At this point, we’ve all heard how important the intestinal microbiome is. The health of our microbiome has an impact on our health, ranging from our cardiovascular function, immune function, mental health, metabolic function, and more. But it’s not just about having the right “types” of bacteria, but also how much of those bacteria are present.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition in which there are too many bacteria in the small intestine, resulting in a cluster of symptoms. This may be an overgrowth of what is already in the small intestine or bacteria that make their way from the large intestine to the small intestine, causing an increase in numbers.

Hints That You Might Have SIBO

1. YOUR SYMPTOMS GET BETTER WITH ANTIBIOTIC USE

Different antibiotics have a range of bacteria that they can kill. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are “broad-spectrum,” meaning they kill various bacteria, including those commonly found in the GI tract. If you notice that your GI symptoms improve with a round of antibiotics, they may be knocking back some of that overgrowth, leading to a reduction in symptoms.

2. YOUR SYMPTOMS GET WORSE WITH PROBIOTICS CONTAINING PREBIOTICS

Probiotics are often touted as the catch-all treatment for GI concerns. In SIBO, they might be making matters worse. Many brands of probiotics contain prebiotics as well. Prebiotics are fibers found in foods (i.e., inulin, resistant starches) and help promote the growth of bacteria. Prebiotics are perfect if the goal is to rebuild healthy bacteria, but they can worsen SIBO symptoms by further increasing the overgrowth numbers.

3. YOU EXPERIENCE BLOATING THAT WORSENS THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND IS ALLEVIATED FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

Gas and bloating are hallmark symptoms of SIBO. This is mainly due to the fermentation of carbohydrates by the overgrown bacteria, which produces large amounts of gas (typically hydrogen). When we actively eat throughout the day, the fermentable carbohydrates we eat are actively broken down by the bacteria, resulting in gas production and increased bloating. When we do not eat throughout the night, these symptoms are alleviated, and we feel better when we first wake up.

4. YOU’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH IBS OR STRUGGLE WITH CHRONIC DIARRHEA/CONSTIPATION

Not all people who have IBS have SIBO, but if you’ve been diagnosed with IBS and have not been able to get the symptoms under control, it might be something to look into. In a review of fifty studies looking at the prevalence of SIBO among patients with IBS, more than one-third of patients diagnosed with IBS were also diagnosed with SIBO.

5. IN ADDITION TO GUT SYMPTOMS, YOU ALSO HAVE ELEVATED ANXIETY AND/OR DEPRESSION

The gut-brain axis has become well-established in medicine. The microbiome directly influences mental health, and SIBO is no exception. SIBO has been highly correlated to increases in anxiety and depression. The exact mechanism isn’t clear; however, an overgrowth of bacteria can result in decreased nutrient absorption and increased production of toxic metabolites, likely contributing to the mood changes seen.

Risk Factors For Developing SIBO

Identifying SIBO is important, but understanding why it developed in the first place is equally important so that we can address it and prevent future recurrences. The most common underlying reason for SIBO is related to “intestinal motility” (how good your gut is at keeping things moving), altered gut microbiome, and damage/inflammation of the intestinal tract. Without the body being able to move waste effectively and consistently through the gut, there is a more likely chance of bacterial overgrowth.

Some risk factors for SIBO include:

• Chronic use of PPIs or antacids
• Pancreatic insufficiency or chronic pancreatitis
• Chronic opiate use
• Diabetes
• History of abdominal surgery
• Unmanaged hypothyroidism
• IBD (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
• Celiac disease

How To Test For SIBO

SIBO is typically tested via a hydrogen breath test. It consists of a prep diet that removes foods known to feed the bacteria and worsen SIBO symptoms. The following day, the breath test measures how much the bacteria produce methane and hydrogen gas after consuming a sugary drink solution. The gasses are measured over 2-3 hours and are compared to a baseline.

Because SIBO and other GI conditions overlap a great deal, it’s always best to test to ensure you know what you’re treating so there’s no risk of unnecessary treatments or misdiagnosis. If you think you might be suffering from SIBO, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a naturopathic/integrative medical provider to get the right assessment, testing, and treatment.

References:

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3. Takakura W, Pimentel M. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome – An Update. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:664. Published 2020 Jul 10. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00664
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5. Achufusi TGO, Sharma A, Zamora EA, Manocha D. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment Methods. Cureus. 2020;12(6):e8860. Published 2020 Jun 27. doi:10.7759/cureus.8860
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