Saturday Trivia!
What organ in your body is a rebel against authority? The only one that can get things done without being bossed around by the brain?
Photo Credit – iStockPhoto.com
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The Gut
Yep, it acts as its own brain and doesn't wait for anyone to tell it to do its digestion work. No other organ, not even our heart, can pull that off
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Today, a continuation of a short series about SIBO
Part I covered what SIBO is and highlighted the amazing set of janitors that work overtime to keep our small intestines neat and tidy. They have a big job!
Photo Credit – Glasbergen.com
Primary Symptoms of SIBO
While SIBO has several symptoms that overlap with other conditions, there are certainly some that are big red flags
Do you bloat or experience some level of GI discomfort after eating foods with sugar, fiber, starches, prebiotics/probiotics, fiber supplements, fructans, or galactans?
Do you have loose stools?
Are you often constipated (defined as one or less bowel movements every day)
Do you go back and forth between #2 and #3?
Do you experience belching, heartburn/acid reflux/GERD, or abdominal pain/cramping and nausea?
Are you carbohydrate sensitive or intolerant?
Photo Credit – NPR – Morning Edition – Gut Bacteria Might Guide the Workings of Our Minds
Secondary Symptoms
It's amazing how, when something is off in our gut, the effects are felt throughout our entire body. Other symptoms to keep an eye out for
Brain fog – Because of the gut/brain connection, people who are dealing with SIBO are also experiencing some level of brain fog. Why? The gut and the brain are far more connected than we think and work together in the most beautiful of partnerships.
Did you know? 90%(!) of our brain's output heads down the vagus nerve (through the spinal column) and into the gut's nervous system tissue, before coming right back up. When there's a gut problem, there's a brain problem. When there's a brain problem, there's a gut problem.
Increased food sensitivities
Increased allergies
Fatigue and headaches – It's very common that people with SIBO are dealing with fatigue. Even chronic fatigue if they've had SIBO for quite some time. In part because vitamin B12 is a common deficiency associated with SIBO, and B12 plays a significant role in our body's energy production
Joint pain – There are inflammatory receptors throughout our bodies. Therefore, when there's inflammation in the gut, it can lead to an inflammatory state in the entire body. Which, in turn, will lead to a whole host of aches and pains, especially for people who are dealing with this chronically
If not dealt with, the inflammation can even lead to an autoimmune disease
Photo Credit: Glasbergen.com
Malabsorption problems and nutrient deficiencies – Fat-soluble vitamins are of special concern, especially any of the B vitamins, including vitamin B12, folate, B6, and even iron
Readers of The Veggies know how to feed ourselves well. We know it's best to focus on good quality organic foods, grass-fed protein sources, organic fruits, and veggies. But if our blood tests show a different story, one of being malnourished, SIBO could be a bigger cause to consider
Iron deficiency anemia – A special note about iron. If someone is deficient in iron, this is really a deal breaker as far as health is concerned. Until it's dealt with, it will be next to impossible to restore balance to the body
Typically, when an iron deficiency is recognized, people are given an iron supplement, and it makes a lot of sense if you think about it. The problem is that taking a supplement isn't going to do much if they have SIBO or some other underlying factor that's inhibiting their body's ability to absorb and assimilate the iron
SIBO's ties to other conditions
It's found in
9.3% of people with Celiac
66% of people who have Celiac with persistent symptoms
53% of people who regularly use antacids
78% of people diagnosed with IBS
33% of people with chronic diarrhea
34% of people with pancreatitis
15% of the elderly population
90% of alcoholics
At this point you might be asking yourself, why in the world would it develop? What can you do to prevent it?
( to be continued .. )
Photo Credit – Unknown
During this series, I'll be featuring recipes that follow the low FODMAP diet, which is often recommended to someone recovering from SIBO
A simple soup I've had on repeat as of late. Nothing fancy, just chicken bone broth and eggs, with a spring twist.
It's so easy to make that it really is the sort of thing you can summon the will to cook, even on busy weeknights. I started making regular egg drop soup this past winter when I wasn't feeling well. Nostalgia for a soup my husband and I always pick up for each other when we're under the weather
In this version, parmesan and eggs are whisked together and poured into the bubbling broth. It may seem ordinary, but I chose it precisely because it is so simple and so good. Elevated for Spring with peas and radishes
The result is phenomenal
Enjoy!
xoxo
ps: You can read more about SIBO in Part I | Part III | Part IV | Part V of the series, along with a list of references used
(Gut Trivia – via Mental Floss)
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~ Adapted from Gourmet | February 2002
Egg Drop Soup (For Spring)
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken bone broth or stock (low sodium)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sherry
- 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 2 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen carrots
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1-2 oz grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
- 1 - 2 scallions thinly sliced + more for garnish
- 1 tsp Asian sesame oil (or to taste)
- 4 small radishes, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cornstarch Slurry
- Reserve ½ cup of the stock and mix with the cornstarch until dissolved
- Soup
- In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, add the stock, soy sauce, Sherry, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a low boil
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir; reduce heat to a simmer
- Remove ginger and garlic with a slotted spoon and discard. (optional, I like to leave them in)
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots before returning to a simmer
- Crack eggs into a bowl and beat lightly with a whisk. Now, whisk the Parmesan cheese into the eggs
- To avoid clumps that make the soup seem more like failed scrambled eggs than a delicate broth, pour the egg mixture into the hot stock in a really thin stream, stirring the soup in a clockwise direction with a wooden spoon. The eggs will spread out into pretty ribbons.
- Promptly pull the pot off the heat when finished
- Portion soup into bowls and top with additional scallions, radishes, and an extra sprinkle or two of grated parmesan
91 Comments
I like to add an egg into most of my impromptu noodle soups. I put a raw egg in a plastic sandwich bag, seal it, squish it with my hand to mix (the fun part), cut the bottom tip, and let it slowly stream out into my simmering soup while I stir. 🙂
Very informative, I was not really aware of SIBO until now with details that you provided. Great facts and recipe too. I love soup and I won’t hesitate to have one in any meal.
I’ve seen egg drop soup on the menu in Asian restaurants for years, but judged it based on the name without really knowing what it was. Now that I do, it sounds delicious and I have to try some.
I hadn’t known of SIBO until I read it symptoms and I can tell that I might be a victim now that I get too much heart burns at times..especially after taking bean recipes. But I’m glad that I’ve seen this as soon. The egg soup is not a hard recipe to prepare the next time I’m feeling those heart burns. I’m definitely pinning this!
I knew nothing about SIBO until I read your posts. I have experienced GERD at times lately so I’ve been watching what I eat. I definitely need to try your egg drop soup recipe. It looks delicious.
More and more people are complaining about gut problems. I didn’t know the name was SIBO. Think just about everyone would have some problems in this area. I blame it on the processed foods we eat.
I’ve never had a soup like this, and I like the contrast between the ingredients and the fresh radishes and scallions. I have never heard of SIBO, but it sounds a lot like IBS or other issues, I’m sure all of which are tied together in response to certain foods.
I haven’t heard much about SIBO. As far as I know, I don’t have issues, but who knows down the line?
This is my kind of soup. I’ve always enjoyed an egg drop soup. Yours looks better than anything you can get in a Chinese restaurant.
I’ve never heard of SIBO before. I have family and friends who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and IBS and the discomfort so I wonder if it’s in the same family of illnesses. I’m not a fan of egg drop soup but my husband loves the stuff. I may just have to make your recipe for him.
I’m not familiar with SIBO. I know digestive issues can be challenging, my youngest has Celiac disease. I’ve never seen egg drop soup that looked like that, yours is much prettier than what I’ve seen.
I am lucky I don’t have any of the hallmarks of SIBO but i know so many who do and need to know about this. My son loves egg drop soup and I will try and make it for him at home. I love the special touches you give it.
Wow, I had no idea what SIBO was! Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I always get the egg drop soup in the Chinese restaurants before my meal. It tastes so good! I can’t wait to try to make it at home!
For years i had issues with bloat and other tummy trouble. I have been avoiding dairy and eating healthier over the past six months and now I feel great.
This is great information to know. This recipe looks delicious and savory. Can’t wait to give it a try.
This is a very informative article and I had no idea about SIBO until now. Though I am very bad with all these chemical and biological combinations, I could understand a little because you explained it so well. As far as the recipe is concerned, I will definitely give it a try.
I don’t think I’ve ever had SIBO myself, not something I’ve heard about but it’s great to be aware of what ca be eaten by those recovering from it. The soup sounds interesting and similar to the chicken and sweetcorn soup I get from the Chinese restaurant.
I have never heard of SIBO before I read this. Very informative. And that soup looks yummy. `
My husband and I did Whole30 a few years ago, and I couldn’t believe how much better I felt! The gut really does play a key part in our well being. We have watched our diet since then, and it has been helpful.
I am confident that you will pull through this “set back” with flying colors. You are a person that can take an obstacle and turn it into a coffee table. I mean look what you did with SIBO, this post is practically genius!
I have to admit I’ve never heard of SIBO’s before, but WOW how common is it in some groups of people. I may have to look into it more.
We love egg drop soup at home. I didn’t know that you can put cheese in it. I would try that next time I make some.
Egg drop soup is one of my favorite soups. I love seaweed tofu egg drop soup with a chicken broth base. So good! I’ll give your recipe a try tonight as I have all the ingredients on hand. 🙂
I love how you are education with us with SIBO- this recipe sounds delicious and easy to make!
I knew nothing about SIBO before ready this post. I’ll need to have a closer look. Also, this soup is so intriguing. I never had a soup like that before and really want to try the recipe!
Interesting, I really enjoyed reading about SIBO. This soup sounds delicious! I would love to try it!
Dear Ali: You are the best. I love your recipes and the way you take care of us so they all turn out so perfectly.
Wow, now this SIBO sounds even more like what my son has. I am going to try looking more up and ask his doctor. He is chronologically 35 but does not communicate for his age. He has the constipation, diarrhea sometimes, gird like symptoms that his internal doctor gives him 2 pills a day for. He also constantly has side pain, chest pain and sometimes pain in weird places.
Wow what a great article! My daughter deals with a lot of these issues so I am sending the link to her! I did not know of SIBO but I did know of leaky gut and other health issues you listed.
And here I thought I came for the egg drop soup!
My mother loves this soup and I can’t wait to make her your recipe!
This soup recipe looks incredible, I didn’t expect myself to crave something just by looking at the picture. I have never tried this soup but I definitely want to now. I learned a lot reading through your post, didn’t know SIBO was a thing, I got distracted and googled it further to read up on it.
It pays to understand more of this because gut health is really important. It can affect our whole being without us even knowing it. These are symptoms that we should be taking note of in case because SIBO is not something you’d easily think of as a cause.
Oh we have had our fair share of gut issues in our house. Seems like an ongoing battle. Not fun. I have never tried Egg Drop Soup – usually if we go out for Chinese food I get wonton soup. After reading this recipe I am excited to try it now.
Egg Drop Soup is such a comfort food. When I’m making a quick ramen soup for lunch, I remove the cooked noodles from the pan when they are done, and then stir a beaten egg into the simmering broth. I then pour it over the cooked ramen. It’s a different take on the egg drop soup, but it does add some protein to the meal.
Also, for those who are reluctant to add corn starch, try to find potato starch (katakuriko) in an Asian store. I lived in Japan for three years and noticed that katakuriko was more commonly used as a thickening agent than corn starch.
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of research on gut health so I have to add this recipe to my list of things to make
I only started thinking about gut health after my husband’s mom passed away from cancer. It is very important to pay attention to what we eat. This recipe is definitely something I am interested in trying and hopefully my husband will like it.
I LOVE Egg Drop Soup but have never made it before!! I need to try this for myself! YUM!
I have a friend who would really love to read this. She has a lot of these gut problems. Also, the soup looks delicious!
I sometimes have a lot of these conditions. I wonder if I should be checked out for SIBO!
I work in EMS and we see a lot of patients who often present with these systems and we must never forget to ask about the “gut” it does play such a huge role in our everyday function. We have had patients call saying all they felt was just an awful feeling of being “full” but them being so tuned into their own body is what saved him. I do love your blog post and recipes, you not only offer a recipe (which is gut healthy and sounds yummy) but explain why it is so important for us to pay attention to signs we may be experiencing.
I never heard abut SIBO, until now. Thanks for pointing this out and its symptoms… take care!
When I read this I was a little concerned but after reading this post it just sounds so delicious! Yet another great recipe
To be honest I did not have any idea about SIBO and your post was right on time to awake me! Thank you for all the information provided… it seems I have reading to do! And about your recipe? I am huge fan of soups (and not only during Winter) so I will definately give it a try
This was the first time I’ve heard of SIBO. When you stated that “Fatigue and headaches – It’s very common that people with SIBO are dealing with fatigue. ” It made me think that many people are probably suffering from this but are unaware of it by name. The vitamins that you mentioned are very important and the overall post was informative.
I had never heard of SIBO but I have a lot of the symptoms. I am very aware now it is something I need to look more in to. I can relate to brain fog and fatigue. I just push through thinking I’m exhausted from a busy schedule but with the other symptoms I need to look more at this. The egg drop soup looks amazing. I love egg drop soup so I’m sure to make this one.
I love how you combine your information on SIBO every time with a useful relative recipe. “he Gut can’t be bossed” is such an interesting perspective! Never thought about it before. I love my broth and am gonna make it right away. Thanks for this yum soup and information on SIBO.
Good you shared the primary and secondary symptoms of SIBO. I didn’t know any of these until now. I love the sound of this Egg Drop Soup recipe. It would be great to try it this spring.
This was such an informative post, I didn’t know much about SIBO before reading your posts but it sounds like it can cause so much hassle. Your soup recipe looks and sounds really delicious, definitely one to try in the spring!
I really need to take a closer look at your post, I had to translate some to Hebrew as I found this topic so interesting, I’m very much into the connection between our food and possible disease and the possible way to eat more healthy and protect our body with healthy ingredient of food, thank you
Oh my gosh to think our guts has its own brain, but when you think about it, you are very right. Takes a long time for our brain to catch up to our gut, if that was the case and it could, we would be able to control indigestion.
Ooh! The gut is the brain teaser! lol! But yes, you are absolutely right. A lot of illnesses can start there!
Yum to this super delicious egg drop soup!
Thank you for raising awareness. I did not know that issues with the brain can also cause issues with the gut. We really must listen to what our bodies are telling us before things get worse inside.
I’ve never tried this – to eat or to make. But it looks so healthy and delicious. I’ll have to test out making it at home sometime! 🙂
These are precious information that you are sharing with us! it’s true a lot of people are suffering with different health problems. We really have to take care of ourselves by being more vigilant on the food. Eating healthy and exercise is really the key to it. Great work!
Based on the symptoms, I think my mom has SIBO. My husband has gluten sensitivities so he’s decided he’s going for the ketogenic diet. So far, it’s working out well for him. At home, we stay away from cooking food with carbs.
I have some stomach issues like IBS and an acid reflux which does mean that I have sensitivities to some foods, so it is possible that I do have some traits of this SIBO syndrome. Especially as I do get brain fog a lot which is not always pleasant, but a good diet of spring time eggs sounds like a good remedy. I do have a few eggs to spare as well so I might try and rustle up some bits to create a veggie version of your ‘egg drop soup!
It’s amazing how are diets can effect us. Diets effect our mood, our stamina and even our long term health. It’s good to know what SIBO is. I’ll haft to get some further research on the subject. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
This looks wonderful. My oldest daughter has a very sensitive stomach and I bet this would be great for her. I’m all for a new recipe that’s good for us and easy to prepare. We order Chinese often but my oldest daughter only eats the soup – I’m sure she will love this new recipe in our home!
These symptoms are going to help loads of people figure out if there’s anything wrong with their bodies. Our gut has a brain of its own without a doubt and that’s why we have to take good care of it. Love the informative series that you’re sharing with us continuously.
Thank you for this very informative post on SIBO. Although I don’t have full blown Celiac I do have NCGS, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and had to go gluten free almost two years ago. So I’m always on the hunt for gluten free recipes. I love Egg Drop Soup and I love all the extra spring inspired ingredients added to this soup. I’m looking forward to trying this one out!?
When I saw the title of this post about egg drop soup I did not expect to see the symptoms of SIBO. There os a lot of information here that I will re-read over and over again. Thank you for this great info and yummy recipe!
I didn’t know about SIBO until now. Thank you for enlighting me and also the fact that gut acts as its brain. I have always hesistant the eye drop soup in Chinese resturnats for some reason. This recipe sounds yummy. I need to give it a try
Wow, what a great article. I guess since we have no allergies in our household, I didn’t know much about SIBO. I love soups and radishes 🙂 so this is definitely a recipe I’m going to save and try out in the near future.
Dinner. Tonight. Done. I’m so glad I procrastinated and stopped here before getting down to work!
I’ve never tried to make egg drop soup myself but it sounds like a nice change from plain old chicken noodle when you aren’t feeling good. As someone with a very unpredictable digestive system (sometimes works great, sometimes is super picky), I will have to try your FODMAP recipes.
Wow this was literally like somebody wrote down all of my symptoms and issues! I definitely feel that this is something I need to try, I am off to google FODMAP recipes and am saving this as a favourite! Thank you!
This brings back so many childhood memories… my grandma (in Austria) used to make this for us as a quick snack which she always had the ingredients for… it had nothing Chinese, though, just plain stock and some egg dropped into it!
It used to be the perfect remedy after illness as well.
I was indeed aware about SIBO and heart burns, but not at all how these simple recipes as Egg drop soup can be beneficial when you have one. My sis was last night suffering and I’m sure I need to pass your recipe’s for SIBO series to her , to help her out. Thanks Alison:)
I found reading about SIBO very interesting ad my knowledge about it was limited, following your posts to know more. The soup looks great simplicity at its best.
When I clicked I thought I was just getting a recipe, not a science lesson! I found this fascinating! We have chickens so, I’m always looking for new things to make with eggs at home!Thanks for both!
I have to try this. It looks so delish. I have to buy some of the ingredients though.
I am loving SIBO series as these recipes not only look delicious but are healthy too. I am going to try this recipe but I am only concerned about the dropping of egg mixture in the soup. Can I just turn off the heat and then pour it in the soup or the soup should be on the low flame?
My hubby is Chinese so we love and eat lots of egg drop soup! Yours looks delicious!! I also had knew nothing about SIBO so thanks for teaching me something new! 🙂
Egg drop soup is one of my favorites when we eat Chinese. I don’t know why I never thought to make it at home. Thanks for the recipe!
This looks so amazingly delicious oh my lord!!!
Hi Alison. Never heard of SIBO before reading this. Just bought sesame oil for the first time. I’ve always been told that Japanese sesame oil is the highest in quality. Hope to use it soon.
What a yummy soup and this looks so perfect for spring! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Hi! Very interesting indeed! My sister has been suffering from gut problems for years. It started with belching a lot, then sensitivity to foods, pain etc. She has never mentioned SIBO. I will send her this! Thank you!
It’s interesting to hear that the gut is it’s own rebel. I wonder whether when we intuitively knew this when we came up with phrases like I had a gut feeling about this. Or something like that anyway. As for the egg drop soup, it’s always one of my favorites to have at a restaurant. I will have to try this out. Looks yummy.
I had to close up my neighbor’s chickens for the night and found 2 little eggs, I also had some chicken broth that I made for chicken soup and used it. Very tasty and easy. 🙂
Made some tonight – thanks so much for the inspiration! We loved it. 🙂
For as long as I can remember, my mom has made me egg drop soup when I’m sick. However, I had no idea it was an Asian dish until I started seeing it on menus when I moved to Boston a few years ago. I still make it the way my mom does, which is probably sacrilege to some but it hits the spot! You need:
water
1 packet Lipton dry soup secrets chicken noodle mix
1 or 2 eggs
Bring five cups of water to a boil, add the packet of soup mix, and cook at a boil for five minutes. While this is going, scramble your egg or two in a small bowl with a fork and during the last minute of cooking, pour the egg in and use the fork to stir it into the soup. Voila, egg drop soup, white suburban mom style! 😉
This recipe was awesome! First soup meal I made from scratch. I added some Chow Mein Noodles to it (I know, they’re bad for you too, but I couldn’t resist!). I loved this meal so much, I ended up having two servings.
I just made this tonight for me and my boyfriend. He went gaga over it. We finished the entire pot. Paired with the fresh spring rolls we made it was a great meal.
I can’t wait to make it again. I’m going to try adding tofu and bamboo. Yum!
Easy and delicious! Great soup on a snowy night with fresh bread and lots of butter! Thanks!
I was feeling like egg-drop soup tonight (it’s minus 15 outside) and I came across this wonderful recipe. I added a thinly sliced carrot, snow peas and a small amount of chicken, plus all of the other ingredients. It was delicious! Loved the technique of eggs-in-a-bag to drizzle.
This looks so amazingly delicious oh my lord!!!
My husband woke up with a craving for egg drop soup! After looking through various recipes, I chose yours ~ DELICIOUS and simple! We varied just a tinge, tho’, based on what we had in the house: used chicken broth, (2 cans), with a 1/4 cube of chix bullion, sliced some pickled ginger that we had in the frig into julienne strips and “shaved” the remnants of a yellow onion, along with fresh button mushrooms. The flavor was incredible–thank you for posting this! I can’t wait to make it being true to your recipe. Simply delicious! So simple that adding anything else would ruin it! Just stick to the recipe!! Thanks so much!
I have made this soup numerous times for my best friend–she LOVES egg drop soup! It doesn’t freeze well but it does keep well in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
I made this in a flurry of inspiration last night – it’s wonderful! Thanks Ali, a year or so late. 🙂
My neighbor showed me your blog my freshman year of college (I was in a food writing class) and I’ve recently found you again, which I’m so glad about!
Miso-broth egg drop soup, with a little sesame oil, and sliced green onions. When I feel naughty, I add an extra poached egg in each bowl. The miso gives it a little kick and mega flavor without overpowering the egg.
I made this soup tonight for the family, paired with Chinese Chicken Salad. Very yummy and not too heavy. I made a Mexican soup last week and my “Mexican” husband said he enjoyed this one better… 🙂
My aunt is a bit picky with her egg drop soup. Doesn’t like it ‘cloudy’ and to avoid that, she never adds the yolk, just the whites. xo