WHAT IS SIBO?
SIBO or Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth is a condition where there is an abnormal number of bacteria present in the small intestine. These are normal bacteria, usually found in the large intestine, that ferment starches and fibres into gases that damage the small intestine and cause a lot of symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF SIBO CAN INCLUDE:
- Bloating & Gas
- Constipation/Diarrhoea
- Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Belching, flatulence
- Reflux
- Nausea
- Food sensitivities
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Iron and B12 deficiency
- Respiratory symptoms such as asthma
WHAT CAN CAUSE SIBO:
There are 4 main reasons why you SIBO can occur.
- Impaired motility of the small intestine due to:
- an episode of gastroenteritis or food poisoning
- traumatic brain injury
- hypothyroidism or diabetes
- chronic infection
- mould toxicity
- Impaired digestion due to stress, low stomach acid or digestive enzymes, poor bile flow or Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Impaired flow through the intestines due to abdominal adhesions following surgeries such as hysterectomy, C-section, laparoscopy or appendectomy, endometriosis and ileocecal valve dysfunction.
- Medications, especially proton pump inhibitors and opiates.
HOW TO TEST FOR SIBO
The SIBO Breath Test is a simple, non-invasive test performed in your own home. After a 24-hour preparatory diet, a test substrate is swallowed, and bacteria ferment the substrate to produce hydrogen and/or methane gas. These gases are exhaled via the breath and collected every 20 minutes for 3 hours.
If you suffer from some of these symptoms and think you may have SIBO, book a free 20min consult here with Lori Fryer, our SIBO doctor approved Naturopath, to discuss. Or phone the clinic on (08) 9298 8332.
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