Norm Robillard received his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst studying Bacillus anthracis and other Bacillus species. His post-doctoral training at Tufts University focused on antibiotic resistance and gene transfer between the gut microbes Bacteroides fragilis and E. coli.
During his career in pharma / biotech, Dr. Robillard studied the genetics of antibiotic resistance, septic shock, viral illnesses and antimicrobial and antibody-based therapies prior to founding the Digestive Health Institute. Dr. Robillard is the creator of the Fast Tract Diet, author of the Fast Tract Digestion book series and publisher of the Fast Tract Diet mobile app. He was the first to propose excess intestinal fermentation as the underlying cause of acid reflux and explained the connection between intragastric pressure from gas-producing bacteria in our intestines, nutritional malabsorption and the symptoms of acid reflux. His latest book series, Fast Tract Digestion provides a safe and effective dietary tool and behavioral strategy as an alternative to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, IBS drugs or antibiotics for heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR), IBS and other SIBO related conditions.
I had an opportunity to connect with Josh Sabourin, the publisher of SIBO Survivor to discuss the options for treating SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) in people who: Can’t tolerate antibiotics Fail to get better on antibiotics Just choose not to take them NOTE: Refer to the end of this page [...]
“When it comes to SIBO, I have heard SIBO diets are more about managing symptoms. Is it possible, with diet alone to selectively starve the bacteria causing the problem while allowing the good bacteria to increase in order to achieve a balanced microbiota?” Although this is an interesting question, and I receive many like this, the [...]
I wanted to share a great chat I had with Ashleigh @ Paleo Magazine Radio on iTunes & libsyn. Key Points From This SIBO, IBS, LPR and Fast Tract Diet Episode Are: Drug and antibiotic free Fast Tract Diet. Current debates in gut health research (SIBO | LIBO). How does SIBO differ from IBS? Some of the symptoms [...]
Client testimonial for addressing reflux by Joe Quigley, Pittsburgh, PA For 15 years I have struggled with chronic reflux. I have been to many doctors and specialists and have taken large ongoing doses of H2 blockers and PPI medicine over this period of time. The medicine would work for a while but I would have to [...]
The 3 common questions on SIBO treatment and answers that may surprise you: Q 1. Don’t we need antibiotics for SIBO as low fermentable carbohydrate diets do not “eradicate” an overgrowth in the small intestine? Q 2. I am worried about being on low-FODMAP, low-carb diet, Fast Tract Diet, etc. for a long time because [...]
Antibiotics alone, diet alone or the combination of the two will not cure SIBO unless your specific underlying cause(s) are identified and addressed. However, a science-based diet that limits ALL fermentable carbohydrates should be used as the first line therapy over antibiotics because: The diet approach is safe and provides a durable response Your underlying [...]
In a recent article, I talked about new research linking alterations in our gut microbiota to Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Since then, I was approached by one of the members in the Fast Tract Diet Discussion Group on Facebook asking “my dad has PD. What I don't understand from the article is: are people with SIBO [...]
Question Is it safe to use a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) over the short term to determine if I actually have LPR instead of a chronic sinus infection? Also, if it is (reflux-related) LPR, is it necessary to go on medication? My doctor keeps telling me that it would be worse to have acid in [...]
A clear link between gut bacteria and Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been established by Caltech researchers led by microbiologist, Sarkis Mazmanian. The study published in the Dec 1, 2016 issue of Cell sheds new light on PD for researchers investigating effective treatments for this incurable central nervous system disorder. One of the leading areas of [...]
A few months ago I was in despair over my IBS symptoms and my overall health. Despite faithful adherence for over five years to a sugar, dairy and grain-free diet, the good health I’d hoped for hadn’t eventuated. My worst symptoms – bouts of vertigo, plus dry eyes and joint pain from Sjogren’s syndrome – [...]