Are you struggling with gas, belching, bloating, abdominal discomfort or irregular stools? Let’s take a closer look. SIBO is one possible explanation, but these symptoms can have several causes. Your history and an individualized evaluation help guide the next step.
The Good and the Bad Bacteria
The bacteria in your gut have a key role in your digestive process! Good bacteria help to break down food, reduce inflammation by creating specific products for us, and can even influence your immune system or help to regulate your mood! The small intestine is supposed to be sparsely populated with bacteria in comparison to the large intestine. SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, occurs when there is an increase in bacteria within the small intestine. When the small intestine isn’t properly moving food along, this can lead to bacteria buildup. Too much bacteria (especially the wrong bacteria) can overwhelm the healthy, good gut flora, and ultimately lead to problems with your digestive system.
SIBO Symptoms
Common SIBO symptoms include diarrhea or constipation (sometimes even alternating between the two), abdominal distention and bloating, gas and belching, abdominal pain, fatigue, indigestion, a loss of appetite, or an uncomfortable fullness after eating. When left untreated, SIBO can lead to significant health challenges including diarrhea, weight loss, weak bones, anemia, an electrolyte imbalance, vitamin and nutrient deficiency, and kidney stones.
Symptoms can overlap with IBS and other digestive concerns. Bloating alone does not tell us whether SIBO is present. A clinician can help decide whether breath testing or another evaluation is appropriate.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms that don’t go away, it is important to see a gastroenterologist who will run the proper tests for a diagnosis. Imaging can help to identify blockages or problems in your intestines, blood tests can check for anemia or autoimmune concerns, stool tests can assess for infectious causes of GI concerns or the presence of blood.
Beyond that, visiting a doctor who specializes in holistic gut health can offer additional testing (such as stool testing) to provide a better picture of your inflammation markers and digestive power, and determine what bacteria or yeast is present. At ISAIH Natural Medicine, one of our effective strategies for identifying SIBO is utilizing a lactulose breath test to specifically determine the types of gasses being produced in the small intestine.
Your Gut Motility
There are many factors which can cause SIBO, including low stomach acid, obstructions in the gut (such as scar tissue from previous injury or surgery), or overuse of medications, but gut motility is one of the most significant underlying factors that is often overlooked! Motility refers to the movement of food throughout your GI tract. This movement starts at the mouth and works its way through the throat, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and out the body.
Factors including food poisoning or gastroenteritis, irregular bowel movements, stressful events, poor thyroid function, or taking medications such as PPIs or opioids can all affect your gut motility and set us up for the potential to get SIBO. Addressing the whole picture of your health and thyroid function, as well as identifying and treating the cause of poor motility is imperative in finding long-term improvement and reducing the risk for SIBO relapse.
Diet Snapshot
Food choices may affect how comfortable you feel, but a reaction to a meal cannot diagnose SIBO. Rather than cutting out more and more foods on your own, bring those patterns into the conversation with your clinician.
If a dietary change is recommended, ask about its purpose, how long to try it and how to keep your meals nutritionally adequate. Your care plan should fit YOUR needs and should be reviewed as your symptoms change.
SIBO Solutions
A useful next step is an individualized evaluation. Bring previous results, a medication and supplement list, and notes about your symptoms. Ask which possibilities are being considered and how any proposed test would affect your care.
Learn more about digestive health, SIBO and IBS care at ISAIH Natural Medicine in Boise, or schedule a free introductory call to ask about getting started.
Further reading: NIDDK’s guide to evaluating IBS and related digestive concerns.