SIBO 101
- janlindquist
- May 7
- 3 min read
WHAT IS SIBO?
SIBO- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a disorder where excess bacteria develops in the small intestine.
Microbes migrate up from the large intestine or down from the mouth or respiratory tract, resulting in excess baceria that then becomes opportunistic and digestive fallout begins.
AN IMBALANCED GUT.
The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, but when these misplaced microbes compete for those nutrients from our meals, they produce byproduct gas as they feed creating bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation - UGH!
SYMPTOMS OF SIBO.
Within 1-3 hours of eating*, it's comon to experience these symptoms if SIBO is present:
Gas & Bloating
Burping & Belching
Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea
Anemia
Nutrient Deficiencies
Poor Fat Absorption
[*If you experience these symptoms beyond 3 hours of eating, the imbalance is likely in your large intestine.]
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIBO?
This bacterial overgrowth primarily manifests as uncomfortable GI symptoms, but severe cases can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and conditions like anemia, restless leg syndrome, or liver issues.
WHY AM I EXPERIENCING SIBO?
SIBO often results from compromised digestion upstream of the small intestine, like excessive snacking, low stomach acid, or impaired pancreatic/bile secretions from the loss of a gallbladder.
It can also develop in the presence of other gut issues like IBS, Celiac, Crohns, dysbiosis, or leaky gut.
Constant snacking can also interfere with the process of digestion, because when we don't leave room between meals our body doesn't have the opportunity to "clean out our digestive system".
Remember, constant snacking or grazing throughout the day & evening can be a pathway for SIBO to begin.
IS THERE A TEST I CAN TAKE?
Unfortunately, there's not a reliable, noninvasive test for SIBO [breath tests are not typically accurate].
The best way to determine if SIBO is active is to evaluate your symptoms and then support best digestion practices.
TRY THIS.
Allow at least 3 hours between meals.
Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Support microbial balance by focusing on a diverse diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics from fruits and vegetables, fermented foods and aim for 25 grams of fiber daily.
Always sit down when eating and take a few deep breaths before beginning to eat.
Chew your food completely.
Drink a small glass of water with 1-2 tbsp. of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar before your meal to support stomach acid production.
Eat enough food at mealtimes, paying attention to creating a balance of protein and quality fats to reduce the need to snack and to give your digestive system a break between meals.
Support your gut by including ginger, flax meal, plain whole milk yogurt, sauerkraut, beans, and garlic.
Include herbal antimicrobials like oregano, clove or peppermint to your meals or beverages.
A Worthwhile Pursuit.
A healthy gut is so important for our overall well-being. Gut health impacts digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function and even our mental health.
When we have a "good gut", our weight adjusts, blood sugar stabilizes, our energy levels increase as well as improved sleep, skin health and even kidney function.
Do you need someone to help navigate these issues?
I can help you figure out what steps to take so that you too can begin to feel better.
You can find me here. https://www.janlindquistntp.com
Thanks for reading,
Jan
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