Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is the excessive presence of bacteria in the small intestines of the human body. The bacteria overgrowth comprises of bacteria which are normally found in the large intestine or colon and can measure over 100,000 bacteria per ml of fluid. Similar to irritable bowel syndrome, SIBO is a chronic condition which can cause pain outside of the gastrointestinal tract and often neglected
What happens when you suffer from SIBO?
An overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine hampers normal digestion hence interfering with food absorption. Severe cases of SIBO can cause deficiency syndromes and malnutrition.
An overgrowth of bacteria can also damage the lining of the small intestine allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This affects the health of your immune system and result in symptoms like body ache, fatigue and brainfog. It can also affect the health of your liver and brain as well.
What are the symptoms of SIBO?
The symptoms of SIBO are more or less similar to those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
- Presence of mucus in the stool
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Heartburn
- Joint pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Fatulence
- Anxiety and depression
- Fibromyalgia
- GERD
- Celiac disease
- Autism
- Anemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Muscular dystrophyAccording to research and studies it is said that SIBO is one of the prime factors for several diseases including:How is SIBO linked to fibromyalgia?As Fibromyalgia is often linked to nutrient deficiencies, unhealthy gut and weak immune system, there are experts in the field who believe that SIBO or the Small Intestine Bowel Overgrowth is one of the causes of fibromyalgia. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, 100% of fibromyalgia participants, of a sample size of 42, were found with abnormal levels of lactulose hydrogen in a breath test indicating a presence of SIBO. This finding suggest that majority of the patients suffering from fibromyalgia could also be suffering from SIBO and treatment of SIBO can help improve or eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms. How to treat and prevent SIBO?The treatment for SIBO mainly involves the elimination of the bacteria, healing the lining of the intestine and also preventing the relapse. Antibiotics are the most preferred medium for treating the disorder; the most common antibiotic used is the Rifraximin.Always get the opinion and advice of a medical professional before taking antibiotics or other medications. Don’t not self-medicate.If you wish to take precautionary measures on your part, avoid consuming high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. As bacteria thrive in high sugar and starch levels in your body, avoiding carbohydrate/sugar rich food can help prevent or control bacteria overgrowth.
