What is SIBO? Understanding Its Complex Symptoms

 

A Closer Look at SIBO: Its Connection to Fatigue, Brain Fog, and More

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, is notorious for causing numerous digestive symptoms. However, many don't realize that SIBO can also lead to non-digestive symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, headaches, joint pain, and more.

If you're struggling with fatigue and other unexplained symptoms associated with SIBO, gut-related treatments like probiotics and dietary changes might not be on your mind. However, they can be highly beneficial. Let's dissect this further.

SIBO: What Is It?

SIBO refers to an excessive bacterial population in the small intestine, which usually hosts a minimal amount of such microorganisms. Diagnosis of SIBO typically involves a glucose or lactulose breath test.

Identifying the Symptoms of SIBO

The symptoms of SIBO can vary significantly between individuals. While some may experience digestive symptoms, others may not notice any symptoms at all. More challenging for patients diagnosed with SIBO is the long list of non-digestive symptoms they may experience. Symptoms like fatigue, poor mood, brain fog, and a general "lack of well-being" can seem vague and untraceable. However, they often originate in the gut.

Let's overview the wide range of potential SIBO symptoms.

Digestive Discomfort: The Common Symptoms

More often than not, patients diagnosed with SIBO experience symptoms akin to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, distension, indigestion, cramping, reflux, flatulence, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

Research highlights a strong correlation between IBS and SIBO. This implies that IBS symptoms are not uncommon in patients with SIBO:

These findings suggest that SIBO may be the culprit in some, but not all, IBS cases.

Research also points towards a connection between SIBO and inflammatory bowel diseases (like colitis and Crohn's disease). Associations between SIBO and celiac disease/non-celiac gluten sensitivity have also been observed.

Fatigue: A Draining SIBO Symptom

Fatigue is often one of the most debilitating and frustrating symptoms of SIBO.

While abundant anecdotal evidence suggests that fatigue is common in SIBO patients, scientific research is still lacking.

Fatigue is also a symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Gut treatments have also been shown to help with fatigue:

Improving gut health can often lead to a significant boost in energy levels.

Mood Disorders: The Gut-Brain Connection

The research regarding the connection between SIBO and mood is still in its infancy. However, other studies provide insights about depression, anxiety, and gut health.

Can gut treatments help with mood disorders?

Research suggests that probiotics and a gluten-free diet may improve the mood of those with celiac disease, IBS, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Rosacea: The Skin-Gut Connection

While rosacea is a skin condition and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) pertains to the digestive system, research has suggested a possible connection between altered gut microbiota and manifestations of rosacea on the skin. However, this theory is still unconfirmed and only backed by speculative evidence.

Around 40 years ago, pathologists conducted a research project at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on Tyne, England. This investigation examined the intestines of deceased individuals diagnosed with rosacea during their lifetimes. The researchers discovered that small pouches, serving as habitats for gut bacteria, were present in the small intestine's lining. The study's conclusions revealed that significant alterations in the gut lining were observed in roughly 35 percent of the patients who had rosacea.

Restless Leg Syndrome: An Unexpected Connection

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) has also been linked to SIBO and IBS.

A meta-analysis released in the journal Sleep Medicine in January 2021 examined five observational studies. These studies, which collectively involved over 86,000 participants, found that the occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) seemed to anticipate the onset of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The data indicated that individuals diagnosed with IBS had an approximately three times higher likelihood of developing RLS than the broader population. The role of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) in this relationship is yet to be clarified.

Joint Point with SIBO

Joint discomfort associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) could result from increased levels of histamine or inflammation instigated by bacteria. Histamine, an immune system chemical mediator, is renowned for its involvement in conditions like allergies, asthma, and eczema (atopic dermatitis). Given its broad impact on the body, additional systemic symptoms may encompass joint pain and swelling, anxiety, headaches, rapid heart rate or low blood pressure, sleeplessness, and digestive issues.

Headaches: A Common Symptom

Headaches frequently occur in cases of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Other digestive health issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Celiac disease, often present headaches as common symptoms.

Decoding SIBO: Why Does It Cause Such Diverse Symptoms?

SIBO, like many other gut conditions, falls under the broad term "digestive tract dysbiosis." Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of bacteria, fungus, and other organisms in the digestive system.

Understanding the connections between gut health, the immune system, inflammation, and nutrient absorption can show how a condition like SIBO can lead to various health problems.

Immune System

The health of your digestive tract and your immune system are closely linked. An imbalance of gut bacteria can activate your immune system. Your small intestine contains the highest density of immune cells in your body. A chronically over-activated immune system leads to inflammation and immune reactions.

Inflammation & SIBO

As a result of gut dysbiosis, your over-reactive immune system produces inflammation. Chronic inflammation is now understood as the root cause of many minor and life-threatening health conditions. The long list includes rosacea, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's disease.

SIBO & Nutrient Absorption

Chronic inflammation can damage the lining of the digestive tract. This can impair nutrient absorption. Severe cases of SIBO can lead to malabsorption of fats and carbohydrates, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, A, D, E, K, and iron), and, for some, weight loss.

Gut dysbiosis, inflammation, immune reactions, and nutrient malabsorption can lead to various symptoms and chronic health conditions.

Comprehensive SIBO Diagnosis: Functional Testing & Microbiome Analysis

The evaluation of symptoms potentially related to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) often starts with functional testing, such as a SIBO breath test. The presence of bacteria colonizing the usually sterile small intestine can be identified by measuring hydrogen and methane release. The GI 360 stool test by Doctor's Data provides an in-depth analysis of gut function and microbiome composition, detecting pathogens and commensals, including mycoplasma, often missed by other tests.

Treating SIBO: A Comprehensive Approach

SIBO treatment is best approached through a combination of research-backed strategies that address intestinal dysbiosis and improve overall gut health. Depending on the patient, this may include probiotics, diet, fasting, and digestive support.

Gut Health: The Root Cause of Your Fatigue?

If you struggle with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, poor mood, headaches, and other unexplained symptoms, focusing on improving your gut health is crucial. Don't let inflammation and immune dysregulation wreak havoc on your health. An experienced practitioner can help you diagnose SIBO through breath testing and guide you through treatment options.

Take control of your health by scheduling a consultation with Internal Healing & Wellness MD.