Got Bloat? May be SIBO

Written By Patty Shipley

The small intestine... ground zero for SIBO

So what is SIBO?

Everyone experiences gas and bloating at some point, right? But what if it just doesn't go away? The embarrassing rumble in your stomach, uncomfortable distention in your abdomen , and unpredictable trips to the bathroom... it's all frustrating and painful... and it might actually have a name - Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth, or SIBO. Simply put, SIBO is a chronic overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.  These bacteria normally live lower in the gastrointestinal tract but can migrate into the small intestine given the right set of conditions. Once these bacteria migrate, they feed on carbohydrates, which causes a fermentation, which in turn releases a gas - hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide. This is what causes gas and bloating after meals.

Symptoms of SIBO

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal pain and discomfort

  • Abdominal distention

  • Abdominal bloating after meals

  • Unusually loud rumbling noises

  • Flatulence

What Causes SIBO?

The cause of an individual case of SIBO can be hard to determine. SIBO is not an independent diagnosis, because something causes it (most commonly IBS).  Causes can include:

  • Stress

  • Poor diet

  • Nerve damage

  • Sloppy ileocecal valve,

  • Dysfunctional migrating motor complex (MMC) - chief contributor to SIBO

  • Certain infections such as food borne illness or H. pylori

  • Antibiotics

  • Acid reducing drugs

  • Opioid use

  • A variety of problem foods - including foods that are high in refined carbohydrates or inhibit carbohydrate digestion

  • Insufficient fasting time between meals

  • Low thyroid function

  • Adrenal fatigue

  • Lack of exercise

  • Improper sleep habits

MMC - The Body's Conveyor Belt

Our gut relies on nerves, muscles, enzymes, and neurotransmitters to properly digest food. Enzymes mainly break down our food while the nerves, muscles and neurotransmitters physically move the food through our digestive tract from the stomach to the small intestine and on to the colon. This movement is referred to as migrating motor complex (MMC). One of the chief contributors to the onset of SIBO is dysfunctional MMC.

MMC can become dysfunctional for a variety of reasons, including nerve or muscle damage, bowel disorders such as IBS, scarring, physical obstruction, or even the influence of certain medications.

Call us today to schedule a consultation for testing if you think you may be dealing with this internal issue. Or schedule online here.

Patty Shipley
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