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Six signs you might have SIBO
- You notice that fiber worsens your constipation
- You notice an improvement in IBS symptoms when taking antibiotics
- You feel more gas and bloating when you take probiotics that contain prebiotics
- You are celiac or gluten intolerant and do not have 100% resolution of symptoms on a gluten-free diet
- You develop chronic symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea after taking pain medications, like opiates.
- Your blood work shows chronically low iron or ferratin with no known cause
Top 6 Symptoms of SIBO
- Abdominal bloating and distention
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Excessive gas or belching
How do I know this isn’t just leaky gut?
Here are some systemic signs of a leaky gut:
- Multiple food sensitivities
- Skin rashes, acne or rosacea
- Respiratory symptoms, like asthma
- Allergic symptoms or increase in seasonal allergies
- Fatigue
- Brain fog or poor concentration, especially after meals
- Any autoimmune disease
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Headaches or migraines
10 conditions that may predispose you to have SIBO
- Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Decreased motility in small intestine
- Bowel obstruction
- Diverticula
- Surgical bowel resection or bariatric surgery
- Food poisoning (Post infectious IBS)
- Nerve damage that affects the GI tract
- Drugs, like opiates
- Any disease that slows motility (diabetes, hypothyroid)
Other disorders that may be associated with SIBO
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Scleroderma
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Rosacea
- Restless leg syndrome
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Diverticulosis
How to Diagnose SIBO
How do we treat SIBO?
1. Diet options- Paleo diet or autoimmune paleo diet
- Low FODMAP diet
- Specific Carbohydrate Diet
- GAPS Diet
- Avoid all alcohol
- Use caution with probiotics/prebiotics
- Use caution with fermented foods as they can increase histamine
- Homemade Elemental Diet by Dr. Siebecker
- Xifaxan
Treating SIBO successfully is not always easy and may involve major dietary changes and medication or herbal treatment for an extended period of time. However, getting the balance of your gut microbes healthy will likely prove to be the most important step in regaining your health and vitality! I know it was in my case… if you haven't read My Story, read more here.
