Small Intestinal Bacterial
Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria present in the small intestine. Rather than being caused by a single type of bacteria, SIBO involves an overgrowth of various bacterial species that are typically found in the colon, but their migration to the small bowel can lead to a range of digestive issues.
This bacterial overgrowth can significantly disrupt the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients by damaging the mucosal lining of the small intestine, leading to a condition known as leaky gut. This, in turn, can result in decreased nutrient absorption and inflammation.
Furthermore, the byproducts resulting from the bacterial breakdown of food can trigger episodes of loose stools, as well as other symptoms, highlighting the intricate relationship between gut health and overall well-being.
SIBO Risk Factors
- Ulcerrative Coilits
- Crohns Disease
- Celiac disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis/Pancreatitis
- Medications
- Oral Health
- Sinus Infection
- Low Stomach Acid
SIBO Symptoms
- Constipation
- Distended Gut
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Loose Stools
- GERD
- Anxiety/Depression
- Stomach Distension
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Excessive Gas
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Common SIBO Symptoms
- Joint Pain
- Digestive Issues
- Connective Tissue Pain
- Brain Fog
- Thyroid Issues
- Aniexty/Depression
- Skin Issues (Psoriasis, Rosacea)
- Chronic Fatigue
- Sleep Dysregulation
- Unexplained Symptoms
SIBO Breath Testing
The diagnostic criterion considered for detecting Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is the Breath Test. This test involves administering a substrate after the patient has followed a non-fermentable diet for 24 hours. Breath samples are collected every 20 minutes for a total of 3 hours after the substrate has been administered, and the concentration of hydrogen and methane gases is measured in each sample. If there is a significant increase or an overall elevated level of either of these gases, it indicates bacterial fermentation of the sugar, leading to a positive diagnosis of SIBO.
While other tests, such as stool analysis, may provide supplementary markers for SIBO, they are not considered true diagnostic tests for this condition. The Breath Test remains the primary diagnostic tool for accurately detecting Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.
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SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Treatment
Resolving Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) typically requires a multifaceted approach involving a series of steps. Initially, the digestive tract environment must be reset using either natural or pharmaceutical antimicrobial agents, in conjunction with dietary and nutraceutical therapies to restore gut health and minimize the risk of future recurrence.
While various diets, such as the low FODMAP diet, have been found to be incredibly effective in managing SIBO symptoms, it is crucial to remember that the root cause of the problem lies in the interaction between the gut ecosystem and food. Consequently, any dietary intervention should be considered a short-term solution. Relying solely on a diet as a long-term strategy fails to address the underlying issue, which is why many patients continue to experience recurring symptoms.
What sets The Edinburgh Centre for Functional Medicine apart in treating SIBO is our holistic focus on the entire gut microbiome, rather than solely concentrating on the small intestine. While eradicating the bacterial overgrowth is paramount, we also prioritize the restoration of beneficial flora that produce beneficial molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids, which confer multiple benefits to the host.
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