SIBO is a condition that causes bloating in the stomach, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The symptoms are often misdiagnosed as IBS or other conditions.
The still bloated after sibo treatment is a symptom that can be caused by SIBO. It is important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of SIBO if you are experiencing bloating or abdominal pain.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had unpleasant bloating in your stomach after eating a meal. I raised my hand, and I’m sure you did as well. When we consume meals that are difficult to digest, we often experience burping, passing gas, and stomach pain.
But what if every meal causes you bloating, stomach discomfort, excessive gas, and frequent burping? Or even just for a few minutes at a time, or all the time? SIBO, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth, is a possibility.
What exactly is SIBO?
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is described as a rise in the quantity of bacteria in the small intestine, as well as alterations in the kinds of bacteria present. SIBO is usually caused by an overgrowth of a variety of bacteria that should typically be present in the colon, such as E. Coli, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria.
There are a few typical methods for bacteria to get into the small intestine, which is usually a bacterium-free section of the digestive system. One method is to have a low stomach acid level. One of the purposes of stomach acid is to kill the germs that we consume on a daily basis in our meals. Bacteria survive and move from the stomach to the small intestines when stomach acid is low, where they may multiply and overgrow.
The retrograde movement of germs from the colon into the small intestine is another method bacteria enter the small intestine. The ileocecal valve, which connects the colon and small intestine, usually prevents this from happening. However, in some people, the valve does not function properly, or the colon’s motility is such that the valve is bypassed, enabling germs to move backwards into the small intestine.
In addition to sufficient stomach acid and a functional ileocecal valve, the small intestine contains a number of additional mechanisms for preventing bacterial overgrowth. The small intestine contains rhythmic waves that occur on a regular basis to keep the contents of the small intestine flowing and to mix them up to aid digestion. These waves may not occur as often in individuals who have chronic constipation. Many medicines also delay the waves, causing the contents of the small intestine to stagnate. This is all a set-up for SIBO.
What is the small intestine’s purpose?
The small intestine is essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals all enter our systems via the tiny intestine wall, which is made up of millions of finger-like projections called villi. The small intestine, like the colon, has a lot of immunological tissue and a small quantity of benign bacteria that helps with digesting.
SIBO has been proven to have a detrimental impact on the small bowel’s structure and function. It has the potential to obstruct food digestion and nutritional absorption, mainly through harming the cells lining the small intestine. Malnutrition and weight loss may develop as a result of this damage in severe instances of SIBO.
What is the relationship between IBS and SIBO?
SIBO is thought to be the underlying cause of loose stools (or constipation), stomach discomfort, and belly bloating in up to 80% of individuals diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Chronic SIBO may produce an environment in the gut that is unfriendly to a healthy microbiota, leading to leaky gut (larger proteins leaking through an otherwise impenetrable gut wall), immunological activation, inflammation, and potential food sensitivities. When patients experience symptoms, it is critical in functional medicine to look at all causes of gut dysfunction in order to have the most effect on treating them.
Is there more than one kind of SIBO?
It’s essential to keep in mind that there are three distinct kinds of SIBO, each with its own set of symptoms. Although we’ve focused on SIBO for the bulk of this article, there are two additional overgrowth disorders that affect the small intestine: intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO) and hydrogen sulfide overload.
All three types of SIBO may induce bloating and discomfort. SIBO (both hydrogen and hydrogen sulfide variants) is linked with loose stools, while IMO is related with constipation and sluggish gut motility.
The bacteria that cause the various forms of SIBO vary as well. While the bacteria mentioned at the beginning of this page usually produce SIBO, IMO is usually linked with Methanobrevibacter smithii, a member of the archaea family (which aren’t really bacteria), while hydrogen sulfide SIBO is usually connected with Desulfovibrio species of bacteria. These organisms are all regarded to be a typical component of the microbiome, although they shouldn’t be seen in significant quantities in the small intestines.
SIBO is diagnosed in a variety of ways.
SIBO was previously identified via an endoscopic biopsy (scope inserted through the mouth and down into the upper digestive tract). Thankfully, a novel technique that may be done at home can prevent this inconvenient and expensive surgery. SIBO breath testing is eating a particular amount of lactulose (a sugar that aids digestion) and analyzing hydrogen and methane levels in breath samples collected every 30 minutes. After then, the samples are examined and plotted over time. The diagnosis may be established when levels of hydrogen or methane (or, in rare cases, hydrogen sulfide) increase beyond a particular threshold at specific intervals.
What is the treatment for SIBO?
Eliminating the bacterial overgrowth is the most essential step in treating SIBO. All three types of SIBO have been effectively treated with a variety of regimens including both prescription medicines and botanicals with antibacterial characteristics. Xifaxan (generic rifaximin) is a common antibiotic that is taken three times a day for 14 days. This antibiotic is not absorbed by the body and acts directly on bacterial overgrowth in the stomach. Metronidazole or neomycin (both antibiotics) may be administered instead of or in addition to Xifaxan in certain instances.
Herbs with antibacterial characteristics, such as berberine, olive leaf, garlic, and NEEM, may also help in SIBO treatment.
The use of dietary modifications in the treatment of SIBO is controversial. Low FODMAP, elemental, and low-fiber diets are examples of these diets. Dr. Mark Pimintel, a gastroenterologist at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, has shown that although these diets don’t contribute much to SIBO therapy, following them thereafter may help SIBO patients extend the antibiotic’s good result. We don’t want individuals to be on restricted diets for any longer than necessary. Working with a functional medicine physician or a functional nutritionist may assist you in developing an executable and customized diet plan for SIBO therapy and thereafter.
Last but not least
SIBO is a frequent cause of GI discomfort that may be treated. You’ll be heard and affirmed when you work with a functional medicine doctor. You can receive an accurate diagnosis and be on your way to feeling better in no time with the right tests.
Could SIBO be the cause of my abdominal bloating? The post Vytal Health – Virtual Integrative and Functional Medicine appeared first on Vytal Health.
SIBO is a diagnosis that is given to people who have symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Reference: sibo belly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of SIBO bloating?
SIBO is a condition that causes bloating. It can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine, which is typically due to poor diet and digestive health. The most common treatments for this are antibiotics or probiotics.
How long does SIBO bloating last?
SIBO bloating can last anywhere from a few days to weeks. It is usually caused by an infection in your small intestine or colon, but it can also be caused by other factors such as stress, dieting, and travel.
Where is SIBO bloating?
SIBO bloating is a condition where there is excess gas in your stomach. It can cause pain, cramping, and nausea.
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