Gut Repair-4™ Program (IBS-C)
A doctor-formulated, 28-day clinical protocol for constipation-predominant IBS. Targets the methane-producing archaea that slow your transit, repairs the gut barrier, and rebuilds the microbial diversity driving your symptoms. Drawn from 30 years of clinical practice and the latest microbiome research.
IBS-C is a methane problem before it's a motility problem.
Constipation. Bloating. Abdominal pain. Unpredictable bowel function. The hallmark symptoms of IBS-C aren't a motility disorder in isolation — they're the downstream consequence of a distinctive microbial imbalance.
Methane-producing archaea — particularly Methanobrevibacter smithii — are 3× more prevalent in IBS-C than in IBS-D. These organisms consume hydrogen from bacterial fermentation to generate methane (CH₄), which directly inhibits peristaltic contractions. Breath test positivity for methane strongly correlates with constipation severity.
Compounded by mucosal biofilms shielding pathogens from your immune system, reduced butyrate from depleted F. prausnitzii, and a 223% increase in mast cells near colonic nerve endings — IBS-C is fundamentally a microbiome problem. And the microbiome is where it must be solved.
Two phases. Twenty-eight days. Four mechanisms.
Pathogen + Biofilm Eradication
NAC biofilm disruptor + dual herbal antimicrobials
57% of IBS patients harbour mucosal biofilms — bacteria inside these structures are 10–1,000× more resistant to antimicrobials. NAC strips the biofilm's protective matrix. A berberine-based herbal blend plus an enteric-coated essential oil capsule then deliver broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage via two complementary delivery systems — one oral, one targeting the small intestine.
Phase 1 — strip biofilms and suppress methane-producing archaea.
Endotoxin Neutralisation
Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (>50% IgG + IgA, IgM)
Die-off releases bacterial endotoxins (LPS) that drive inflammation and barrier dysfunction. These immunoglobulins bind LPS directly inside the gut lumen — neutralising them before they translocate across the gut barrier. RCT-proven reductions in abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and distension in IBS patients.
Phase 1 — mop up the toxins released during die-off.
Microbial Rebuild
10-strain multi-strain probiotic (30B CFU) + spore-based B. coagulans (4B CFU)
L. rhamnosus GG normalises tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. B. lactis BB-12 specifically improves stool frequency in IBS-C. L. reuteri restores serotonin signalling critical for motility. B. breve and B. longum support the gut-brain axis. Spore-based B. coagulans survives gastric acid intact, germinates in the intestine, and improves bowel regularity.
Phase 2 — restore protective species and motility-supporting strains.
Butyrate-Producer Restoration
Livaux kiwifruit + Pomella pomegranate + digestive enzymes
F. prausnitzii cannot be supplemented as a probiotic — it must be fed. Livaux gold kiwifruit doubles F. prausnitzii abundance (3.4% to 7.0%, p=0.024) via slow-fermenting high-methoxy pectin. Pomella pomegranate provides ellagitannins that gut bacteria convert into urolithin A — a postbiotic that strengthens tight junctions. Digestive enzymes ensure complete upper-GI digestion, reducing the fermentable substrate available to methanogens.
Phase 2 — feed the butyrate producers your gut is missing.
Backed by the gut-brain axis.
From methane dominance to motility restored.
Diagnostic test + Microbiome Doctor consult.
Complete your gut microbiome test. A Microbiome Doctor reviews your results, personalises the protocol to your specific dysbiosis pattern, and — where indicated — prescribes targeted antibiotics to complement the herbal antimicrobials.
Phase 1 — Eradication.
Biofilm disruptor (NAC) strips protective layers from pathogenic bacteria. Two complementary herbal antimicrobials kill exposed methanogens and dysbiotic species. Immunoglobulin powder binds and neutralises the LPS endotoxins released during die-off. Modified Low FODMAP diet reduces the fermentable substrate fuelling methane production.
Phase 2 — Rebuild.
10-strain probiotic (30B CFU) restores Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and motility-supporting strains. Spore-based B. coagulans germinates in the intestine for sustained colonisation. Kiwifruit + pomegranate prebiotic blend feeds F. prausnitzii — your missing butyrate producer. Digestive enzymes prevent fermentable substrate from reaching the colon.
Maintain.
Transition to the Gut Maintain probiotic for a minimum of 6 months. Supplemented probiotic strains decline to baseline within 7-10 days of cessation — daily maintenance is the difference between a temporary improvement and lasting recovery. Continue the GutBiome Restore Diet principles.
Re-test your microbiome.
Repeat your gut microbiome test to objectively validate diversity gains, confirm methanogen suppression, and decide whether continued intervention is warranted. Bristol stool chart improvement from Type 1-2 (hard, lumpy) to Type 3-4 (smooth, soft) is the primary clinical marker.
Questions, answered.
Who is this protocol for?
Adults with constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) — clinically diagnosed or self-identified based on Bristol stool chart Type 1-2 (hard, lumpy), bowel movements less frequent than every other day, chronic bloating, or methane breath test positivity. Also appropriate for patients with slowed gastric transit, abdominal pain, or distension who have not responded to standard fibre + osmotic laxative advice.
Do I need a Microbiome Doctor consult before starting?
Strongly recommended. A consult provides three things: a personalised review of your gut microbiome test (identifying your specific dysbiosis pattern), a protocol calibrated to your findings, and — where indicated — a prescription for targeted antibiotics to complement the herbal antimicrobials. The protocol is designed to be used alongside clinical oversight.
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Possibly, yes. A Jarisch-Herxheimer (die-off) reaction can occur within 24-72 hours of starting Phase 1 as pathogens are killed and endotoxins released. Typical symptoms include temporary fatigue, headaches, mild flu-like feelings, or transient mood changes. This is usually self-resolving within 3-7 days. The immunoglobulin powder is specifically included to neutralise these endotoxins. Contact the clinic if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days or are severe.
Can I take this with my IBS-C medications?
Generally yes. No dangerous interactions have been documented with common IBS-C medications — osmotic laxatives (Movicol, lactulose), antispasmodics (Buscopan, Colofac), or PPIs. Berberine in GI Microb-X may interact with the P450 enzyme system, so always disclose all supplements to your prescribing doctor. Separate supplement intake from prescription medications by 1-2 hours.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Please consult your treating doctor before starting. Some components — including concentrated essential oils (Bactrex), berberine-containing herbs (GI Microb-X), and wormwood — carry pregnancy advisories and are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The immunoglobulin powder (IgGI Shield) and digestive enzymes (ZymeGest) are labelled pregnancy-safe but should still be cleared with your doctor.
Are there any allergens I should know about?
Tree nuts: The herbal antimicrobial blend contains Black Walnut hull — avoid if you have a tree nut allergy. Bovine: The immunoglobulin powder is derived from bovine sources — avoid if you have a dairy allergy (lactose intolerance is typically fine, this is very low lactose). Sulphites: The enteric-coated essential oil blend contains sulphites. Review allergen labels before starting.
Do I have to follow a Low FODMAP diet forever?
No. Strict Low FODMAP eating should last only 2-6 weeks — long-term restriction reduces Bifidobacterium and compromises microbial diversity (FODMAPs are themselves prebiotics). The GutBiome Restore Diet uses a modified Low FODMAP approach during Phase 1, then strategic FODMAP reintroduction during Phase 2 and beyond. The 80/20 principle is the long-term framework.
How long until my bowel movements normalise?
Most patients see substantial improvement in weeks 3-4, after Phase 1 has suppressed methanogens and Phase 2 probiotics and motility-promoting foods take effect. The goal is Bristol Type 3-4 (smooth, soft) — IBS-C patients typically present at Type 1-2 (hard, lumpy). Full microbiome rebalancing takes the complete 28-day program plus 6 months of maintenance. Patients on the 8 or 12 week extended synbiotic variants often report deeper, more sustained results.
Important — general advice only. Information presented on this page is general health information and is not personal medical advice. Always consult your treating practitioner before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised, or taking prescription medications.
Allergens: The herbal antimicrobial blend contains Black Walnut hull — avoid if you have a tree nut allergy. The immunoglobulin powder is derived from bovine sources — avoid if you have a dairy allergy. The enteric-coated essential oil blend contains sulphites and bovine gelatin. Some components carry pregnancy advisories and are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
These products are listed complementary medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Microbiome Clinic has no commercial affiliation with any specific supplement brand included in this protocol — supplements are selected on the basis of clinical evidence alone, in line with the Microbiome Clinic Independence Guarantee.