Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, is a condition in which excessive bacteria accumulates in the small intestine, beyond what is considered to be a healthy level. This may produce uncomfortable symptoms, such as gas, bloating and pain. Luckily, there are treatments available to help alleviate and prevent further problems.
When it comes to understanding SIBO symptoms and solutions, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the condition. In this article, we’ll address the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for SIBO.
What Causes SIBO?
SIBO can be caused by a variety of things, but the main cause is a disruption to the small intestine’s natural balance of bacteria. This can be due to antibiotics, poor dietary choices, stress, or other lifestyle factors. When the small intestine’s balance of bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to the abnormal growth of bacteria.
What Are the Symptoms of SIBO?
The symptoms of SIBO can vary depending on the severity. Common symptoms may include abdominal bloating, discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and flatulence. Additionally, there may be fatigue, skin rashes, food intolerances, and malabsorption of nutrients.
How Is SIBO Diagnosed?
The most common way to diagnose SIBO is to conduct a breath test. This test measures the levels of hydrogen and methane in the breath. If the results show high levels of either hydrogen or methane, it indicates an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
Treating and Preventing SIBO
Now that we’ve discussed the causes and symptoms of SIBO, let’s take a look at ways to treat and prevent it.
SIBO Diet
One of the most effective solutions to managing SIBO is to follow a special diet. This diet helps to reduce the symptoms of SIBO and prevent changes to the microbiome. The most common type of diet for SIBO is a low FODMAP diet, which is a type of elimination diet that restricts certain types of carbs called Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
In addition to a special diet, SIBO is often treated with antibiotics. These antibiotics are often what caused the SIBO in the first place, but it’s still necessary to use them to kill off the overgrowth of bacteria. Common antibiotics used for SIBO are Rifaximin, Neomycin, Metronidazole, and Doxycycline.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to maintain the balance of bacteria in the body. Taking a probiotic supplement may help to reduce SIBO symptoms and aid in recovery. Additionally, probiotics can help to prevent SIBO from occurring in the first place.
Lifestyle Changes
It’s important to make some lifestyle changes if you want to prevent and treat SIBO. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing stress are two important things to keep in mind. Additionally, avoiding the use of antibiotics whenever possible can help to prevent SIBO from occurring.
In Conclusion
Understanding the different causes and symptoms of SIBO can be helpful in understanding SIBO symptoms and solutions. Following a special SIBO diet, taking antibiotics, taking probiotics, and making lifestyle changes are all effective ways to treat and prevent SIBO. With proper treatment, it is possible to alleviate the uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms of SIBO.
