss
Jowls After Weight Loss: What Changes and What Can Help
Facial fullness may decrease after weight loss, but skin laxity varies. Dr. J explains age, weight-loss pace, nutrition, and realistic options.
Weight Loss
Low-Impact Exercise for Weight Loss With Chronic Knee Pain
Dr. J outlines joint-friendly exercise options for weight management, including water exercise, recumbent cycling, and strength work.
Weight Loss
Why Intermittent Fasting May Not Be Helping You Lose Weight
Intermittent fasting can backfire when it increases hunger, overeating, stress, or poor sleep. Dr. J explains who may need a different approach.
Weight Loss
Drugless Physician-Approved Guide to Managing Appetite After Weight Loss
Increased hunger after weight loss is common. Dr. J explains protein, fiber, sleep, activity, meal structure, and when medical support may help.
SIBO
What Foods Make SIBO Worse? (And What to Eat Instead)
SIBO food triggers vary. Dr. J explains fermentable carbohydrates, short-term symptom strategies, nutrition, and careful food reintroduction.
SIBO
Kombucha and SIBO: Benefits, Risks, and Tolerance
Kombucha is not a proven SIBO treatment and may worsen symptoms for some people. Dr. J explains sugar, carbonation, fermentation, and tolerance.
SIBO
SIBO and Brain Fog: Association, Evaluation, and Treatment
Brain fog can accompany digestive symptoms, but it has many possible causes. Dr. J explains the evidence, evaluation, and warning signs.
SIBO
Probiotics and SIBO: What You Need to Know About Fermented Foods, Fiber, and Gut Health
Probiotics may help some people with SIBO and worsen symptoms in others. Dr. J explains strain differences, food sources, and careful trials.
SIBO
Kefir and SIBO: Benefits, Risks, and Tolerance
Kefir may help some people and worsen symptoms in others. Dr. J explains fermentation, lactose, portions, timing, and individual tolerance.
SIBO
Fasting for SIBO: What We Know About Meal Spacing
Meal spacing may affect symptoms, but fasting is not a proven cure for SIBO. Dr. J explains evidence, safety, and who should avoid it.
SIBO
Can Candida and SIBO Be Treated at the Same Time?
Candida and SIBO can share symptoms, but each requires appropriate diagnosis. Dr. J explains testing, treatment limits, and safer next steps.
SIBO
Can SIBO Cause Acid Reflux? What I Evaluate
SIBO and reflux can occur together, but reflux has several possible causes. Dr. J explains the connection, testing, and when medical evaluation matters.
SIBO
SIBO Meal Plan: A Flexible, Nutrition-First Approach
A SIBO meal plan should reduce symptoms without unnecessary long-term restriction. Dr. J explains personalization, nutrition, and reintroduction.
SIBO
Can SIBO Cause Back Pain? What the Evidence Can—and Cannot—Tell Us
Bloating and digestive distress may aggravate perceived back discomfort, but SIBO is not a common direct cause of spinal pain. Dr. J explains.
SIBO
Can SIBO Cause Headaches? A Functional Medicine Perspective
SIBO and headaches may overlap through several indirect pathways, but the evidence is still developing. Dr. J explains evaluation and red flags.
SIBO
SIBO Die-Off Symptoms—or a Treatment Side Effect?
Symptoms during SIBO treatment are not proof that it is working. Dr. J explains possible reactions, side effects, pacing, and when to call your clinician.
SIBO
SIBO vs Candida Overgrowth: Two Gut Problems, Two Different Paths to Healing
SIBO and Candida can share vague symptoms but are different conditions. Dr. J explains what can be tested and why self-treatment can backfire.
SIBO
Does SIBO Cause Bad Breath? Reasons And Solutions
Bad breath usually starts in the mouth, but digestive conditions may sometimes contribute. Dr. J explains SIBO, other causes, and practical next steps.
SIBO
Why Does SIBO Make You So Tired? What I Look For
SIBO may contribute to fatigue through digestive symptoms and nutrient problems, but other causes are common. Dr. J explains what to test.
SIBO
Does SIBO Cause Constipation? What I Look For
Methane-associated intestinal overgrowth can be linked with constipation. Dr. J explains symptoms, breath testing, treatment options, and red flags.
SIBO
Does SIBO Make You Gain Weight? Insights from a Functional Medicine Perspective
SIBO may cause bloating and weight fluctuations, but it does not guarantee fat gain. Dr. J explains what to evaluate before treating the scale.