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What is SIBO, and do you have it?

Posted on by Fiona

Are you already on a gut healing program and not getting better? Do you know that more than 80% of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?

What is SIBO?

Last month we talked a lot about the gut, so by now you understand that bacteria naturally occurs throughout the digestive tract.

But here’s the but. The small intestine should have relatively low levels of bacteria. The highest concentrations should be in the large intestine.

If the bacteria from the large intestine migrate to the the small intestine, it can start causing digestive problems, which leads to poor nutrient absorption and other symptoms commonly associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The bacteria associated with SIBO actually consumes some of the foods we digest, causing them to ferment in the small intestine which leads to those unpleasant SIBO symptoms.

Common SIBO symptoms

Common symptoms of SIBO include:

  • Gas & bloating (even after a glass of water)
  • Abdominal pain & cramping
  • Heartburn/ reflux/ GORD
  • Nausea
  • Excessive burping
  • Excessive flatulence (can be smelly)
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea (urgency, frequency)
  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Restless legs (especially at night)
  • Skin conditions (rashes, acne, eczema)
  • Lowered Immunity
  • Mood imbalances – anxiety, depression
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Fibrous food makes it worse
  • Food sensitivities and intolerances
  • Iron deficiency
  • And many more…

Some Contributing Factors for SIBO

  • Gastroenteritis (even if from years ago)
  • Food poisoning
  • Diverticulitis, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
  • Surgery and adhesions
  • Auto immunity such as thyroid issues
  • Medications (acid blocker, antibiotics, heart medication, and the oral contraceptive pill)
  • Stress
  • Poor diet (too much sugar, diabetes)
  • Ageing

As you can see, SIBO is linked, caused, or associated with a wide array of conditions. Even those not thought to be related to the gastrointestinal tract seem to correlate with SIBO symptoms.

Let Brisbane Naturopaths help with your SIBO

So if you think you may have SIBO, contact denise@brisbanenaturopaths.com.au to make an appointment, or ring 1300 03 03 25. We’re open six days a week.