Have you been experiencing bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation? These could be signs of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for SIBO.

Symptoms of SIBO

SIBO can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Malabsorption of nutrients

These symptoms can be mild to severe, and they can come and go over time. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine if SIBO is the cause.

Causes of SIBO

SIBO can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Anatomic abnormalities in the small intestine
• Low stomach acid or pancreatic enzyme production
• Impaired motility in the small intestine
• Antibiotic use
• Chronic stress
• Poor diet
• Inflammatory bowel disease

It’s important to identify the underlying cause of SIBO in order to effectively treat the condition.

Treatment for SIBO

The most common approach to treating SIBO is to use antibiotics to kill the excess bacteria in the small intestine. However, there are also dietary and lifestyle changes that can be helpful in managing SIBO.

Here are some treatment options for SIBO:

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often used to kill the excess bacteria in the small intestine. The most commonly used antibiotics for SIBO are rifaximin and neomycin. These antibiotics are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, so they are less likely to cause side effects than other antibiotics.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut and improve digestion. However, some people with SIBO may not tolerate probiotics well, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting a probiotic supplement.

3. Low FODMAP diet

A low FODMAP diet involves avoiding certain types of carbohydrates that can feed the bacteria in the small intestine. The acronym FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. Some examples of high FODMAP foods include wheat, onions, garlic, beans, and some fruits. See my blog here

4. Digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes can help break down food and improve digestion. They are often used in combination with a low FODMAP diet to improve symptoms. For the recommended product see here

5. Stress management

Chronic stress can contribute to SIBO, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can be helpful.

6. Gut motility agents

These medications can help improve the movement of food through the digestive tract and prevent the buildup of bacteria in the small intestine. Examples of gut motility agents include prokinetic agents like metoclopramide and motilin receptor agonists like erythromycin.

It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case of SIBO. They can help you develop a personalized plan to manage your symptoms and promote healing.

In conclusion, SIBO is a condition where there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. The symptoms of SIBO can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life, but there are treatment options available.

Ghoshal, U. C. (2017). How to interpret hydrogen breath tests. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 23(3), 313-314.

Lin, H. C. (2004). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a framework for understanding irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association, 292(7), 852-858.

Rezaie, A., Buresi, M., Lembo, A., Lin, H., McCallum, R., Rao, S., … & Pimentel, M. (2017). Hydrogen and methane-based breath testing in gastrointestinal disorders: the North American Consensus. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(5), 775-784.

Siebecker, A. (2015). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. https://www.iffgd.org/digestive-health-topics/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth-sibo.html

Vanner, S. (2010). The small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 2nd Edition. Humana Press, 147-162.