Do you suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
• Bloating or abdominal gas
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternation between the 2
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Malabsorption (steatorrhea and anaemia)
• Systemic symptoms (headache, joint pain, fatigue, and rosacea)
Then you may have SIBO.
What is SIBO?
(SIBO) Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is a condition
in which abnormally large numbers of commensal bacteria are present in the small
intestine. SIBO is a common cause of IBS shown to be involved in over 50% of
the cases of IBS and was present in as high as 84% in a study using breath testing as
the diagnostic marker. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth leads to impairment of
digestion and absorption. The bacteria produce excess quantities of hydrogen or
methane gases in the gut. These gases are not produced by human cells but are the
metabolic product of fermentation of carbohydrates. When commensal bacteria
(oral, small intestine, or large intestine) multiply in the small intestine to the point of
overgrowth, IBS is likely.
Indicators that have been shown to increase the chances that a patient’s IBS is caused by SIBO:
• When a patient develops IBS following a bout of acute gastroenteritis
SIBO
• When a patient reports dramatic transient improvement in IBS symptoms after
antibiotic treatment
• When a patient reports worsening of IBS symptoms from ingesting probiotic
supplements that also contain prebiotics
• When a patient reports that eating more fiber increases constipation and other
IBS symptoms
Diagnosis.
Hydrogen and methane lactulose breath testing is the most acurate widely
used method of testing for this overgrowth. It is important to ensure if a suspected
false negative occurs a follow on glucose test is done. Not all labs are equal in
quality and accuracy so ensure you seek advice from a trained professional to
minimise false negative test results.
Treatment.
A multi targeted aproach is necessary when treating SIBO to ensure complete
eradication with out return over growth. A bi-phasic diet plan, targeted anti
microbials or anti biotic therapy along with digestive and migrating motor complex
support guided by a health care professional such as a SIBO trained Nutritionist or
Naturopath.
If yourself or someone you love suffers from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
contact me for more information.
Jan x