Understanding SIBO: A Closer Look at Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
In the realm of gastrointestinal health, one term that has garnered attention in recent years is SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. This condition, while not widely known, can significantly impact one's digestive system and overall well-being. Let's delve into what SIBO is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth refers to an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria compared to the large intestine. However, when the bacterial population in the small intestine becomes imbalanced or overgrown, it can lead to various symptoms and complications.
Symptoms of SIBO
The symptoms of SIBO can vary widely and may overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders, which can make diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain or discomfort: Often felt in the lower abdomen.
Bloating: Feeling excessively full or swollen after eating, especially after consuming carbohydrates.
Diarrhea or constipation: SIBO can disrupt normal bowel movements.
Gas and belching: Excessive gas production is a hallmark of SIBO.
Nutritional deficiencies: Malabsorption of nutrients due to bacterial interference with normal digestion and absorption processes.
These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and may vary in severity from person to person.
Although these are typical symptoms, you can have unexplained symptoms elsewhere that may directly relate to SIBO. In other words, you could have anxiety or depression that is from gut inflammation. The underlying cause could be SIBO and you may not even have any gut symptoms. This makes it a tricky diagnosis but luckily, you can test for it. We’ll dive into that later.
Causes of SIBO
Several factors can contribute to the development of SIBO:
Impaired motility: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or scleroderma can slow down the movement of food and bacteria through the intestines. Decreased motility from GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide may contribute and there is some emerging anecdotal evidence to suggest this correlation.
Structural abnormalities: Surgery or conditions that alter the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract can predispose individuals to SIBO.
Certain medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, potentially leading to SIBO.
Underlying conditions: Disorders such as diabetes or immune deficiencies can create an environment where bacterial overgrowth is more likely.
Hypochlorhydria: Low stomach acid can cause food to be undigested, feeding the bacteria in the small intestine. See below:
Diagnosis of SIBO
Diagnosing SIBO typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and specific tests. Breath tests are commonly used to detect the presence of certain gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine. These tests involve drinking a solution of lactulose or glucose and then measuring breath samples over a period of time to detect elevated levels of hydrogen and methane gases.
Treatment Options
Treatment for SIBO aims to reduce bacterial overgrowth, alleviate symptoms, and prevent recurrence. Common treatment approaches include:
Antibiotics: Specific antibiotics targeting the overgrown bacteria are often prescribed for a period of time to reduce bacterial load.
Probiotics: In some cases, probiotics may be recommended to help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
Dietary changes: Following a low FODMAP diet or reducing intake of fermentable carbohydrates can help alleviate symptoms.
Managing underlying conditions: Addressing any underlying causes or conditions that contribute to SIBO is crucial for long-term management.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a complex condition that requires careful diagnosis and management. If you suspect you may have SIBO based on symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or irregular bowel movements, let’s get on a call and see if we can help you out.