Do experience any of these symptoms?
- Abdominal pain/discomfort
- Bloating and abdominal distention
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas and belching
- In more severe cases, there may be weight loss and symptoms related to vitamin deficiencies.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine that is normally found in the colon. This causes symptoms of GI distress and can lead to Leaky Gut d/t a compromised intestinal wall. The small bowel normally has very few bacterial species compared to the colon. When the balance of bacteria is off in the small bowel, we are less able to digest food and absorb nutrients leading to compromised immunity.
It is unknown how many people suffer from SIBO, but it may go under diagnosed d/t lack of awareness of how common the condition is. A breath test is the current diagnostic tool. Treatment options include a botanical protocol as well as antibiotics. Rifaximin is the most common antibiotic used. Listen to this interview with Chris Kresser and Dr. Pimentel to breakdown treatment options.
