What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where there is the presence of excessive bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO typically causes chronic diarrhea, pain and malabsorption. People with SIBO may also suffer from unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and osteoporosis. SIBO is caused when bacteria (common ones include Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis) that normally grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine. Experts estimate that up to 80% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers may actually have SIBO. Some people with inflammatory bowel disease may also have SIBO. Here are some common symptoms of SIBO:
- Bloating
- Cramping, pain, indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Food sensitivities
- Regular feeling of fullness
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Consuming grains, fibre, starches, legumes may make symptoms worse
Instead of allowing the villi and microvilli to absorb nutrients from the food in the small intestine, the bacteria digest it instead, causing it to ferment. Not only that, but SIBO can also lead to damage to the villi and microvilli. This can lead to malabsorption of a variety of nutrients, especially vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium, iron and calcium.
These gases cause a variety of symptoms such as bloating, wind, cramping, diarrhea, burping and constipation. Foods containing fermentable fibre, starch, lactose and fructose can make SIBO symptoms worse, as do gluten, grains, starches like potatoes, legumes and pulses, fruits and some vegetables.
It is difficult to treat other digestive problems if SIBO is present, and the longer it remains in the small intestine, the more damage it can cause.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO may be caused or exacerbated by the following conditions:
- Food poisoning
- Gastroenteritis
- Antibiotic use
- Acid blockers
- Fungus overgrowth
- Surgical intervention and operations to the abdomen (e.g. appendectomy)
- A dysfunctional ileocecal valve
- Oral contraceptive (birth control) pill
- Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
- Stress causing changes to the acidity levels in the stomach and motility of the small intestines
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Initial colonization of bad bacteria due to Caesarian birth and/or lack of breast feeding
How do I test for SIBO?
A breath test is a common test for diagnosing SIBO. The test detects methane and/or hydrogen gas, which are byproducts of the bacteria’s digestion only produced by the bacteria and not our bodies. Dr. Yik at IMI clinic offers SIBO testing. For those interested in a comprehensive look at their entire gut microbiome, Dr. Yik offers the detailed GI–MAP™ (Microbial Assay Plus) test that uses qPCR to detect parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi and more.
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 