SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
- Article
- 2023-05-01
SIBO stands for "small intestinal bacterial overgrowth", a condition where there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeast in the gastrointestinal tract. It is common in people with irritable bowel syndrome. With SIBO, bacteria that normally live in the large intestine end up in the small intestine, leading to annoying symptoms and life-limiting complaints.
SIBO is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. In about 70% of cases, SIBO is the cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Normally, the large intestine contains much more bacteria than the small intestine, namely about 100 billion bacteria per milliliter. The small intestine normally contains only about 10 million bacteria per milliliter.
If too many bacteria move from the large intestine to the small intestine, this can lead to an imbalance. This causes the food to be digested too early, leading to a shortage of calories, vitamins and minerals and an increase in intestinal gas. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, changes in bowel habits, loose stools, constipation, nausea, fatigue, eczema and depression.
If you suffer from chronic bowel-related complaints for more than three months, you may be suffering from SIBO. It is important to make a diagnosis by means of a breath test and/or blood test. If SIBO is diagnosed, several treatments are available, including the use of antibiotics, probiotics, dietary changes, and avoidance of certain foods. It is important to receive tailored treatment and regular checkups to prevent recurrent symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you think you suffer from SIBO, you can take a breath test in the Netherlands to make the diagnosis. Newmedix uses a simple and effective method to determine SIBO: a breath test. The bacterial overgrowth creates gas in the intestines, which is then exhaled through the lungs. This can be measured via the breath test.
In the breath test, you take lactulose as a test substance. Normally, lactulose cannot be digested and absorbed by the small intestine. In SIBO, however, lactulose is fermented by bacteria, leading to an increased production of hydrogen and/or methane gases that can be measured in the breath. The breath test can also help determine the location of the bacterial overgrowth.
Treatment for SIBO usually consists of dietary changes. There is a specific SIBO diet that can help reduce bacterial overgrowth. The first step of treatment is usually a diet low in carbohydrates and fiber, but with healthy fats such as olive oil. Dairy products are avoided, as they contain sugars that can promote bacterial growth.
In the second step of treatment, drugs are used to kill the "wrong" bacteria and add "good" bacteria. These drugs can also help break down the slimy biofilm that the bacteria often hide in. In addition to the medicines, probiotics are also used to keep the intestines healthy.
In the third step of the treatment, high FODMAP products are gradually added back to the diet, expanding the diet further and further. Following these steps and tailoring a treatment plan can help treat SIBO effectively and reduce symptoms. It is important to get checked regularly to prevent recurring symptoms.
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