SIBO - Gas should be in your car, not your belly

SIBO is the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines resulting in digestive problems. Our gut is made up of a collection of organs that facilitate breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and expulsion of waste products. Our body’s are equipped with tools to facilitate this process, but we need a little help from some friends, trillions of friends to be specific. We want bacteria in our small and large intestines to help maintain gut health. We describe these bacteria collectively as our gut flora. When the environments of our intestines are altered it gives a chance for new or other bacteria to move in and proliferate, overwhelming the local flora and causing digestive problems. 

Our body maintains “normal” flora through a variety of chemical and mechanical mechanisms. When one or more of these functions are impaired SIBO can occur.

Bacteria in our small intestine breakdown carbohydrates into gas and other products. The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine produce large amounts of gas and short chain fatty acids causing gas and bloating, and diarrhea. As these bacteria proliferate they can cause poor absorption of nutrients as they consume vitamins like B12, and calcium. As a result, over time vitamin deficiencies may occur. 

SIBO can occur in people living with IBS, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, sclerosis, and hypothyroidism. Long term use of certain medications like antibiotics, narcotics, or acid-lowering medications can also increase the likelihood of developing SIBO. 

People with SIBO often experience abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and indigestion. Certain foods may trigger symptoms, specifically foods rich in sugar and sweeteners.

Testing for SIBO is easy, and can be completed at home without having to get your blood drawn. Test kits are available after evaluation and consultation. 

Once SIBO is confirmed, treatments focus on eliminating the bacterial overgrowth, improving your digestive motility and secretions, and overall gut health.

If you have questions about SIBO or functional medicine treatments for SIBO or low FODMAP meal planning, schedule a free consultation to learn how Dr. Brandon Testa can help you.