If you struggle with bloating, diarrhea or constipation, it is likely that you have been
diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). You may have tried cleaning
up your diet, taking a probiotic and stopping antibiotics, but perhaps you noticed that your
symptoms still have not improved. It is possible that the cause of your symptoms are
due to an underlying gut imbalance called Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Research suggested that over 70% of people diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO.
What is SIBO?
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is defined as an increase in the
number of bacteria, and types of bacteria present in the small
bowel. In most cases, SIBO is not caused by a single type of bacteria, but rather an
overgrowth of the various types of bacteria that should normally be found in the
colon. Your large intestine houses most of your gut microbiome and very little bacteria should be present in the small intestine. So when bacteria, whether too many or the
wrong types, are found in the small intestine, it can wreak havoc on your digestive system causing bloating, cramping pain and even nutritional deficiencies.
Signs and Symptoms of SIBO
Bloating and abdominal discomfort
This can occur after eating and other times as well. For example, some patients notice that they will wake up feeling bloated while others will noticing bloating a few hours after eating.
Constipation or diarrhea
Stomach pain and cramping, usually in the upper abdominal area.
Feeling worse after eating fibre. For example, if you have tried adding flaxseeds or
psyllium husk to your diet (which can be very good for gut health) but noticed bloating or cramping got worse after consuming.
Nausea and vomiting
In some severe cases of SIBO. This usually also suggests that there are issues around liver function and bile production.
Brain fog and fatigue.
SIBO can have a systemic effect on your body
and not only affect your digestion.
Chronically low iron or low b12.
Anemia is known to be one of the manifestations of SIBO. If you have tried increasing or supplementing iron and still experience symptoms .
A past history of these factors can put you at RISK for developing SIBO :
Food poisoning
Gallbladder Removal
Low stomach acid
Prone to heartburn
H.pylori
Irritable bowel syndrome
Celiac disease (long-standing)
Crohn’s disease
Prior bowel surgery
Diabetes (type I and type II)
Multiple courses of antibiotics
How Can I Test to see if I have SIBO?
SIBO is best diagnosed through a breath test. The test will require you to
drink either lactulose and glucose to measure the gases produced by bacteria in your small intestine.
How is SIBO Treated?
SIBO is treated by eradicating the bacteria in the small intestine with combination antibiotics or antimicrobials and temporarily changing your diet to ensure that microbiomes are eliminated and not fed. Following a Paleo or FODMAPS diet is recommended when healing SIBO.
Addressing the root cause of SIBO is also imperative. For example, factors such as chronic antibiotic usage, liver congestion, and abnormal peristalsis (muscle contractions of your digestive tract that allow you to digest your food) may be the underlying factors of your illness.
Now It’s Your Turn
Do you suffer from any of the symptoms or markers of SIBO?
Do you think you could have SIBO, but aren’t fully sure?
Or do you have unresolved questions about the health of your gut?
Contact me, Dr. Naomi Demian, Naturopathic Doctor for a FREE 15 min phone consultation today.
Or Please email us at [email protected] and book a free 15 min meet and greet phone consultation. Get in touch about ways to improve your gut health today.