What is SIBO and how to treat it?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where excessive bacteria are present in the small intestine, leading to digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and even more systemic effects such as fatigue and brain fog. It's often associated with other gut complications like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can have various underlying causes, including an imbalance in gut flora or an autoimmune condition attacking the gut’s nervous system 1 2 3.

Symptoms of SIBO:

• Bloating and gas, especially after eating
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Nutritional deficiencies due to poor absorption of nutrients 4 5.

Treatment Approaches:

Medicinal:

1. Antibiotics: Traditional treatments often include antibiotics like rifaximin, especially for hydrogen-dominant SIBO, or a combination of antibiotics for methane-dominant SIBO 6.
2. Herbals: Herbal antimicrobials such as oregano oil, peppermint oil, garlic, and grapefruit seed extract have been shown to be as effective as antibiotics in some studies. These can help reduce the bacterial overgrowth when taken before meals 7 8.

Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments:

1. Diet: Incorporating a balanced amount of carbohydrates can help prevent bacteria from hiding and resisting treatment. Limiting processed sugars and seed oils may also be beneficial 9.
2. Stress Management. High stress levels and rapid eating can exacerbate symptoms. Slowing down during meals and managing stress can aid in treatment 5.
3. Fasting: Some practitioners recommend intermittent fasting to starve the bacteria 10.
4. Replenishing Gut Flora: Post-treatment, it's crucial to restore healthy gut bacteria through probiotics to prevent recurrence 2.

Consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in gut health is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. They can tailor treatment plans based on whether SIBO is hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or a combination 11 2.

For further understanding, here are some episodes that delve into SIBO:

• Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Life | Practical Tips with Dr. Ken Brown from The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show
• 1558: How to Workout If You Only Have 10 Minutes, Bruce Lee Style Isometric Training, & More from Mind Pump Podcast.
• Secrets to Supercharging Your Health: The Gut Revolution with Hannah Kleinfeld | 1088 from The Human Upgrade.