SIBO 101: 4 ways to manage small intestine bacterial overgrowth
WHAT IS SIBO?
SIBO is the condition when microbes migrate up from the large intestine or down from the mouth/respiratory tract, resulting in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, but the misplaced microbes compete for those nutrients and produce byproduct gas as they feed.
SYMPTOMS OF SIBO
within 1-3 hours of eating
gas & bloating
burping & belching
abdominal pain
diarrhea
anemia
nutrient deficiencies
fat malabsorption
*If you experience these symptoms beyond 3 hours of eating, the imbalance is likely in your large intestine.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIBO?
This bacterial overgrowth primarily manifests as uncomfortable GI symptoms, but severe cases can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and conditions like anemia, restless leg syndrome, or liver issues.
WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO SIBO?
SIBO often results from compromised digestion upstream of the small intestine, like mindless eating, low stomach acid, or impaired pancreatic/bile secretions.
It can also develop in the presence of other gut issues like IBS, Celiac, Crohns, dysbiosis, or leaky gut.
Constant snacking can interfere with the migrating motor complex (MMC) that is supposed to cleanse the system between meals.
There is not a reliable, noninvasive test for SIBO (breath tests are not typically accurate), so it is best to evaluate symptoms & address digestive function accordingly.
SUPPORT MICROBIAL BALANCE
EAT INTENTIONALLY
eat in a parasympathetic state of receiving, chew completely, and use bitters, lemon, or ACV to support stomach acid production
REDUCE SNACKING
focus on eating 3 nutrient-dense meals to give your digestive system a chance to cleanse itself
SUPPORT GUT MOTILITY
with ginger, ground flax, partially hydrogenated guar gum, S. cerevisae boullardi-Biocodex
HERBAL ANTIMICROBIALS
garlic, oregano, thyme, clove, peppermint (like antibiotics, long-term use can harm microbiome)
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