SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a gastrointestinal condition affecting the small intestine. It occurs when bacteria that normally grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine. Unlike large intestine, small intestine is supposed to be free of bacteria to facilitate absorption of nutrients. Overgrowth of bacteria in this region leads to a variety of additional symptoms.

SIBO symptoms may include:

Gas, bloating
Indigestion
Pain in the stomach, especially after eating
Diarrhea
Constipation
Indigestion
Feeling of fullness
Lack of response to probiotics
Lack of response to IBS treatment

Causes

Several things can contribute to SIBO. A few are listed below:

Anatomic abnormalities in the small bowel
Abnormal pH changes in the small bowel
Dysfunctional immune system
Malfunction of the muscular activity of the small intestine, which means that food and bacteria aren’t efficiently removed from the area
Ileo-cecal valve defect

Additionally, SIBO is associated with various conditions which directly or indirectly affect motility or promote migration of bacteria from large colon to small intestine, such as:

Gastroenteritis,
hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid levels
Irritable bowel syndrome
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Gastroparesis as seen in diabetes
Chronic pancreatitis
Nerve damage due to any reason
Gastric bypass procedures
Surgeries that cause strictures or adhesions

Diagnosis is based upon

Above mentioned symptoms
Medical history
Physical examination
Blood, fecal, or other tests.
Breath test (a breath test is a common test for diagnosing SIBO. Excess bacteria in the small intestine can lead to the release of the gases hydrogen and methane, which can be identified through a breath test. This test is noninvasive and can be performed at home or in a doctor’s office.)

NATURAL WAYS TO MANAGE SIBO

Antibiotics are used to treat SIBO and are found to be approximately 50% effective according to some studies. There are other, more natural methods to try before or in addition to antibiotics. Here are some at-home solutions for healing the gut and improving the microflora balance.

1. Choosing the Right Foods

Low FODMAP Diet

A low FODMAP diet avoids it foods that might feed the bacteria

(like fructans in wheat or sorbitol in fruit). The only problem with

this diet is that it also requires the restriction of many fruits,

vegetables, and foods that are otherwise healthy and full of

nutrients like beets, cauliflower, mushrooms, shallots, berries, and avocado.

Fermented Foods

There is some debate about whether fermented foods will make SIBO

worse, or help heal it. However, some people do benefit from these foods.

Try adding fermented foods like sauerkraut or kiwis' in slowly, along with

a meal, for a small dose of helpful probiotics.

2. Avoiding Wrong Foods

It has been proven through numerous studies that carbohydrates and sugar can fuel SIBO growth, while fiber protects it. Instead of bread or cookies, load up on salads, roasted veggies, greens, and healthy smoothies.

Sometimes SIBO is caused by undiagnosed celiac disease and severe lactose intolerance. These foods are also common culprits in causing inflammation in the body, so its best to eliminate them while you heal.

3. Proper Chewing of Food

With any type of intestinal ailment, chewing food thoroughly can

relieve some pressure on digestive system and prevent large pieces

of food from passing through the gastrointestinal tract and inflaming

body. Chewing food enough until its mostly all liquid—can especially

help if you suffer from intestinal permeability along with SIBO.

4. Herbs & Supplements

Certain herbs, like oregano oil, wild garlic, or berberine,

can help keep the overgrowth at bay naturally, without

the use of antibiotics.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is helpful in boosting digestion and raising