SIBO is the acronym for a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. SIBO is a chronic bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. It is caused when bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract enters the small intestine in large numbers, causing havoc. It is estimated that up to 60% of people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are experiencing their symptoms due to SIBO.
Why is this problematic? The small intestine is not supposed to have large numbers of bacteria living in it because the purpose of the small intestine is to absorb the nutrients from our food, not have them broken down by bacteria. When the bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, the normal balance is disrupted and many people can experience painful symptoms, such as:
Bloating
Cramping
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Food sensitivities
Belching and flatulence
Nausea
Heartburn / acid reflux
Fatigue
Chronic digestive complaints
Abdominal cramping and pain
Joint pain
Skin rashes (such as eczema, hives, rashes)
Iron and B12 deficiency
Respiratory symptoms (such as asthma)
Mood symptoms (such as depression, anxiety)
Brain symptoms (such as autism)
What causes SIBO?
It is believed SIBO may be caused or exacerbated through a variety of means, including:
Food poisoning
Gastroenteritis
Gastrointestinal infection and upset
Use of antibiotics
Acid blockers
Fungus overgrowth
Surgical interventions and operations to the abdomen
Endometriosis
A dysfunctional ileocecal valve
Hypothyroidism
Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
Stress
Diabetes
Caesarian birth
Lack of breast feeding as an infant
What conditions are associated with SIBO?
There are a number of conditions that are known to be associated with SIBO. These are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Acid reflux
Coeliac disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Chronic constipation
Inflammatory bowel disease (eg. Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis)
Diabetes
Restless leg syndrome
Acne rosacea
Hyperthyrodism
Scleroderma
Chronic Prostatitis
Non alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Liver cirrhosis
Diverticulitis