Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which there is an odd increase in the total bacterial population of the small intestines. It occurs when too many bacteria, especially those that are rarely located in the gut or digestive tract, populate the small intestine, resulting in discomfort, indigestion, and the overall inability to absorb food nutrients.
What Are the Symptoms Associated With SIBO?
SIBO symptoms vary but can sometimes be similar to other gastrointestinal conditions. While symptoms vary, you may experience some of the following;
· Abdominal pain
· Nausea
· Bloating and Indigestion
· Abdominal distension
· Gas
· Diarrhea
· Loss of appetite
· Unintentional weight loss
· Fatigue
Who Is at Risk For SIBO?
a. Advanced Age
b. Deficient and Compromised Immunity
c. Medical Procedures: Abdominal surgery, and radiation exposure can result in structural problems in the small intestine.
d. Metabolic Diseases
e. Celiac Disease
f. Other gastrointestinal conditions can result in SIBO by affecting intestinal motility or creating structural issues in the small intestine. Some of these conditions include Lupus, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic renal failure, pancreatitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What Are Some Common Causes Of SIBO?
The causes of SIBO are often uncertain even to healthcare practitioners. However, some causative factors that contribute to the occurrence of this condition include;
· Dysbiosis: This condition occurs when there is an imbalance in the microbiome of an individual due to the presence of excess harmful species of microorganisms or microbes that are not sufficiently beneficial to health.
· Low motility: When an individual experiences low motility, this results in the fermentation of food in the small intestine, hence the occurrence of SIBO.
· Alcohol Abuse: Unregulated intake of alcohol can greatly damage the microbiome, and the intestinal walls and also result in inflammation risks.
· Hypochlorhydria: Poor acid secretion in the stomach provides bacteria with adequate conditions to proliferate and migrate into the digestive tract
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· People who have undergone gastrectomy, autoimmune gastritis, or taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may be at a greater risk of experiencing SIBO.
What Are the Complications Of SIBO?
If left untreated, SIBO may result in mild diarrhea and vitamin deficiencies. It also occurs in severe cases of malabsorption, and neuropathies due to fat-soluble deficiencies. In most cases, complications of SIBO are evident as many patients experience unintentional weight loss. This is why immediate diagnosis and treatment is required.
How Is SIBO Diagnosed?
To adequately diagnose SIBO, doctors may review the past and present medical reports of the patient and may feel the abdomen for signs of gas or bloating. If they suspect SIBO, they may recommend the following tests:
· Breath testing
· Glucose vs lactose breath testing
· Small bowel aspirate and culture
· Blood test to detect autoimmunity or inflammation
· Stool analysis
· Mobility testing
What foods should be eliminated to manage SIBO?
· Fruits: fruit mangoes, pears, peaches, watermelon, apples, fruit juices, high-fructose corn syrup, processed sugars products, and corn syrup
· Most dairy products to include soft cheeses and cow’s milk
· Certain veggies like asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
· Whole grain bread, wheat, oatmeal, and high carbohydrates foods (white bread, rice, and pasta)
· Beans/legumes and soy
· Sugars and sweeteners to include sorbitol, isomalt, and lactitol
What foods could be added to help manage SIBO?
· Wild-caught salmon
· Fermented soybeans/nattokinase
· Apple cider vinegar
· Kimchi / sauerkraut
· Garlic
· Leafy greens
· Carrots
· Green bananas
· Blueberries
· Strawberries
What supplements can help manage SIBO?
Probiotics. More than 80% of people taking a probiotic report clinical improvement in SIBO symptoms. These are live microorganisms containing “good bacteria“ that can bring about balance in the gut Microbiome. Regular consumption of fermented foods is associated with good health and longevity. Fermented foods, when eaten regularly, have been used to treat digestive illnesses for centuries. Probiotics may also be useful in treating disorders like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Berberine. Berberine is a bioactive compound found naturally in many plants. It has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine to help promote weight loss and enhance blood sugar regulations. Importantly, berberine has antibacterial properties which helps to eliminate harmful bacteria from the gut microbiome and enhance the growth of more healthy bacteria.
Lemon Balm Oil. This has high levels of rosmarinic acid which has high antioxidant and high antimicrobial properties. Lemon balm oil is known to help flush harmful toxins and bacteria from the gastrointestinal system before they become problematic.
Oregano. Oregano contains high levels of carvacrol and thymol which are both known to help protect against gastrointestinal toxins. These are powerful antioxidants which protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. These are both effective methods of treating SIBO.
Other Supplements to add:
· Vitamin B12
· Vitamin D3/K2
· Iron
· Zinc
What Happens If SIBO Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, SIBO can result in nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, kidney stones, decrease fat absorption, unintentional weight loss, and dehydration. These mostly end up affecting many aspects of health, including a person's energy level, hormones as well as mental health. In some cases, it can cause stress, anxiety, and poor mood.
Self-Care Tips:
The most important thing to remember about SIBO is that you now have the same bacteria in the small intestines, as you would typically find in the colon. These conditions may worsen, especially if the stomach acid production is abnormally elevated. Stomach acid often kills bacteria that does not belong in the stomach or small intestine regions. That being said, proton pump inhibitors are a very common associated cause.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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