SIBO, also known as "Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth"
Do you experience persistent bloating, unpredictable digestion (diarrhea, constpation, IBS symptoms) or unexplained fatigue? These symptoms could be pointing to an underlying issue with your gut microbiome called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO for short.
SIBO occurs when bacteria that should remain in the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they don’t belong. This bacterial overgrowth interferes with proper digestion and nutrient absorption, triggering a cascade of symptoms that extend far beyond the gut. Left unaddressed, SIBO can contribute to systemic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and even conditions like brain fog, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disease.
In this post, we’ll explore how your digestive system is designed to function, how disruptions can lead to SIBO, and what steps you can take to identify and address this common yet often misunderstood condition. Let’s begin by reviewing the intricate process of digestion to better understand where things can go wrong.
The Digestive Process: A Simplified Overview
Mouth:
Digestion begins in your mouth. Chewing mechanically breaks down food, while enzymes in saliva initiate chemical digestion. The act of eating also stimulates sensory receptors, signaling the brain to prepare your digestive system by releasing stomach acid and other gastric juices.
Stomach:
Once swallowed, food travels down the esophagus into the stomach, where digestive enzymes and stomach acid continue to break it down into smaller nutrient molecules. This process typically takes 40–120 minutes, after which the partially digested food enters the small intestine.
Small Intestine: Digestion and Absorption
In the small intestine, digestion is finalized, and nutrient absorption into the blood stream occurs.
Bile from the Liver and Gallbladder: The liver produces bile, which is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. When food enters the small intestine, bile is released to emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller molecules for easier digestion. (Kind of like how soap breaks down oils when you are cleaning the dishes.) Bile also plays a key role in triggering intestinal motility, promoting the smooth movement of food through the gut via peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of intestinal muscles).
Enzymes from the Pancreas: Pancreatic enzymes further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into their simplest forms.
Absorption: Nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream, delivering essential compounds to your cells, tissues, and organs.
Migrating Motor Complex (MMC): Keeping the Gut Clean
Between meals, the migrating motor complex (MMC) kicks in, a series of wave-like contractions that sweep residual food, bacteria, and debris through the digestive tract and into the large intestine. This natural "housekeeping" mechanism is crucial for preventing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Disruption of the MMC is often a major contributor
to the development of SIBO.
Large Intestine (Colon): Final Phase
The large intestine processes waste, toxins, and insoluble fiber, preparing them for elimination 💩🚽 . It’s home to most of your gut bacteria, which help ferment leftover fibers, synthesize vitamins like K2, and maintain gut health. A healthy bowel movement should occur at least once daily, with stools that are well-formed, sausage-shaped, and easy to pass.
What Is SIBO?
Under normal conditions, the small intestine contains only minimal amounts of bacteria, while the large intestine houses the bulk of your microbiome. However, various factors—like motility issues, poor digestion, food sensitivities, stress, history of eating disorder, food poisoning, certain medications, or structural abnormalities—can cause bacteria from the large intestine to migrate into the small intestine. This migration results in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
When bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, they disrupt the proper digestion of your meals and lead to digestive symptoms such as:
Burping
Bloating (e.g., “food baby” or looking like you're 3-6 months pregnant)
Gas
Constipation
Diarrhea
These symptoms occur because the bacteria ferment partially digested food, especially carbohydrates, fiber, and sugars, producing gases like hydrogen and methane. This fermentation not only causes bloating and discomfort but also triggers inflammation in the intestinal lining, impairs nutrient absorption and can cause abnormalities in your gut motility.
Beyond Digestive Symptoms: How SIBO Affects Your Health
SIBO’s impact isn’t confined to digestive symptoms. It can lead to a range of systemic issues, including:
Allergies and sinus congestion
Difficulty losing or gaining weight
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
Skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea)
Hormonal imbalances
Anxiety and depression
Joint pain
Autoimmune conditions
The inflammation caused by SIBO can also weaken the intestinal lining, leading to intestinal permeability (leaky gut). This allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, further exacerbating systemic inflammation and contributing to food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and impaired cellular function.
How to find out if you have SIBO
The most reliable method for determining if you have SIBO is a 3-hour breath test, which measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine. Elevated levels of these gases indicate bacterial overgrowth.
How to Address SIBO
Addressing SIBO requires a comprehensive approach. While there is abundant information online, it is often conflicting, making it difficult to navigate on your own. Effective treatment typically involves:
Improving digestion beginning at the very top with Rest to Digest & digestive bitters or supplemental digestive enzymes.
Dietary Modifications: Limiting fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., low-FODMAP & specific carbohydrate or SIBO-specific diets).
Antimicrobial Therapy: Using herbal or pharmaceutical antimicrobials to target bacterial overgrowth.
Gut Healing: Supporting the intestinal lining with supplements like glutamine.
Motility Support: Enhancing the MMC and bile flow through prokinetic agents and liver-supporting practices.
Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, improving sleep, moving your body daily and supporting detox pathways.
Why Work with a Professional?
SIBO can be challenging to treat because every case is unique. That’s why I became a Master SIBO Practitioner—to provide clients with accurate, science-backed protocols tailored to help you address your individual needs.
If you suspect you have SIBO or another form of bacterial overgrowth, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can develop a personalized plan to restore your gut health and help you feel your best.
Get Your Comprehensive SIBO Guidebook
Ready to take the first step? My SIBO Guidebook provides a step-by-step protocol to help you address bacterial overgrowth, heal your gut, and prevent recurrence. Click the button below to get started on your journey to better health!
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