:quality(85):upscale()/2024/11/05/767/n/49351082/e8ce3e73672a54d4e54397.47660031_.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "What is SIBO? A doctor breaks it down")
Most people have heard of it irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition that affects and causes the stomach and intestines diarrhea, constipationand bloating. But now a similar condition known as SIBO is getting more attention.
Recently, Selena Gomez shared that she is struggling with SIBO afterward body shamers criticized the “Only Murders in the Building” actress for posing with her hand over her torso at the premiere of her new movie “Emilia Pérez,” insinuating that she was trying to hide her body. No one ever has to defend themselves or their body, but according to ElleGomez responded in a now-deleted comment on TikTok, explaining, “This is making me sick. I have (SIBO) in my small intestine. It’s flaring up. I don’t care if I don’t look like a stick figure. I have that body doesn’t. End of story. No, I am NOT a victim.
SIBO is actually one of the most common digestive disorders, often associated with other pre-existing conditions such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. However, the symptoms are not limited to just bloating. The condition can also cause diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and discomfort while eating. To help explain everything you need to know about SIBO, we turned to a doctor. Ahead, a doctor explains SIBO symptoms, causes, and possible treatment.
Experts from this article:
Laura PurdyMD, is a general practitioner and founder of telehealth company Swell Medical.
What is SIBO?
“Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, commonly called SIBO, is a condition resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and intestines,” says Laura Purdy, MD, a family physician and founder of telehealth company Swell Medical. It’s normal and healthy to have bacteria in your gut, but too much can wreak havoc on your gut and cause digestive problems, which can ultimately lead to uncomfortable symptoms, she explains.
To break it down a bit further, bacteria in your small intestine digest carbohydrates and convert them into gas and short-chain fatty acids (fatty acids with fewer than six carbon atoms that are a byproduct of bacterial fermentation in the intestines), according to the Cleveland Clinic. More bacteria can then mean more gas and other byproducts, giving you a gassy feeling.
The excess bacteria also feed on proteins and vitamin B12, which can impair the digestion of fats and lead to poor absorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins, according to the clinic. The result? Unpleasant gastrointestinal complaints.
Symptoms of SIBO
SIBO, according to Dr. Purdy is typically characterized by the following signs and symptoms. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may experience some or many of these symptoms.
- Diarrhea
- Bloated feeling
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Unintentional weight loss
- Indigestion
- An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
If left untreated, SIBO can also cause fat malabsorption, according to Yale Medicinewhich can lead to deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron as the excess bacteria eat all the nutrients.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and intestines, says Dr. Purdy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, your body typically maintains the balance of flora in your gut through a complex network of chemical and bodily functions, but when one or more of these functions are out of order, SIBO may be present.
Like most conditions, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact culprit of SIBO, but here are some common causes.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: SIBO can be caused by a variety of pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, Crohn’s diseaseIBS, or celiac diseasebecause these conditions can slow down the digestive system, says Dr. Purdy. A slowed down digestive tract can then provide a breeding ground for bacteria in the intestines, which can ultimately lead to SIBO and its associated symptoms, she explains.
- Low stomach acid: Low stomach acid reduces your body’s ability to moderate bacterial growth, which can cause SIBO in the small intestinal tract, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The cause of low stomach acid can vary, but H. pylori infection, long-term use of medications such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors, and gastric bypass surgery can be to blame.
- Antibiotics: “Long-term use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural flora of a healthy gut, increasing the risk of SIBO,” says Dr. Purdy. Narcotics and antacids can also disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora.
- Structural problems in and/or around the small intestine: Structural problems in or around the small intestine can prevent the regular removal of residual bacteria in your intestines, allowing bad bacteria to build up. according to the Mayo Clinic. The cause of the structural problem depends on the person, but gastrointestinal disease, diverticulosis or obstructions in the small intestine, and scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery may be the culprit.
How is SIBO diagnosed?
The most common and non-invasive way to diagnose SIBO is through a breath test, explains Dr. Purdy out. “This test is administered after consuming a sugary solution (a mixture usually consisting of glucose and water) and measures the hydrogen and/or methane levels in the breath,” she says. If you exhale and your hydrogen and/or methane levels rise rapidly, this may be an indication that there is bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine.
A small intestinal fluid culture can also identify a bacterial overgrowth, although it is more invasive, says Dr. Purdy. To obtain the liquid samplea healthcare provider will guide a long, flexible tube down your throat and through the upper digestive tract to your small intestine. From there, a sample of intestinal fluid is collected and tested in a laboratory to identify bacterial growth.
Additionally, your doctor may order a blood test to identify this vitamin deficiencies or a stool sample to determine if there is excess undigested fat or bile acids. An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may also be needed to evaluate organ functioning and possible structural problems.
How is SIBO treated?
It may sound counterintuitive, but SIBO is usually treated with a course of antibiotics to help reduce bacterial overgrowth, says Dr. Purdy. Keep in mind that antibiotics can wipe out the good and bad bacteria in your gut, so it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent bacterial resistance, she adds.
If SIBO has caused nutritional deficiencies, a health care provider may prescribe oral supplementation or intramuscular injections to help fill the nutritional gap, especially if you are deficient in vitamin B12, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, you should always get approval from your doctor before starting any new supplements as they are not FDA approved and therefore always carry some risk.
Finally, SIBO can sometimes be managed through a low-FODMAP diet (an eating plan that reduces certain types of carbohydrates that are typically difficult to digest), because some carbohydrates feed the bacteria in your gut and can worsen uncomfortable symptoms, says Dr. Purdy. Again, you should always contact your doctor to discuss a treatment plan before making any major changes to your diet.
That said, if you have an underlying health condition that predisposes you to SIBO, it is crucial to talk to a doctor to address and treat the cause.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate of Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and elsewhere.