Chronic Bloating, Gas, or Fatigue? Here’s Why You Should Test for SIBO
Have you been dealing with constant bloating, gas, or unexplained gut discomfort? You may be experiencing SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, a common yet often overlooked cause of digestive problems. Around 80% of people who have diagnosed IBS actually have SIBO. SIBO happens when bacteria normally found in the large intestine migrate to the small intestine, where they don’t belong.
What is SIBO?
SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. In a healthy digestive system, bacteria are mostly confined to the large intestine. In SIBO, bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, causing intestinal inflammation which damages the microvilli in your gut causing food intolerances, histamine intolerance and fat malabsorption due to the impact SIBO has on bile. You often can see symptoms show up like IBS, the most common symptoms seen in people with SIBO are bloating, gas, belching, flatulence, nausea, reflux, fat in stools and abdominal discomfort.
Causes of SIBO:
Several factors can cause SIBO, including:
Impaired Digestion: Low stomach acid, poor bile flow or deficiency of digestive enzymes reduce the body’s ability to control bacteria.
Poor Gut Motility: Conditions like hypothyroidism, traumatic brain injury, mould, food poisoning, chronic constipation or a damaged Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) prevent the small intestine from clearing bacteria.
Surgical Adhesions: Past surgeries, like C-sections or gallbladder removal, can create blockages or ‘kinks’ in the intestines, which can obstruct outflow of bacteria leading to a SIBO overgrowth
SIBO is a complex condition with multiple underlying causes.
How to Find Out If You Have SIBO?
To get started breath testing is the most common and effective way to diagnose SIBO. It measures the levels of gases like hydrogen, and methane, produced by bacteria fermenting sugars in the small intestine. Depending on the type of gas present, will determine which herbs and other supplements are best suited for your presentation.
Ready for a Gut Reset?
If this resonates with you. I offer a “gut reset package” where you can get tested for SIBO and other pathogens in the large intestine.
Much Love,
Megan
