Gastrointestinal distress affects millions of Americans annually and can manifest in various symptoms and diagnoses. Leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease are becoming more prolific. Still, there is another disorder making its presence known – small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, known more commonly as SIBO. The condition is more common than previously believed – and is often seen in conjunction with IBS. So what is this little-known disorder?
Defining SIBO
Bacteria occur naturally along the digestive tract. However, the small intestine has low bacteria levels in a healthy system, while the highest concentration is found in the colon. SIBO indicates excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine, also known as the small bowel.
The small intestine is the most extended portion of the digestive tract. The food mixes with digestive juices, breaking it down to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. When SIBO is present, nutrients such as vitamins and iron are not adequately absorbed and cause systemic issues, including IBS and damage to the stomach lining.
When SIBO is indicated, the bacterial overgrowth interferes with the proper digestive and absorption processes. The bacterium actually consumes the foods and nutrients meant for the body, leading to the gas, bloating, and pain associated with SIBO.
SIBO is a chronic condition that can be cured. It requires patience, a change in diet, and avoiding some foods until gut health is reestablished.
Symptoms of SIBO
Common symptoms of SIBO, which is often diagnosed as IBS, include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Rashes, acne, rosacea and eczema
- Asthma
- Depression
Causes of SIBO
Researchers are aware of many factors that contribute to small intestine bacterial overgrowth. These include:
* aging
* chronic pancreatitis
* diabetes
* diverticulosis
* dysmotility
* intestinal lymphoma
* scleroderma
Some medications, proton pump inhibitors, and immune system disorders can cause SIBO. Recent abdominal surgery and celiac disease are also associated with developing SIBO.
Complications from Bacterial Overgrowth
SIBO can cause potentially serious health complications if not properly diagnosed and treated. Therefore it is crucial to rid the body of the harmful bacteria as soon as possible.
Malnutrition is one of the biggest concerns with SIBO. Malnutrtition results when essential nutrients, protein, carbohydrates, and fats aren’t absorbed, resulting in deficiencies. Some of the more damaging deficiencies include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, calcium deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin E deficiency, and vitamin K deficiency. These issues can lead to weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, and harm the central nervous symptom.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include numbness or tingling in extremities, anemia, jaundice, cognitive decline, memory loss, and sometimes paranoia or hallucinations. Malabsorption of Vitamin B12 and overgrowth of bacteria is also complicit in megaloblastic anemia, a blood disorder that causes the loss of red blood cells. If this condition is prolonged without treatment, nerve damage may result.
How Is SIBO Diagnosed and Treated?
The most common method of diagnosis is a hydrogen breath test that measures the amount of methane and hydrogen produced by the bacteria in the small intestine. Because these gases are only produced by bacteria, it is an effective diagnostic tool. A stool sample test is also an approved test for diagnosing SIBO.
At Longevity Wellness Clinic, we treat SIBO a mix of Eastern and Western healing techniques, including nutritional therapy, antimicrobial therapy, and motility supplements. We then advise our patients about preventative measures they can take to avoid reoccurrence.
At Longevity Wellness Clinic, we take a holistic and natural approach to your health and wellness.