top of page

SIBO and GI Imbalances

What is SIBO?

SIBO (Small Intestine Bowel/Bacterial Overgrowth) is a chronic bacterial and/or candida/fungal infection of the small intestine. The infection is of bacteria that normally live in the gastrointestinal tract but have abnormally overgrown in a location not meant for so many bacteria. The candida/fungal overgrowth almost always accompanies the bacteria overgrowth causing the condition known as "gut dysbiosis."

This bacteria and fungal overgrowth interferes with our normal digestion and absorption of food. It is also associated with damage to the lining or membrane of the small intestine (leaky gut syndrome). 

  • They consume some of our food which over time leads to deficiencies in their favorite nutrients such as iron and B12, causing anemia.
  • They consume food unable to be absorbed due to SI lining damage, which creates more bacterial overgrowth (a vicious cycle).
  • After eating our food, they produce gas/ expel flatus, within our SI. The gas causes abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or both (the symptoms of IBS). Excess gas can also cause belching and flatulence.
  • They decrease proper fat absorption by de-conjugating bile leading to deficiencies of vitamins A & D and fatty stools.
  • Through the damaged lining, larger food particles not able to be fully digested, enter into the body which the immune system reacts to. This causes food allergies/ sensitivities.
  • Bacteria themselves can also enter the body/bloodstream. Immune system reaction to bacteria and their cell walls (endotoxin) causes chronic fatigue and body pain and burdens the liver.
  • Finally, the bacteria excrete acids which in high amounts can cause neurological and cognitive symptoms.

SIBO Symptoms

The main symptoms of SIBO are those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS can exist in 3 main types: diarrhea (D), constipation (C), or alternating diarrhea and constipation. SIBO has been shown to exist in up to 80% or more of IBS patients and is therefore considered to be the CAUSE of IBS.
 

IBS Symptoms:

Abdominal bloating (gas)

–belching, flatulence

Abdominal pain, cramps

Constipation, Diarrhea, both
 

Other symptoms:

Heartburn (Reflux or GERD)

Nausea
 

Leaky Gut Symptoms:

Food Sensitivities

Headaches

Joint Pain

Fatigue

Skin symptoms (such as eczema or rashes)

Respiratory symptoms (such as asthma)

Mood symptoms (such as depression)

Brain symptoms (such as Autism)
 

Malabsorption Symptoms:

Steatorrhea (fatty stools)

Anemia (Iron or B12)

Weight Loss
 

Associated Conditions:

Acne Roseacea

Acromegaly

Age: Elderly

Alcohol Consumption (moderate intake)

Anemia

Atrophic Gastritis

Autism

Celiac Disease

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)

Cystic Fibrosis

Diabetes

Diverticulitis

Dyspepsia

Erosive Esophagitis

Fibromyalgia

Gallstones

Gastroparesis

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Hepatic Encephalopathy (Minimal)

Hepatic Steatosis

H pylori Infection

Hyprochlorhydria

Hypothyroid/ Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

-Crohn's

-Ulcerative Colitis

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Interstitial Cystitis

Lactose Intolerance

Leaky Gut

Liver cirrhosis

Lyme

Medications: Proton Pump Inhibitors, Opiates, NSAIDS Myelomeningocele

Muscular Dystrophy (myotonic Type 1)

NASH/NAFLD (non-alcoholic: steatohepatitis/fatty liver disease)

Obesity

Pancreatitis

Parasites

Parkinson's

Prostatitis (chronic)

Radiation Enteropathy

Restless Leg Syndrome

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Scleroderma

Surgery: Post-Gastrectomy

bottom of page