Is It SIBO? 7 Reasons Why Your Digestive Symptoms
May Point to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Bloating, pain and discomfort, irregular bowel movements—many of us experience digestive issues from time to time. But if these ongoing symptoms interfere with your life, it could be a sign of something more serious. One potential condition is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This condition is estimated to affect up to 14 percent of the population and can cause a wide range of digestive symptoms.

If you suffer from persistent digestive issues, it’s essential to consider the possibility of SIBO. Fortunately, there are tests available to confirm a diagnosis, and treatment is possible to fend off even the worst symptoms.

Here, we’ll explore why your digestive symptoms may point to SIBO, and how you can start to seek treatment.

What is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is an imbalance of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, most of the body’s bacterial population lives in the large intestine and is essential for digestive health. However, when there are too many bacteria living further up the gastrointestinal tract—in the small intestine—it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.

SIBO can be difficult to diagnose and often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as other digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is because the symptoms of SIBO are very similar to those of IBS, including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and gas.

Why SIBO Is Becoming More Common

The exact causes of SIBO are still not well-understood, but it is thought to be caused by an underlying condition or dysfunction of the small intestine.

For example, people with a weakened immune system may be more likely to develop SIBO. In addition, certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antibiotics, can also increase the risk of developing SIBO.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with SIBO, which is thought to be due to increased awareness and better diagnostic testing. As such, it is becoming increasingly important to understand what SIBO is and how it can be managed.

7 Reasons Why Your Digestive Symptoms May Point to SIBO

If you suffer from persistent digestive issues, it’s essential to consider the possibility of SIBO. Here are seven reasons why your symptoms could point to SIBO:

1. Bloating and abdominal distention

One of the most common signs of SIBO is bloating or abdominal distention, which can often be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Sometimes, these symptoms may even cause your stomach to look larger than normal. This could be caused by an accumulation of gas, which can be a result of the bacteria releasing gas as they ferment carbohydrates in the gut.

2. Constipation or diarrhea

SIBO can cause either constipation or diarrhea, depending on which type of bacteria is dominating your small intestine. Constipation is more likely to occur with bacteria that produce methane, and diarrhea is more likely to occur with bacteria that produce hydrogen.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of SIBO, occurring in up to 80 percent of cases. This could be due to malabsorption—which occurs when nutrients are not properly absorbed from food—leading to nutritional deficiencies that can cause tiredness and exhaustion. It may also be linked to other symptoms like poor sleep quality or low iron levels caused by blood loss from chronic diarrhea.

4. Weight loss or weight gain

Weight loss or weight gain can occur with SIBO, as it can affect digestion and nutrient absorption leading to an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. Malnutrition caused by nutrient deficiency can also lead to unexplained weight changes over time.

5. Nutrient deficiencies

SIBO is associated with several nutrient deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate. This can occur due to malabsorption or because bacteria are competing with the body for certain nutrients in food. It’s essential to speak to your doctor if you think you may have a nutrient deficiency so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated.

6. Skin problems

Skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema can also be linked to SIBO, as the same toxins produced by bacteria in the small intestine can travel through the bloodstream and cause these types of skin problems.

7. Joint pain or muscle aches

Joint pain or muscle aches can be another symptom of SIBO, as the toxins produced by bacteria in the small intestine can also cause inflammation of the joints or muscles.

Can Functional Medicine Help Treat SIBO?

Functional Medicine is an emerging specialty of medicine that takes a holistic, patient-centered approach to treat chronic conditions like SIBO. It seeks to uncover the underlying cause of the disease and create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.

Functional Medicine practitioners can work with you to identify the underlying causes of your SIBO and develop a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and targeted supplementation. This approach can help reduce symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and gas, as well as any associated nutrient deficiencies or skin problems.

Overall, while there is still much to be learned about SIBO, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Functional Medicine can help to effectively manage this condition and reduce its symptoms.

Fight Back Against SIBO with Dr. Khan at Internal Healing & Wellness

If you are struggling to work through the various symptoms of SIBO, reach out to Dr. Khan of Internal Healing & Wellness for help.

With his specialized approach to Functional Medicine, he can provide you with the resources and guidance you need to get on your path to recovery. Serving patients in The Woodlands, Houston, and throughout Texas, Internal Healing & Wellness is dedicated to helping you reclaim your health. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help treat your SIBO.