Lets take a look at what SIBO symptoms and treatment really are.

What is SIBO?

• Definition: SIBO is the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, often a symptom of broader health issues rather than a standalone diagnosis.
• Common Causes: Bacterial imbalance or migration to inappropriate areas within the gut.

Symptoms of SIBO

• Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, and indigestion.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Reduced absorption of nutrients leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
• Systemic Effects: Fatigue, brain fog, and potential hormonal imbalances.
• Other Indicators: Bad breath, greasy stools, food intolerances, and joint pain.

Contributing Factors to SIBO

• Lifestyle and Medical History:
  • Stress
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Food poisoning
  • Past antibiotic use
• Health Conditions:
  • Coeliac disease, Crohn’s, diabetes, liver disease.
  • Conditions leading to slow motility (gastroparesis).
• Environmental Factors:
  • Parasites like Giardia from contaminated water.
  • Heavy metal toxicity.

Types of SIBO

• Hydrogen Dominant: Often associated with diarrhea and fat malabsorption.
• Methane Dominant: Linked to constipation and bloating; sometimes weight gain.
• Hydrogen Sulfide Dominant: Causes diarrhea and sulfur-smelling flatulence.

Testing for SIBO

• Breath Testing: Identifies types and levels of SIBO (hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide).
• Comprehensive Gut Testing: Includes microbiome mapping and intestinal permeability tests for a holistic view.

Approaches to Treatment

• Nutritional and Herbal Interventions:

  • Biofilm disruptors (e.g., Serrapeptase) to expose bacteria.
  • Herbal antimicrobials like oregano oil, garlic, and berberine.

• Dietary Adjustments:

  • Temporarily reduce fermentable carbohydrates and prebiotic-rich foods.
  • Tailored diets for methane or hydrogen dominant SIBO.

• Restoration Phase:

  • Healing the gut lining using supplements like glutamine.