Managing the stress in your life is a great way to help keep your negative emotions in check, but unfortunately, stress is one of the many causes of IBS. In fact, research over the past few years has shown that IBS may also be related to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
What is SIBO?
This is an overgrowth of bacteria that naturally occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine contains a small amount of bacteria that are essential for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. However, when too much bacteria is present, problems such as rancidity occur. In addition, it also prevents the absorption of carbohydrates, causing them to break down in the intestines, causing a number of unpleasant and often foul-smelling symptoms, including bloating, pain, gas, mucus in the stool, and diarrhea. Included.
An overabundance of bacteria can lead to nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and digestive enzymes that barely work. It’s a common condition that usually goes undiagnosed for years, even when symptoms are present. Why? Most people who have chronic digestive problems and complain of bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation are usually diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors rarely think of an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine as a problem.
What causes bacterial growth? There are many different factors that can lead to SIBO. Some of the following conditions that can cause bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine include:
Decreased motility in the small intestine – a condition caused by too much dietary sugar and chronic stress. This condition can also be caused by diabetes, scleroderma and hypothyroidism.
o Structural abnormalities within the small intestine – Abnormalities may occur due to small bowel diverticula, gastric bypass surgery, and intestinal obstruction. etc
Hypochlorhydria – As people age, they produce less stomach acid. Stomach acid helps eliminate bacteria in the small intestine. Thus, if there is a deficiency, the acid will not be able to kill enough bacteria.
Other causes – stress, prolonged use of steroids, antibiotics, antacids, birth control pills, and other medications, immune deficiency, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and inadequate fiber intake.
Are IBS and SIBO Related?
A study conducted by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California involved 202 participants with IBS. Each participant was tested for bacterial overgrowth with a lactulose breath hydrogen test. A person with an overabundance of bacteria produces high levels of methane or hydrogen gas. The lactulose hydrogen test analyzes gas in the breath and is the best test for diagnosing SIBO.
At the end of the study, it was found that 157 of the 202 participants tested positive for SIBO. When 157 people diagnosed with SIBO were treated, and the excess bacteria in their gut was eliminated, 48% of them had an improvement in their IBS symptoms.
Although it has been found that bacterial overgrowth and IBS can coexist, researchers are still determining whether or not SIBO causes IBS symptoms. Some theories suggest that high levels of methane or hydrogen gas caused by bacterial overgrowth Cause of Your IBS
symptoms. However, the theories are yet to be proven.
Cause of Your IBS How do you treat SIBO?
Using antibiotics kills the excess bacteria. Unfortunately, although antibiotics can control bacterial overgrowth, they are not a cure. Like IBS, SIBO symptoms often return when the medication is stopped. Thus, antibiotic treatment is often a continuous process.
If you think you may have SIBO, talk to your SIBO specialist about getting a lactulose hydrogen test. If you find that SIBO is related to the cause of your IBS, or even if it isn’t, it’s a good idea to consider alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to treat symptoms other than medication. Consider the complimentary forms.
