What is SIBO

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There may be something lurking within your gut, when and where you least expect it.

You’re probably already in tune with keeping the large intestine healthy, balanced and well- populated with good bacteria (got probiotics?).

But, what about the health of the small intestine that is located before it in the digestive tract?

The truth is, this is where the serious business of nutrient absorption happens before the waste products are sent through to the large intestine or bowel to be expelled.

As you can imagine, there’s quite a slippery slope that ensues when the flora in this critical stretch of digestive highway goes out of balance.

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What is SIBO and what are the symptoms?

At its most basic level, SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is when bacteria or other microorganisms, good or bad, grow out of control in the small intestine – an area that would normally have a low bacterial count, as compared to the large intestine.

Microorganisms setting up shop in this area (colonization) end up damaging the cells lining the small intestine. This is otherwise known as leaky gut or an increase in intestinal permeability.

This, in turn, impairs the digestive process and overall absorption of nutrients which exacerbate nutritional deficiencies, allow toxins, pathogens and undigested protein molecules to enter the bloodstream that then cause widespread inflammation, food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, and other immune reactions.

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The most common symptoms of SIBO are:

 

  • Malabsorption issues and malnutrition (ex. low iron)
  • Weight loss (or gain)
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Abdominal bloating or distention
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Acid reflux or heartburn (GERD)
  • Excessive gas or belching
  • Constipation and/or diarrhea
  • Systemic bodily symptoms include headache, fatigue, joint/muscle pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Skin issues like rashes, acne, eczema and rosacea

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As mentioned, one of the biggest concerns with SIBO is that essential nutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fats aren’t being properly absorbed, causing deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, calcium and in the fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K.

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What causes SIBO?

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According to experts, the causes are not clearly defined but contributing factors to being diagnosed with SIBO can include:

  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Injury to the bowel and any type of intestinal obstruction
  • Recent abdominal surgery
  • Poor digestive function – low stomach acid, underactive gallbladder and pancreas, reduced enzyme output
  • IBS-alters gut motility causing bacteria to stay in the gut instead of being eliminated via the stool
  • lleo-cecal valve dysfunction
  • Migrating motor complex (MMC) dysfunction
  • Crohn’s, Diverticulosis Colitis and Diabetes (ANS)
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Fructose malabsorption

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Celiac disease is also associated with an increased risk for developing SIBO, and can be of particular concern, as it disturbs gut motility leading to poor functioning of the small intestine.

Another common conditions associated with SIBO is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. As a matter fact, studies have found that SIBO occurs simultaneously in more than half of all cases of IBS.

It has even been reported that successful elimination of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine resolves symptoms of IBS too.

The use of certain medications, including immunosuppressant medications, and proton pump inhibitors (acid reflux medications) as well as heavy metal toxicity, low stomach acid, inflammatory diets, and yep, you guessed it, stress – are all thought to be contributors as well.

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How can you test for SIBO?

It is typically diagnosed using a breath test in which the patient drinks a sugar-containing drink and exhaled gases are measured.

If there are too many bacteria, excess gases (hydrogen, methane or both) will be produced. It should be noted that the reliability of this test is considered less than ideal, but it’s one of the only methods available at this time.

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What’s the treatment for it?

Most holistic health practitioners advise adhering strictly to the “SIBO diet” for at least 2 weeks – which may include any (or all) of the following protocols:

  • Herbal antibiotics, including oregano oil, customized to your case
  • A low FODMAP, GAPS and/or AIP diet; unfortunately, this includes avoiding garlic & onions
  • Stress management; yes, this can help heal your gut!
  • Maintenance after the SIBO protocol with repopulating the good bacteria using probiotics, prebiotics and intestinal healing

In more severe or persistent cases, a prescription antibiotic may be needed to get the overgrowth under control.

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Where to start?

Chronic digestive problems require an individualized approach designed with your specific root causative factors in mind. To get started, you can contact Annaliisa for a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet to see what your next steps to optimal digestive wellness are.

Please use this link to book in or send her an email here.  

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