SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

There are very high numbers of bacteria in the large intestine in normal healthy individuals. Normally there should be no-very few bacteria at the beginning of the small intestines and some at the end of the small intestines. SIBO is the overgrowth of these bacteria in the small intestines; it can mean bacteria growing in places that they don’t belong or have multiplied much in numbers.
Conditions/disorders causing a higher risk of SIBO

• Advanced age
• IBS
• Celiac disease
• Type I and Type II Diabetes
• Intestinal anatomical problems
• Intestinal motility disorders
• Diverticulosis
• Changes in small intestinal wall caused by gastrointestinal infections
• High dose and/or long-term antibiotic use
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Post bariatric surgery
• Low stomach acidity
• Secondary to medications
*Protein pump inhibitors
*Birth control pills
• Heavy alcohol consumption

This overgrowth causes the nutrient malabsorption, increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and intestinal inflammation. Leaky gut and intestinal inflammation eventually may lead to wide spread inflammation through out the body.

SIBO can cause:
• Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea
• Malabsorption
• Malnutrition
• Meteorism
• Belching
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Rosacea (facial redness)
• Fibromyalgia symptoms
• Iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium deficiency
• A, B12, biotin, folate, C, D, E vitamin deficiency

First consult a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms of SIBO. Your doctor might prescribe you a locally effective, non absorbable antibiotic.
Meanwhile:

1. Take measures for leaky gut
2. Limit FODMAP food consumption (especially wheat and cow’s milk)
3. Use probiotics (use products with a low lactobacillus, high bifidobacteria and sacharromyces content)