SIBO… WHAT IS IT? SUPPORT YOUR GUT HEALTH NATURALLY
- michellepick5andpr
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
-Michelle Tonkin ND
SIBO is a term which stands for “Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.”
It is now estimated that between 2.5 – 22% of the population deal with this condition.Our bodies are filled with all kinds of good and bad bacteria. Unfortunately in the case with SIBO it means that foreign bacteria have taken up residence in the small intestine, bacteria that are not normally found there, this is known as blind loop syndrome. These bad guys can do a number on your gut creating byproducts of gas from carbohydrate conversion as well as stealing B12, beneficial proteins, and bile salts which aid in digestion of fats.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
All of this digestion impairment can lead to either losing potential nutrients like calcium or fat-soluble vitamins or malnutrition from absorption issues. If the condition becomes chronic, then deficiencies can be the result which can in time cause damage to your nervous system or bones.
Be on the lookout…
If you start to notice some bowel changes when you go # 2, you could be dealing with this type of bacterial overgrowth, especially if its happening on a consistent basis and not a once in a blue moon (like if you ate something unusual for you or a fatty meal etc).
A SIBO stool can cause issues with fat absorption and breakdown of carbohydrates. So it might present as oily, smell awful, or float.
Other things to watch out for:
• Soft, loose and watery poop.
• Mucus in your poop.
• Thin and pencil-like poop.
• Hard and lumpy poop.
• ~list from: ~ SIBO: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes & Treatment
Other Symptoms of SIBO May Include:
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
• Diarrhea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Malnutrition
WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES?
• The body tries to maintain a sense of balance or homeostasis,and this also applies to gut flora. For this type of bad bacteria to be present in the small intestine, there needs to be a dysfunction happening in the intestine. These can be issues such as low stomach acid, motility issues (gastroparesis, hypothyroidism, intestinal pseudo-obstruction) certain medications (antibiotics, narcotics, gastric acid suppressant) structural issues (small bowel diverticulosis, small bowel obstructions, abdominal adhesions) infections, or even recent surgery.
Those who have autoimmune disorders may be more at risk for SIBO as well as those who have conditions such as:
• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pancreatitis
• Colon cancer
• Scleroderma
• Chronic renal failure
• Cirrhosis of the liver
~ List from: ~ SIBO: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes & Treatment
SIBO AND OTHER GUT DISORDERS
SIBO unfortunately can co-exist with other gut disorders such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is due to the imbalance of the gut microbiome. In fact, its estimated that about 78% of individuals who suffer from IBS also deal with SIBO. This can make it very difficult for practitioners to know which condition is affecting their client. Other chronic gastrointestinal issues that may see co-morbidity with SIBO are: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Chronic Pancreatitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Celiac Disease and Crohn’s Disease.
DIAGNOSIS
Because SIBO can be present in a variety of health conditions, its essential to seek out a qualified healthcare provider. This healthcare provider will go over case history, symptoms etc. and if warranted can have certain tests to show if SIBO is responsible. One of these is a breath test, which measures the levels of methane and hydrogen in order to assess the amount of bacteria in your gut that is producing gas byproducts. Depending on the level, it can help determine if SIBO is an issue. Other possible tests could include blood testing to check for deficiencies, a stool test to check for fat malabsorption/bile acids, and Imaging testing to see if there are structural issues within the gut itself.
TREATMENTS
In traditional medicine, a round of antibiotic to knock down the bacterial overgrowth is usually pretty standard. However, depending on the individual, different antibiotics or ongoing antibiotics therapy might be warranted. Medications for motility might also be suggested as well as supplementation to help with any deficiencies. Surgery might also be suggested if the issue is a structural problem.
NATURAL SUGGESTIONS
Because SIBO bacteria feeds off certain type of carbohydrates that ferment, its suggested that an individual change their diet in an effort to not feed these unfriendly organisms and also prevent more growth. Some of the more popular diets for this are: Low FODMAP Diet, Elemental Diet, and Elimination Diet. It is suggested to reach out to your healthcare provider to assess which would be the most beneficial.
Antimicrobials
Besides a change in diet, a natural way to help knock these bacteria down is by using antimicrobials. These are herbs that have known antibacterial properties which have shown to help reduce SIBO populations. These include: Berberine, Oil of Oregano, and Garlic.
Enzymes and Probiotics
Probiotics or beneficial bacteria can also be utilized to help in getting the gut flora back into balance. Two of the most common ones are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Foods also such as Natto, Keifer, and Sauerkraut can also feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Enzymes help the body to break down foods and make digestion easier on the body. This is especially important when breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in diet.
Betaine HCL
For those who lack enough stomach acid, Betaine HCL can help support digestive health and absorption. Betaine HCL is a hydrochloric acid found in beets which can naturally increase low stomach acid, which is a key element for helping to prevent bad bacteria from getting a foothold in the body.
Repairing the Gut Lining
Healing the gut lining is also essential for helping to heal and prevent SIBO as a damaged gut lining can cause an increase in gut permeability. It is suggested to help improve gut lining health with supplements such as: L-Glutamine, Zine Carnosine, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Treatment varies upon the individual and the severity of the case. Typically the first couple of months are dedicating to helping the body eliminate SIBO overgrowth. After which measures are taken to re-establish a healthy gut biome and prevent relapse. Consistency and continuing to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations are vital to maintain and support a healthy gut biome.
References
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