SIBO

What is SIBO?

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial overgrowth.  This occurs when there is an abnormal number of bacteria present in the small intestine.

These bacteria ferment starches and fibres into gases (hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide) that damage the small intestine and cause many symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SIBO

How my practice can help with SIBO

1. Identify the cause of SIBO

Identifying and treating the cause of SIBO in each patient is essential for successful treatment outcomes.  Major causes of SIBO include:

• Impaired digestion (stress, low stomach acid, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, brush border enzyme insufficiency, poor bile flow, secretory IgA deficiency).
• Microbial imbalances (large bowel dysbiosis, parasites, candida/yeast).
• Impaired motility (migrating motor complex damage, autoimmune IBS, food poisoning, hypothyroidism, chronic infections, diabetes, mold, CIRS, POTS, MCAS).
• Impaired flow through intestines (endometriosis, abdominal surgery, adhesions).
• Medications (opiates, antispasmodics, proton pump inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants).

2. Refer for the right tests to know what type of SIBO you have

There are 3 different types of SIBO: Hydrogen, Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide.  The SIBO test, which is a simple breath test, detects what type of SIBO you have.

Knowing what type of SIBO you have is important for developing the right treatment protocol which includes diet, supplements, and herbal medicine.

If you haven’t already been tested for SIBO, the testing options will be discussed with you at the initial appointment.

In the majority of cases, Australian patients will be referred for Nutripath SIBO testing, USA patients for SIBOtest.com testing and UK patients for Biolab SIBO testing.

 

3. Understanding the link between SIBO and Histamine

SIBO is a major cause of histamine intolerance.  The inflammation that occurs in the small intestine causes a reduction in DAO enzyme activity.  The DAO enzyme breaks down histamine.  Histamine causes many symptoms that you can read about here.

All of Joanne’s SIBO patients are thoroughly screened for histamine intolerance and treated accordingly.

 

4. Treating nutrient deficiencies

SIBO is a major cause of nutrient deficiencies including protein, Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

All of Joanne’s SIBO patients are thoroughly screened for nutrient deficiencies and treated accordingly.

 

5. Correcting methylation

The potential protein and Vitamin B12 deficiency in SIBO can lead to methylation issues. You can read about methylation here.

All of Joanne’s SIBO patients are thoroughly screened for methylation issues and treated accordingly.

 

6. Prescribe the right supplements

With so many supplements on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused.  Having treated hundreds of patients with SIBO, histamine intolerance, and methylation issues, Joanne has identified the supplements that really work to provide positive results for her patients.