SIBO 101: Symptoms, Causes & Holistic Treatments for Better Gut Health
If you experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or even unexplained fatigue—you may be dealing with a condition known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO occurs when there’s an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to a wide range of gastrointestinal issues.
But what exactly causes this imbalance? And more importantly, how can you address it?
In this blog, we’ll explore what SIBO is, its symptoms, causes, testing methods and Holistic treatment options to help you gain a better understanding of this condition and how you can work towards improving your gut health.
Symptoms of SIBO:
- Bloating, burping, or gas after meals
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty digesting proteins
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nutrient deficiencies
What Causes SIBO:
- Impaired Gut Motility: The digestive system relies on specific movements (called peristalsis) to move food and bacteria through the intestines. If this movement is slowed or disrupted, bacteria can accumulate in the small intestine, causing SIBO.
- Low Stomach Acid: Stomach acid helps kill harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. If your stomach acid is low, harmful bacteria may survive and travel up into the small intestine, where they shouldn’t be.
- Intestinal Structural Issues: Things like surgery, or other structural problems in the gut can cause areas where bacteria can gather and thrive;promoting the overgrowth associated with SIBO.
- Dysbiosis: Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut’s natural microbiome, where harmful bacteria or yeast overtake the good bacteria. This imbalance can lead to SIBO and other digestive problems.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autoimmune diseases, or diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing SIBO. In fact, SIBO is commonly seen in people with IBS, where symptoms often overlap.
How is SIBO Tested:
If you suspect you might have SIBO, you’re probably wondering how to confirm it. Testing for SIBO can be done through:
- Breath Tests: This is the most common way to test for SIBO. During a breath test, you’ll consume a special sugar solution (like lactulose or glucose), and then measure the gases produced by the bacteria in your small intestine. Elevated levels of hydrogen or methane gases indicate an overgrowth of bacteria, confirming the diagnosis.
- GI Map: A GI Map or stool test is another beneficial functional test that can detect if you may have SIBO and opportunistic overgrowth of commensal bacteria. Confirmation of this would be through a breath test.
GI MAP Test Kit
Treatment Protocols for SIBO:
If you’ve been diagnosed with SIBO, don’t worry—there are ways to treat it! The treatment often involves a combination of dietary changes, antibiotics, and supplements:
- Antibiotics: The most common medications prescribed to treat SIBO are antibiotics. These antibiotics are targeted and designed to only affect the gut bacteria, minimizing side effects.
- Dietary Changes: The low FODMAP diet is commonly recommended for people with SIBO. FODMAPs are a group of fermentable carbohydrates that can feed bacteria in the small intestine. By reducing these foods, you can help limit bacterial fermentation and ease symptoms.
- Herbal Treatments: Some people prefer to use herbal antibiotics like oregano oil, berberine, or garlic extract as natural alternatives to pharmaceutical antibiotics. These can also help reduce bacterial overgrowth but may take longer to work.
- Gut Healing: After treating SIBO, it’s important to focus on restoring healthy gut flora. Taking probiotics can help repopulate your gut with beneficial bacteria, and digestive enzymes can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Addressing Underlying Conditions: Since SIBO often happens alongside other health conditions, it’s essential to address any root causes, such as IBS, stress, gut motility issues, or other imbalances, to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Should You Book a Discovery Call?
If you suspect you may be dealing with SIBO and want personalized guidance on how to regain balance in your digestive health, let’s chat!
Together we can explore your symptoms, potential causes, and create a personalized plan to guide you towards a healthier gut and a more comfortable digestive experience.
Book a free 20-minute discovery call today and take the first step toward better gut health!