Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

On average 60% of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is actually small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO), ranging up to 84% of the time. SIBO is when unwanted bacterial has accumulated in the small intestine. Common symptoms of SIBO include bloating, gas, burping, heart burn, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.

SIBO can be diagnosed via breath test or symptomatically. A breath test can indicate high amounts of methane or hydrogen gas, or even a combination. Depending on the gas type, a specific anti-biotic can be prescribed.

Alternative treatment options include herbal anti-biotics paired with a low Fodmap diet or an elemental diet which are packets of predigested nutrients that are taken instead of meals.
After successful SIBO treatments, the goal is to restore a healthy gut microbiome, support healthy gut integrity and preventing SIBO from reoccurring by various lifestyle changes. Causes of SIBO may include stress, various medications, exposure to mold, lyme disease etc.

*This is not meant to be personal medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information.