Picture this: you’ve been experiencing digestive discomfort, bloating, and perhaps even unexplained weight loss. Your doctor suspects Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) might be the culprit. But how did you end up with SIBO in the first place? Let’s take a closer look at some common ways SIBO can sneak into your gut.
- Low Stomach Acid:
One of the primary lines of defense against SIBO is the acidity of your stomach. If you have low stomach acid due to age, medications, or underlying health conditions, it can pave the way for unwanted bacteria to migrate from the stomach into the small intestine, where they don’t belong. - Gastrointestinal Surgery:
Surgical procedures involving the digestive tract, like gastric bypass or bowel surgery, can alter the normal movement of food and bacteria in the gut. This disruption can create an environment where bacteria flourish in the small intestine, leading to SIBO. - Parasites:
Parasites can sometimes trigger SIBO by disrupting the normal balance of bacteria in your small intestine. - Slow Motility:
Your small intestine relies on a rhythmic muscular movement called peristalsis to propel food and bacteria through it. If this movement becomes sluggish due to conditions like diabetes or neurological disorders, it can allow bacteria to linger and multiply. - Dysfunctional Ileocecal Valve:
The ileocecal valve is a crucial checkpoint that separates the small intestine from the large intestine. If it malfunctions, it can enable backflow of bacteria from the colon into the small intestine, triggering SIBO. - Antibiotic Use:
Ironically, while antibiotics are used to combat bacterial infections, they can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful ones to thrive and cause SIBO. - Chronic Stress:
Stress doesn’t just affect your mental state; it can also wreak havoc on your gut. Chronic stress can alter the composition of your gut microbiome, potentially leading to SIBO as well as other digestive issues. - Dietary Factors:
What you eat plays a significant role in your gut health. Diets high in refined sugars, processed foods, and low in fiber can encourage the growth of bacteria that promote SIBO. - Underlying Health Conditions:
Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can create an environment in the small intestine that’s more favourable for bacterial overgrowth.
While SIBO can be challenging to deal with, understanding how it can sneak into your gut is the first step in managing and preventing it. Whether it’s addressing lifestyle factors, dietary choices, or underlying health conditions, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing SIBO and improve your gut health. Remember, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and treatment if you suspect you have SIBO.
Helpful Resources:
- The Sibo Doctor– for all things SIBO. Information, help, recipes, booklets and courses to help you understand and begin healing now!