Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Creating balance. Restoring function.
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Understanding Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)​
Our specialized approach to addressing small intestine bacterial overgrowth focuses on uncovering the root causes of your symptoms. By utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and holistic treatment plans, we aim to restore balance to your digestive system and improve your overall health. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth can disrupt your life, but with our expert care, you can achieve lasting relief and wellness. Contact us today to start your journey to better health.
What is it?
Gaining insight into your condition
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial over, refers to an excess of bacteria in the small intestine. While it's normal to have bacteria there, angrowth can disrupt digestion, especially if bacteria outnumber beneficial ones. These unwanted bacteria can consume meant for your body and produce gas and other byproducts leading to discomfort and digestive.
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Excess bacteria can impede the digestion of fats and hinder nutrient absorption, particularly of calcium and fat-soluble vitamins. This can result in a range of symptoms in the short term and malnutrition over time, causing lasting harm to your bones and nervous system.
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SIBO is prevalent yet often underdiagnosed and misunderstood in conventional medicine. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation and other long-term health issues. Our functional medicine SIBO natuaths offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to naturally address SIBO and restore digestive health effectively.
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Holistic treatment for SIBO
SIBO is prevalent yet often underdiagnosed and misunderstood in conventional medicine. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation and other long-term health issues. Our functional medicine SIBO natuaths offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to naturally address SIBO and restore digestive health effectively.
SIBO symptoms
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can be caused by:
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Complications of abdominal surgery, including gastric bypass for obesity and gastrectomy to treat peptic ulcers and stomach cancer
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Structural problems in and around your small intestine, including scar tissue (intestinal adhesions) that can wrap around the outside of the small bowel, and bulging pouches of tissue that protrude through the wall of the small intestine (intestinal diverticulosis)
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Certain medical conditions, including Crohn's disease, radiation enteritis, scleroderma, celiac disease, diabetes or other conditions that can slow movement (motility) of food and waste products through the small intestine
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The symptoms of SIBO can both obscure and aggravate other digestive disorders such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, SIBO is present in up to 60% of individuals diagnosed with IBS, complicating the diagnostic process. Furthermore, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are found to be nine times more likely to develop SIBO.
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SIBO can lead to systemic inflammation and cause 'leaky gut.' This occurs when the junctions between cells are disrupted, allowing large proteins to enter the bloodstream. These can trigger immune responses, potentially leading to new food sensitivities. This creates a vicious cycle where food reactions further exacerbate SIBO symptoms.
What are the causes of SIBO?
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Unlike your large intestine (colon), your small intestine normally has relatively few bacteria due to rapid flow of contents and the presence of bile. But in SIBO, stagnant food in the bypassed small intestine becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria may produce toxins as well as interfere with the absorption of nutrients. The breakdown products following bacterial digestion of food can also trigger diarrhea.
Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of SIBO include:
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Gastric surgery for obesity or ulcers
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A structural defect in the small intestine
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An injury to the small intestine
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An abnormal passageway (fistula) between two segments of bowel
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Crohn's disease, intestinal lymphoma or scleroderma involving the small intestine
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History of radiation therapy to the abdomen
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Diabetes
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Diverticulosis of the small intestine
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Adhesions caused by previous abdominal surgery
Functional medicine approach to gastritis
Accurate diagnosis of SIBO is crucial for effective treatment. The primary diagnostic method for SIBO is a breath test that assesses levels of hydrogen and methane gas, which are produced by specific bacteria and archaea the small intestine.
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Unlike the Helicobacter pylori test that detects H. pylori in the stomach, the SIBO breath test is designed to identify bacterial overgrowth in small intestine. It involves collecting breath samples after ingesting a specific sugar solution (like lactulose or glucose) and analyzing gas production over.
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Our functional medicine approach extends beyond testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of your condition. In addition to the SIBO breath test, we may suggest:
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Stool testing for bacteria
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Testing for food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities
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Gut microbiome analysis
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Assessments of function and nutrient absorption
Ready for a personalized, natural functional medicine treatment?
Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today.
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