What is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there’s an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in some cases, malabsorption. A study has shown that SIBO is highly prevalent in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What are the Symptoms of SIBO?

Common symptoms of SIBO include:

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Unintended weight loss
• Malnutrition
• A feeling of fullness after eating, even if you’ve eaten only a small amount

What Can Be Mistaken for SIBO?

SIBO shares many symptoms with IBS. However, the key difference is that SIBO affects the small intestine, while IBS involves the large intestine. Despite these differences, both conditions often overlap, making diagnosis challenging.

What Causes SIBO?

SIBO is most commonly caused by conditions that affect intestinal movement, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pancreatitis, and intestinal motility disorders. These are responsible for 80-90% of cases. SIBO is also more common in women and older adults.

How is SIBO Diagnosed?

The most common method for diagnosing SIBO is a breath test, which measures the levels of hydrogen or methane in your breath after consuming a glucose-water mixture. A spike in these gases could indicate bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

What Happens if SIBO is Left Untreated?

If untreated, SIBO can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition and deficiencies in essential vitamins like B12, which can cause anemia and neurological issues. Over time, it can also result in chronic health issues due to the body's inability to properly absorb nutrients.

Which Foods Trigger SIBO?

Certain high FODMAP foods are known to aggravate SIBO symptoms. These include:

• Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and ice cream
• Wheat-based foods such as bread, cereal, and crackers
• Beans and lentils
• Vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, onions, and garlic

How is SIBO Treated?

Antibiotics are the most common first-line treatment for SIBO. Doctors may recommend antibiotics even if test results are inconclusive, especially if symptoms strongly suggest bacterial overgrowth. It’s important to follow up with probiotics after antibiotic treatment to help restore healthy gut bacteria.

What is an Elimination Diet for SIBO?

An elimination diet may be recommended to ease SIBO symptoms. This usually involves avoiding high FODMAP foods, which can irritate the gut. Dairy, wheat, and beans are often eliminated to reduce symptoms like bloating and discomfort.

Can SIBO Cause Skin Conditions Like Eczema, Psoriasis, or Rosacea?

There’s a strong connection between gut health and skin health. Chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are often triggered by inflammation, which, in many cases, originates in the gut. For individuals with SIBO, treating the gut may help improve skin conditions.

What Medications Contribute to SIBO?

Medications such as opioids, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase the risk of SIBO. Overuse of antibiotics, in particular, can disrupt gut flora, killing off both good and bad bacteria, and potentially leading to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Should You Take Probiotics for SIBO?

Probiotics can help support the healing process, though they may not be enough on their own to treat SIBO. They aid in restoring balance to the gut microbiome and alleviating some of the symptoms. However, it's important to choose the right probiotic strain based on your specific health goals.

When is the Best Time to Take Probiotics?

For most people, taking probiotics with or just after breakfast is ideal. However, the most important thing is to take them consistently at a time that fits into your daily routine.

Should You Take Prebiotics for SIBO?

Some studies suggest that prebiotics, such as Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum (PHGG), can help ease SIBO symptoms. PHGG is a gentle, gut-friendly fiber that feeds good bacteria without causing irritation, making it a common recommendation for gut health.

Combining Prebiotics and Probiotics for SIBO

Many health practitioners recommend combining prebiotics and probiotics to effectively treat SIBO. This combination helps restore the balance of gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion.

Disclaimer

Wonder Foods recommends you always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment for SIBO or making changes to your diet. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.