Could SIBO be responsible for your IBS symptoms?

What is SIBO?

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SIBO is a common term for an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, specifically within the small intestine ( Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth ).  The gut populates millions of different strains of bacteria but when it is located in the wrong place, it can cause painful and troublesome symptoms.

What symptoms might you expect?

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Very similar to IBS, such as:

• Bloating or pronounced stomach distention 
• Constipation / Diarrhoea or a mixture of both
• Nausea
• Reflux or heartburn
• Flatulence
• Belching – sometimes with an eggy smell
• Abdominal pain or cramps which can be crippling 
• Nutrient malabsorption
• Fatigue
• Mood disturbances such as depression
• Joint pain
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Indigestion and a full feeling especially a couple of hours after eating carbohydrates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What conditions might SIBO be associated with?

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• IBS – SIBO has been shown to exist in 84% of IBS cases
• Roseacea
• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Parkinson’s
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

How does SIBO affect your body?

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• The bacteria consume some of our food which over time leads to deficiencies in nutrients such as iron and B12, which can cause anaemia or chronic low ferritin
• The bacteria interfere with our normal digestion and absorption of food and are associated with damage to the lining or membrane of the small intestine (‘hello leaky gut’)
• Bacteria themselves can also enter the body/bloodstream.  Immune system reaction to bacteria and their cell walls (endotoxin) can cause chronic fatigue and body pain and burden the liver.
• Through the damaged lining, larger food particles not able to be fully digested, can enter into the body which the immune system can react to.  This can cause food allergies/ sensitivities. 
• Bacteria excrete acids which may, in high amounts lead to neurological and cognitive symptoms

 

What Can Be The Underlying Causes Of SIBO?

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Generally any factors that alter the risk for gut function or gut tissue can be a risk factor for SIBO such as;

Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) helps balance the growth of bacteria as well as break down foods for digestion.  If levels are low and food is not broken down sufficiently, these undigested foods can be food for bacteria. Low stomach acid factors may be due to a prolonged use of medication such as Proton Pump Inhibitors or antacids or a H-Pylori infection.

Slow digestion means it takes the body longer to move food through the digestive tract.  This can lead to chronic constipation.  This back up will not only provide bacteria its nutrients to survive, but can also cause you to be deficient in vital nutrients. 

Bile and enzymes are both needed for digesting the food we eat. With insufficient enzymes, carbohydrates may not be broken down effectively, providing fuel for bacteria to overgrow.

Other lifestyle factors can play a part such as stress, which interferes with many aspects of digestion. High alcohol consumption can damage the microbiome leading to an imbalance of good / bad bacteria and damage to the intestinal wall.  Food poisoning has also shown to directly cause SIBO.

 

What happens if I suspect you have SIBO?

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SIBO recurrence is common and this usually occurs because the underlying cause has not been addressed.  It is important to understand what is driving the condition in order for it to be eradicated or controlled.

SIBO maybe a chronic condition for others which requires long term management but the good news is, there are strategies and options available, regardless. 

 

1. Firstly we need to find whether you have SIBO by carrying out functional testing.  This will also clarify whether it is hydrogen or      methane dominant SIBO

2. Next we need to address your diet with a SIBO eating plan

3. Then we will look to increase your digestive capabilities and movement by using natural foods, supplements and eating habits 

4. We will then look at using natural antimicrobials to eliminate the problematic bacteria

5. Healing the gut is next, leaky gut is common in SIBO and if not addressed recurrence is likely

6. We then need to repopulate the gut with good bacteria

7. Finally, you will need a SIBO retest and will be given ongoing dietary and lifestyle techniques

 

A SIBO protocol can typically take up to three months but it does involve commitment and discipline in order to see results

 

 

SIBO Testing

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After the first breath is taken you drink a solution called ‘Lactulose’ which feeds and triggers your bacteria to release gas. The following breaths you make will measure the levels.  Once you have completed your tests you can post it off.

The test can be done in the comfort of your home and is not invasive.  The turn around for results is pretty quick at around 5 working days.

The cost of the test is £165 by Invivo and you can sample a test here