What is SIBO and How to Manage It Naturally

Paula Gallagher on
SIBO is caused by an overgrowth of some bacteria in the gut and can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a condition where an excessive amount of bacteria is present in the small intestine, leading to various symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The causes can range from anatomical abnormalities, such as diverticulitis, to functional disorders like hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) or conditions like celiac disease or diabetes. The diagnosis is usually made through breath tests and treatment involves dietary changes, antibiotics, and probiotics.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of SIBO

SIBO can cause a variety of symptoms, which can vary in severity and duration depending on the individual.

Common Symptoms of SIBO

  • Abdominal bloating and distension
  • Excess flatulence (gas)
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea or constipation (or alternating between the two)
  • Nausea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (due to malabsorption)
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

It's important to note that not everyone with SIBO will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. It's best to work with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Common Methods for Diagnosing SIBO

SIBO can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Some of the most common methods include:

Breath test: A breath test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine. The test involves drinking a solution containing a specific type of sugar and then measuring the levels of hydrogen or methane in the breath at regular intervals. Elevated levels of hydrogen or methane in the breath are indicative of SIBO.

Stool sample: A stool sample can be tested for the presence of bacteria in the large intestine, which can indicate SIBO if bacteria are found in higher levels than normal.

Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube is inserted down the throat and into the gut to visually inspect the small intestine for signs of bacterial overgrowth.

Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as an X-ray or CT scan, can be used to visualize the structure of the gut and identify any structural abnormalities that may be contributing to SIBO.

Natural Approach to Relieving Symptoms of SIBO

If you have been diagnosed with SIBO, it is important that you work with a healthcare practitioner. It can be a long process, and not every approach works for everyone. A naturopath or nutritioinst would develop a personalized health program to help your body overcome SIBO.

With this in mind, these are some of the natural approaches taken to address SIBO.

Dietary changes: See below about a low-carbohydrate diet.

Probiotics: For some people, taking certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum, can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, but for others, it may not help and may actually make symptoms worse. It is important to find the probiotic that is right for your specific needs.

Herbs: Herbs like oregano oil, berberine, and garlic have antimicrobial properties and can be used to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria. Slippery elm can help soothe an irritated digestive tract.

Enzymes: Supplementing with digestive enzymes, such as lactase or alpha-galactosidase, can help to break down undigested carbohydrates and reduce the food supply for harmful bacteria.

Hydrochloric acid (HCL) supplementation: Taking HCL supplements can help to increase the acidity of the stomach and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the small intestine.

Diet's Role in SIBO

Diet is a crucial component of managing SIBO. There are several dietary approaches that may help reduce symptoms and improve the imbalance of bacteria in the gut:

Low-carbohydrate diet: A low-carbohydrate diet, such as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) or the FODMAP diet, can help to reduce symptoms and improve the imbalance of bacteria in the gut. The FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet involves avoiding foods that are high in certain types of carbohydrates that can be difficult for some people to digest, such as fructose, lactose, and fructans.

Elimination diet: Eliminating certain foods, such as gluten, dairy, soy, or fermented foods, can help to reduce symptoms and improve gut health.

Elemental diet: The elemental diet is a liquid-only diet that consists of pre-digested nutrients, which can help to reduce symptoms by reducing the food supply for harmful bacteria.

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