In a healthy gut, there’s a balance of bacteria that’s crucial for digestion. However, if the balance of this bacteria is disrupted, it can negatively impact your health. SIBO is a condition that’s caused by excess bacteria in the small intestine, and it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Here, we’ll discuss SIBO, what causes it, and what you can do to prevent it.
Understanding SIBO
SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Also referred to as blind loop syndrome, SIBO occurs when bacteria, namely those that aren’t typically found in the small intestine, increase abnormally. This compromises the health of the small intestine and can interfere with digestion.
What Causes SIBO?
Typically, SIBO occurs when food passes through the small intestine too slowly. This creates an environment in which bacteria can grow and thrive. As a result, the unhealthy or “bad” bacteria in the gut multiply too rapidly for the “good” bacteria to keep up with. This imbalance causes SIBO.
There are multiple factors that can slow down the movement of food through the small intestine. For one, this can occur as a complication of surgical abdominal procedures, like gastric bypass surgery. It may also result from small intestine injury, GI tract blockages, or scar tissue from surgery. Some medications may also cause SIBO, including narcotics, antibiotics, and IBS drugs.
Certain conditions can increase your risk of developing SIBO, including:
- Lupus
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Immunoglobulin A deficiency
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders
- Diverticulosis
Symptoms of SIBO
The most common symptoms of SIBO include:
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Abnormal gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Feeling uncomfortably full after eating
- Fatigue
Protecting the Health of Your Gut
Implementing lifestyle changes to keep your gut bacteria in balance can help prevent SIBO. In addition to maintaining a healthy, low FODMAP diet and taking probiotic supplements, regular colon hydrotherapy treatment from Body Flow Wellness will improve the health of your digestive system. The FDA-approved Angel of Water hydrotherapy system rids the colon of accumulated waste and toxins to restore normal digestive function.
To learn more about colon hydrotherapy to protect your digestive health, schedule an appointment at Body Flow Wellness today!