SIBO: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies For SIBO

Before Talking about natural remedies for SIBO let’s talk about what SIBO is. SIBO is an abbreviation for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, a gastrointestinal disorder involving the abnormal proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine. The small intestine usually contains relatively few bacteria compared to the large intestine.

However, in SIBO, bacteria from the large intestine move into the small intestine and start multiplying. This overgrowth can cause digestive symptoms and interfere with nutrient absorption, making SIBO a complicated and sometimes difficult-to-control condition.

The causes and symptoms of SIBO may vary from one individual to another, but understanding them is the first step toward proper treatment. While standard treatments, such as antibiotics, are usually necessary to control bacterial overgrowth, some natural remedies for SIBO can help control symptoms and promote healing at home.

What Is SIBO?

The small intestine is designed to absorb nutrients and usually contains a relatively small number of bacteria. In SIBO, however, the bacteria normally found in the large intestine move into the small intestine in much larger numbers.

This overgrowth can lead to malabsorption of many nutrients and may cause bloating, abdominal discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. Undigested food in the small intestine is fermented by bacteria in SIBO, which produces hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide gases.

These gases lead to the usual symptoms of digestive disorders: gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping. If SIBO remains untreated for an extended period, it can result in deficiencies in nutrients, vitamins—B12 and iron—and even intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

Causes of SIBO

Understanding the causes and symptoms of SIBO is important to treat it effectively. Various causes can lead to the onset of SIBO:

Impaired Gut Motility:

Small intestine motility should progress food and bacteria in the small intestine by a propulsive wave-like movement through peristalsis.

Conditions that impair gut motility, such as gastroparesis or IBS, create an ideal environment for bacteria to stagnate and overgrow in the small intestine.

Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria):

Stomach acid is necessary for disabling harmful bacteria and preventing their entrance into the small intestine.

If stomach acid is low, harmful bacteria can survive and pass into the small intestine, increasing the possibility of developing SIBO.

Structural Abnormalities:

Some structural abnormalities, such as intestinal diverticula (pouches in the wall of the intestine), adhesions from surgery, or short bowel syndrome, can also create pockets where bacteria may overgrow in the small intestine.

Medications and Antibiotics:

Long-term antibiotic use can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to SIBO. Other drugs that can cause this condition include those that affect gut motility, such as opioids, or stomach acid levels, such as proton pump inhibitors.

Immune System Dysfunction:

When the immune system is compromised due to autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, it may weaken the body’s ability to keep bacteria at bay, which then causes the overgrowth of bacteria within the small intestine.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors:

A poor diet, high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, may feed harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of SIBO. Other factors related to chronic stress, poor sleep, and lack of physical activity can also impact gut health and motility.

Symptoms Of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

The symptoms of SIBO can vary from one individual to another, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment. Some of the most prevalent symptoms of SIBO include:

Bloating and Abdominal Distension:

One of the most common symptoms of SIBO is bloating after meals, together with a sense of fullness or distension in the abdomen. This results from the fermentation of undigested food by bacteria in the small intestine.

Excessive Gas and Flatulence:

SIBO means that various gases, including hydrogen and methane, are produced. This leads to bloating and gas pains, burping, flatulence, and belching. The passing of these gases can be quite embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Diarrhea or Constipation:

Depending on the type of bacteria in the small intestine, SIBO can cause either diarrhea (due to rapid transit time) or constipation (due to slow motility). Some people experience alternating episodes of both.

Abdominal Pain and Cramping:

Bacterial overgrowth can irritate the lining of the small intestine, leading to pain, cramping, or discomfort after eating.

Indigestion and Heartburn:

Excessive bacteria in the small intestine can overwhelm normal digestion and lead to acid reflux up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and bloating.

Fatigue and Brain Fog:

The malabsorption of nutrients, especially in SIBO, can lead to deficiencies in Vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium, further causing fatigue, concentration problems, brain fog, and irritability.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Malnutrition:

Untreated for long periods, SIBO can lead to malnutrition or weight loss due to the malabsorption of nutrients; this may cause deficiencies in vital vitamins and minerals.

Food Sensitivities:

Many patients with SIBO develop sensitivities to certain foods, especially high-carbohydrate foods fermented by the bacteria. Dairy, wheat, and high-sugar fruits are very commonly reported symptom-provoking foods.

Treatment of SIBO

After understanding SIBO’s causes and symptoms, we will discuss its medical treatment.

1. Antibiotics for SIBO

The mainstay of medical treatment for SIBO is the administration of antibiotics against the overgrown bacteria in the small intestine.

2. Herbal Antimicrobials

For those who choose natural remedies for SIBO or cannot tolerate antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials can be a potent alternative to treating SIBO. A number of herbs exhibit antimicrobial properties that specifically act on bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

3. Dietary Changes

Another critical part of the treatment of SIBO involves diet modifications. A good diet is one of the natural remedies for SIBO that will reduce the symptoms of bacterial overgrowth and support the gut in the healing process to avoid relapse.

The Low FODMAP Diet is considered the best approach to diet, several dietary approaches are the natural remedies for SIBO that support the healing process.

4. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are one of the natural remedies for SIBO and prebiotics are commonly thought to be beneficial in restoring the healthy bacteria balance in the gut following antibiotic use. However, the use of probiotics in SIBO is somewhat controversial.

While some individuals report alleviating symptoms with probiotics due to the fostering of good bacteria, others report an increase in symptoms when a high methane-producing level of bacteria is present.

Natural Remedies For SIBO At Home

The treatment of SIBO mainly consists of combining conventional treatment with some lifestyle or dietary changes, as discussed above.

While medical treatment is essential for completely eradicating bacterial overgrowth, natural remedies give great relief and may be used in combination with prescribed therapies.

After a thorough understanding of SIBO causes and symptoms, some of the home-based natural remedies for SIBO are listed below:

1. Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP Diet is one of the best natural remedies for SIBO, it is the most researched and effective dietary strategy for managing SIBO. FODMAPs are short-chain, poorly absorbed carbohydrates.

In the small intestine, the fermentable nature of these carbohydrates feeds bacteria, worsening symptoms of gas, bloating, and diarrhea by producing more.

It works by reducing or eliminating the high-FODMAP content from dairy products like milk, yogurt, and soft cheeses; high-fructose fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon; and wheat and rye-based products.

Certain vegetables: (onions, garlic, cauliflower)

Legumes, lentils, and peas

This change in diet will reduce the symptoms of SIBO and make your gut a healthier environment.

2. Herbal Antimicrobials

Some herbs can control bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine with their inherent antimicrobial action. Some of the best herbs known to treat SIBO include:

• Oregano Oil: Oregano oil has very strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help target the bad bacteria in the small intestine and reduce overgrowth.

• Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antibacterial effects that helps balance the gut bacteria.

• Berberine: This natural compound, found in herbs like goldenseal, has been shown to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it helps reduce bacterial overgrowth.

• Neem: Neem has been used in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues, including SIBO, due to its antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Please consult a doctor before using herbal remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition. However, it is also necessary to understand SIBO causes and symptoms.

3. Probiotics and Prebiotics

While in some patients with SIBO, the use of probiotics leads to an initial worsening of symptoms, many derive benefits by altering the gut microbiota through specific strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Supplementing prebiotics – in essence, food for good bacteria composed of fibers – can be particularly useful, but these often need to be tapered off early because fermentable fibers fuel bacterial growth.

4. Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzyme supplements help break down food for better digestion, reducing symptoms of bloating and indigestion. These enzymes promote the proper absorption of nutrients to ease the burden on the small intestine.

5. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle modifications, in addition to medical treatments and dietary changes, are essential in managing SIBO’s health. You should manage your stress through yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and moderation in eating.

6. Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting allows the digestive system to rest and reboot. It can, therefore, improve motility and reduce the chance of bacterial overgrowth by preventing food from stagnating in the small intestine for too long.

Conclusion

SIBO causes and symptoms can take over your everyday life, but the proper knowledge of treatment strategies can help control this condition effectively. Standard treatments, such as antibiotics, are a must in treating bacterial overgrowth.

However, natural remedies like diet changes, herbal antimicrobials, and lifestyle changes can alleviate and support long-term gut health. If you believe you might have SIBO, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional who can guide you through diagnosis and treatment.