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Unfortunately, throwing various pharmaceuticals at SIBO is the answer many people are given. They get frustrated because the condition continues without resolution, even though they follow their doctor’s instructions to the letter. We often tell our patients that prescriptions aren’t the answer and can cause even more problems. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of SIBO and give you some actionable steps to start feeling better.
If SIBO is something you aren’t familiar with, it may be because it can hide behind several symptoms. Various health conditions can come with symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. SIBO may get overlooked in search of other common issues. (1)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) happens when you have too much bacteria in your small intestine. Additionally, the invaders are not the typical kind found in this area. (2) The imbalance of your gut microbiome makes it impossible to have a healthy digestive system and can leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Some doctors are hesitant to diagnose SIBO. You may even get sent to a specialist, like a gastroenterologist, to dive deeper into your health issues. Even then, many patients walk away with typical IBS medications. That’s why it is so crucial to be an advocate for yourself and work with someone who understands these often hidden conditions. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience with SIBO:
Looking at the list of symptoms, you can understand why this condition is frequently missed. So many people complain of at least one of these symptoms that it often gets tabled under the IBS catch-all label. Functional doctors take a whole-person approach and look at the overall picture, not just the symptoms.
Before we explain how we address SIBO, it’s imperative to understand what causes this issue so you can avoid it in the future. Some of the reasons people get SIBO may surprise you.
The small intestine should have very few bacteria. Food is broken down in the large intestine, and that’s where you’ll find most bacteria. When bacteria move into the small intestine, you start experiencing the symptoms mentioned. (3)
Many people take antacids every single day. You’ve likely seen tons of commercials boasting about how they’ll make you feel better in no time. The problem here is that these medications alter the pH in the stomach and the intestines. As a result, the bacterial environment is disrupted. (4)
If you have a pre-existing condition, like a leaky gut, Crohn's disease, or celiac, it can open the door to other health issues, like SIBO. Chronic stress If you thought stress wasn’t bad enough, now you have another reason. Chronic stress can alter the time it takes bacteria to move through your system, disrupting the small intestine and increasing your chances of SIBO. (5)
Think about your eating patterns. Are you snacking while watching television? Do you often eat before going to bed? Movement helps food transition through your system, but many of us eat and then sit at a desk or on the couch. Being sedentary can cause digestion to stall. (6)
Now that you understand what can cause SIBO, we want to show you how to fix the problem. There are different approaches you can take for this issue to address the condition and get healthy again.
We frequently mention diet in our articles because nutrition is so crucial to your health. However, with SIBO, there are even healthy foods you may want to remove for a time. These foods can aggravate SIBO and make you feel worse by feeding the bacteria. The goal is to feed your body while starving the bacteria and help it die off.
To help you get off to the right start, we have a list of foods to avoid if you have SIBO.
Abstaining from food for a time can help reset your gut microbiome. It can also help kill some of the bacteria in your small intestine. (7) You can take the 16/8 approach, where you eat within an 8-hour window and fast for 16 hours. Many people skip breakfast and push their lunches out farther. Since part of the fasting window happens while you sleep, it is easier to follow.
When it comes to SIBO, proper supplementation is vital. You not only want to repair the gut lining, but you also need to clear out some of the bacteria causing the issue. Diet alone rarely, if ever, solves this problem.
A microbial cleanse can safely remove the bacteria, while a quality probiotic replenishes the healthy bacteria you need to support your gut health. There are nutrients you need during this time that will reset the environment. Enzymes are crucial for supporting healthy digestion and breaking down foods for fuel. In the clinic, we use a SIBO kit that contains all the tools you need to reverse this condition naturally. You don’t have to look all over the internet for different supplements that may or may not help. The SIBO kit helps restore your microbial balance and heal the gut lining to reverse the issue.
SIBO can be stubborn, and it often takes months to reverse. Unfortunately, some people try to make changes and don’t see any immediate improvements, so they give up. Since this condition takes time to heal, it can be a frustrating issue. It can take several months to become completely healthy after addressing SIBO, so give yourself some grace and have patience during the process.
By putting these steps into practice, we feel confident you can reverse SIBO and start feeling better each day. As always, we are here to help you become a true wellness warrior! Contact us for more information on how functional medicine can help, or visit our website for more resources.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324475#causes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21820-small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth-sibo
