Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO is an abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine. It is abnormal because the small intestine usually does not have many bacteria. This overgrowth causes several digestive issues and is becoming more common in the population.
These issues include:
· Bloating
· Stomach pain
· Constipation
· Diarrhoea
· Indigestion
· Flatulence
· Digestive cramping
SIBO is also commonly associated with other syndromes and symptoms like:
· Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – as many as 84% of individuals who have IBS may have SIBO
· Food intolerances
· Aging
· Coeliac’s disease
· Chronic diarrhoea
The causes of SIBO include:
· Poor production of digestive enzymes
· Being on reflux medication like Nexium and Somac
· Structural issues like diverticula, strictures or fistulas as seen in Crohn’s disease
· Gut motility disorders & Coeliac’s disease
· Metabolic disorders like Diabetes
Many people who have IBS-like symptoms or believe they have IBS have SIBO. The likelihood of SIBO increases with age as gastric acid production decreases. Many people who take proton-pump inhibitors for reflux have SIBO because of gastric acid production suppression. Many vitamin deficiencies also occur in those individuals with SIBO.
SIBO is diagnosed through a simple breath test and treated with a combination of herbs, probiotics and a specialised diet. Most clients succeed while sticking to the treatment and resolve their symptoms.
(Dukowicz, A. C., Lacy, B. E., & Levine, G. M. (2007). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a comprehensive review. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 3(2), 112–122.)