SIBO or Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth refers to a condition where bacteria from the colon populate the small intestine and cause symptoms including the following:
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Belching
- Bloating
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Acid Reflux
- Rosacea
- Fibromyalgia
- GERD
When bacteria from the colon populate the small intestine, they inhibit the proper digestion of carbohydrates. Normally, the small intestine helps to break down food and absorb the nutrients vital for good health. When bacteria from the colon invade the small intestine, these carbohydrates are no longer digested properly. Instead the colonic bacteria ferment the carbohydrates and produce hydrogen and methane gas. This process of fermentation can cause a whole host of symptoms ranging from GI distress to joint pain and difficulty concentrating, which can be difficult to treat without the diagnosis of SIBO.
SIBO can be diagnosed by a breath test. The breath test measures hydrogen and methane in the breath. Once diagnosed, SIBO can be treated with a specific diet, digestive support, antibiotics and probiotics.
Treating SIBO is not always a quick fix, and sometimes numerous rounds of treatment are required, but you can learn to manage the overgrowth and the symptoms to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable.
To learn more about SIBO or about the Hydrogen Breath Test, contact me at info@drrahima.com