You’ve probably heard of IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and leaky gut, but have you heard of the condition SIBO? SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which simply means that there is an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in the small intestine, often accompanied by low levels of beneficial bacteria. This leads to poor digestion and limited absorption of essential nutrients and can eventually cause ‘leaky gut’ (damage to the lining of the digestive system).
The role of the gut
When you think about the health of the digestive system, it is impossible not to consider the bacteria that are present. The digestive tract contains over ONE KILOGRAM of microscopic bacteria, usually made up of normal bacteria (e.g. lactobacillus and bifidobacteria) and other bacteria that don’t provide benefit or cause harm. Certain bacteria, however, are considered harmful to our health. It is these ‘bad’ bacteria that are present in SIBO. SIBO has been found to be an underlying cause of other conditions, such as IBS, nutrient deficiencies (iron and vitamin B12), osteoporosis, and kidney stones.
What are the symptoms of SIBO?
SIBO often causes IBS-like symptoms, as the bad bacteria actually consume the food that is passed through (meaning less nutrients are absorbed by your body!).
Common symptoms caused by SIBO include:
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Excess flatulence
Bloating
Digestive pain
Nausea and vomiting
Malabsorption as a result of damage to the gut lining
SIBO can also present ‘silently’ meaning you may not have any signs and symptoms.
Often, consulting with medical practitioners explaining these signs and symptoms results in a simple stool test (that usually only looks for common parasites and a few species of ‘bad’ bacteria), which means that things can be missed and the cause of the problem is still not identified. It can be very frustrating, especially considering the impact that digestive signs and symptoms can have on our everyday life. Clients often benefit from both a SIBO test (to assess small intestinal bacteria) and a Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) to assess the microbial balance in the lower gut.
What causes SIBO?
There are many causes of SIBO, causing it to be a very common condition. Poor dietary choices, celiac disease, diabetes, some medications (such as antacids), and ageing can all contribute to the development and worsening of SIBO.
SIBO Treatment
“The goals of treatment for SIBO are threefold:
1) correct the underlying cause; 2) provide nutritional support, if necessary; and 3) treat the overgrowth.”
While this sounds like a complex condition, there are many natural treatment methods, including antibacterial herbs that are specific for SIBO, a dietary overhaul, and some lifestyle changes. Using a specialised diet and proven naturopathic treatment, SIBO can be resolved and you can get back to feeling your best.
Want to know how our Clinical Naturopath team can help you?
Can SIBO trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?
SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, can indeed trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, as the excess bacteria in the small intestine can lead to the same digestive issues associated with IBS, such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
How long does SIBO treatment take in Sunshine Coast?
The duration of SIBO treatment in the Sunshine Coast can vary depending on the individual case, but typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, including dietary modifications, herbal supplements, and antimicrobial treatments tailored to address the underlying imbalance.
What is the link between SIBO and skin rashes?
There is a close link between SIBO and skin rashes, as the bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can lead to increased intestinal permeability and subsequent inflammation, which can manifest as skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne.
How does SIBO affect nutrient absorption in the body?
SIBO can impair nutrient absorption by causing maldigestion and malabsorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients due to the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
What is the relationship between SIBO and leaky gut syndrome?
The relationship between SIBO and leaky gut syndrome is that SIBO can contribute to the development of leaky gut, as the bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can damage the gut lining and increase intestinal permeability.
Who offers SIBO treatment in Brisbane hospitals?
Brisbane hospitals provide SIBO treatment options for patients, including gastroenterologists and general practitioners who can diagnose and manage SIBO through dietary changes, antibiotics, or other therapeutic approaches.
Are there SIBO treatment clinics in Sunshine Coast suburbs?
The Integrated Wellness Clinic, located in the Sunshine Coast suburbs, specializes in naturopathic treatments for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), offering both in-person and online consultations to provide tailored treatment plans for its patients.
How does SIBO differ from irritable bowel syndrome?
The key difference between SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is that SIBO is a condition characterized by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, while IBS is a functional disorder that affects the large intestine.
Do Gold Coast hospitals offer SIBO treatment programs?
Gold Coast hospitals do offer SIBO treatment programs focused on addressing the underlying causes of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth through dietary modifications, supplements, and other naturopathic approaches.
How does SIBO treatment work on the Sunshine Coast?
The Integrated Wellness Clinic on the Sunshine Coast offers personalized SIBO treatment plans that combine naturopathic approaches like dietary modifications, herbal supplements, and gut-healing therapies to address the root causes and provide long-term relief.
Can SIBO cause anxiety and depression in individuals?
Yes, SIBO can cause anxiety and depression in individuals. The underlying gut dysfunction associated with SIBO can contribute to the development of these mental health conditions.
How does SIBO impact digestion and gut health?
SIBO can negatively impact digestion and gut health by causing excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine, leading to malabsorption, bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
What is the role of antibiotics in SIBO treatment?
Antibiotics play a role in SIBO treatment by helping to reduce the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. However, they must be used cautiously as they can also disrupt the gut microbiome.
Can I get SIBO treatment via telemedicine in Brisbane?
Yes, the Integrated Wellness Clinic offers SIBO treatment via telemedicine consultations for patients in Brisbane, providing convenient and accessible naturopathic care for digestive health issues.
Can SIBO cause weight loss and malnutrition?
Yes, SIBO can cause weight loss and malnutrition. The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in unintentional weight loss and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
Can probiotics help treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth?
Probiotics can help treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which can reduce SIBO symptoms and improve digestive health.
What are the common symptoms of small intestine bacterial overgrowth?
The common symptoms of small intestine bacterial overgrowth include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, constipation, malabsorption, and nutritional deficiencies.
What are SIBO treatment costs on the Gold Coast?
The SIBO treatment costs on the Gold Coast vary depending on the specific treatment plan and whether it's an in-person or online consultation. Prices typically range from $150 to $300 per consultation.
What are the best SIBO treatment options in Brisbane?
The best SIBO treatment options in Brisbane include naturopathic treatments focused on gut health, such as dietary changes, supplements, and herbal remedies, as well as antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
How is SIBO diagnosed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome?
SIBO in patients with irritable bowel syndrome is typically diagnosed through a hydrogen or methane breath test, which measures the amount of hydrogen or methane produced by bacterial fermentation in the small intestine.
How does SIBO cause bloating and discomfort in the abdomen?
SIBO can cause bloating and discomfort in the abdomen due to the excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine, leading to gas production, malabsorption, and altered gut motility.
What is the most effective SIBO treatment in Brisbane?
The most effective SIBO treatment in Brisbane is a comprehensive naturopathic approach focused on gut health, including dietary modifications, herbal supplements, and targeted therapies to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
Are there natural SIBO treatment methods in Gold Coast?
Yes, the Integrated Wellness Clinic in Gold Coast offers natural treatment methods for SIBO, including dietary changes, herbal supplements, and other holistic approaches tailored to the individual's needs.
What are the most effective dietary changes for SIBO patients?
The most effective dietary changes for SIBO patients involve following a low-FODMAP diet, avoiding gluten, reducing intake of fermentable carbohydrates, and incorporating probiotic-rich foods to help restore gut balance.
How does SIBO affect digestion and nutrient absorption?
SIBO can impair digestion and nutrient absorption by causing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of essential nutrients and digestive discomfort.
Can SIBO cause joint pain and inflammation in the body?
Yes, SIBO can cause joint pain and inflammation in the body. The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to increased intestinal permeability, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger an inflammatory response in the joints.
What are the symptoms of SIBO in women specifically?
The symptoms of SIBO in women specifically may include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits. These gastrointestinal issues can be more prevalent in women due to hormonal factors.
What are the benefits of natural remedies for SIBO treatment?
Natural remedies for SIBO treatment can help restore gut balance, reduce inflammation, and address the underlying causes of the condition without the side effects of pharmaceutical medications.
What dietary changes help manage SIBO symptoms?
Dietary changes that can help manage SIBO symptoms include following a low-FODMAP diet, eliminating foods that are difficult to digest, and increasing intake of probiotic-rich foods to restore gut balance.
How can SIBO affect mental health?
SIBO can affect mental health by causing malabsorption of essential nutrients, which can lead to mood imbalances, cognitive issues, and neurological symptoms.
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