SIBO, short for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, may be one of the most common gastrointestinal issues youve never heard about. Without the presence of hydrogen gas to tell them to "stop!" hydrogen-producing bacteria continue digesting food - leading to more calories being extracted. That means cutting our sugars that the bacteria thrive on, which will weaken them. Food getting stuck. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a gas that is actually produced by the human body! The longer food stays in your gut, the more nutrients (and therefore, calories) can be extracted from it. It seems everyone takes acid blocking drugs for heartburn these days. Have your signs and symptoms included vomiting? If your SIBO is methane-dominant (now classified as intestinal methanogen overgrowth or IMO) you will likely suffer from chronic constipation, bloating, burping and acid reflux directly after eating, and non-digestive symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and brain fog. Jung SE, Joo NS, Han KS, Kim KN. H 2 S is produced throughout the GI tract in a healthy body. Have you ever had radiation therapy to your abdomen or pelvis? The symptoms of SIBO can arise from the malabsorption of nutrients, alteration in intestinal permeability, inflammation, and/or immune activation that arises from the abnormal bacterial fermentation within the small bowel leading to fatigue, weight gain, headaches, and in some individuals rashes. Understanding how it differs from the more common hydrogen form of SIBO is critical to developing a natural treatment protocol that addresses its well established defences. This mechanical change alters cell walls and improves absorption time and eases the burden of your body to break down food. Want to know why I'm so passionate about these topics? That is where most nutrients are absorbed. The role of intestinal bacteria overgrowth in obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (Yup - unfortunately it's possible to contract more than one type of SIBO!) Plastics in the environment can obesity can lead to high estrogen levels. Specifically, methane causes the following issues that lead to weight gain: You literally will have food staying in the body longer than it normally would. During fight or flight your body diverts blood away from the gut. SIBO can also slow down metabolism, which affects the levels of insulin and leptin (hormones that control satiety and hunger) as well as thyroid hormones. Rather it is a tool you use to help you weaken and eliminate the bacteria that take over your small intestine. That makes it pretty easy to understand why a stool test would not be able to tell you about the bacteria in your small intestine. Then you can start to reintroduce certain foods at a rate of one every three days or so. This can be done for a period of time (30-60 days) during the treatment of SIBO. Have you ever had problems with your pancreas? .st3 { Its also worth mentioning that not all forms of SIBO are created equal in how they interfere with GI function. Patients taking acid-blocking drugs have been shown to have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis(11), developing a different kind of colonic dysbiosis known as Clostridium difficile colitis(12), and developing nutrient deficiencies(13) from the reduction in stomach acid production. That is a problem because the small intestine is not equipped for fermentation. The short answer is yes, SIBO may cause weight gain, and ironically nutritional deficiencies. When the natural balance of bacteria in your gut are thrown off losing weight becomes more of a challenge. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a complex condition that is diagnosed when our friendly gut bacteria that usually reside in the large intestine is found to be growing in excess in the small intestine. The hallmark of SIBO is the overgrowth of bacteria that occurs in the small intestines. Weight gain+diarrhea, winning combination Lucky me! 1997;92(8):1335-1338. This overgrowth can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating and pain, and can even damage the intestinal lining, known as leaky gut. Just mix one scoop into 8 ounces of water for a quick, calorie-boosting snack in between meals. Your weight will fluctuate depending on whether your SIBO is methane-dominant or hydrogen dominant, and you will need to make nutritional changes accordingly. Accessed Jan. 17, 2020. Somewhere between 4% and 78% (depending on the study)(3) of patients with IBS actually have SIBO. So, the bottom line is that there are strong cases for both why SIBO can cause weight gain, and why it may make you lose weight. Unfortunately, many people just think digestive problems are a part of life. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. In addition, and probably more importantly, Reduction in energy production and efficiency in mitochondria (likely, Nutrient deficiencies, specifically vitamin B12 deficiency (or simply suboptimal B12 levels), Hormone imbalances, specifically stress-related cortisol changes. Inflammation can damage the gut lining, making it less efficient at absorbing nutrients [ 3 ]. I had hydrogen SIBO, and I lost a lot of weight during that time for two reasons. In addition SIBO may cause insulin resistance. That is why the low FODMAP diet was created. With hydrogen-dominant SIBO, the main symptom is diarrhoea, accompanied by an urgency to go to the bathroom, bloating and fatigue. (ie anemia) poor absorption of the food and food intolerances, bloating, heartburn and constipation (SIBO-C), weight changes (weight gain with SIBO-C is common), malnutrition, rashes (ie . This condition can make it hard to eat, which can lead to weight loss and other problems. I gained some weight while my hydrogen dominant SIBO was at it's worst- not a ton, but definitely the heaviest I've been. Cyanocobalamin vs Methylcobalamin: Which Version is Best? In healthy levels, H 2 S helps to maintain the integrity of the gut lining. And reason 2) was the disordered eating habits I developed due to the SIBO. This frustrates many patients because it may take several trips to the doctor to confirm a diagnosis of SIBO. The idea is that it would take a full two hours for the liquid to reach the normal bacteria which may produce this gas in the large intestine. I mentioned previously that anywhere from 4% to 78% of patients with diagnosed IBS also have existing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. IMO = Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth produces CH4 gas, also called methane. For most people, the initial way to treat bacterial overgrowth is with antibiotics. Dr Siebecker joins Rebecca Coomes in this 2-part podcast series to discuss the two most common types of SIBO. IMO is associated with things coming back up so symptoms like acid reflux, burping and nausea are common. Stress causes the body to go into fight or flight mode. DvSzil Hydrogen/Methane Mixed . A short course of antibiotics often significantly reduces the number of abnormal bacteria. The trick is you have to do it slowly or else your body will rebound and make high levels of acid. Those with constipation seem to gain weight versus those with diarrhea may lose weight. So an overgrowth of bacteria, but not necessarily "bad" bacteria, in your small intestine. It is an everybody wins scenario. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. A glucose or lactulose breath test is used to diagnose SIBO. Adding some acidic foods to your diet can help once you get off the medications. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) means you have too much bacteria in your gut. al, Association between small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and beta-cell function of type 2 diabetes. Switching among different drugs can help avoid this problem. The weight gain is usually tied to methane-dominant SIBO. I have gained 15 pounds over the last couple of months, which is a lot when you're 5'4" and you've been the same weight since high school. In addition to that delayed gastric emptying may lead to and exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. If you have a known diagnosis of SIBO, or if you have known nutrient deficiencies of unknown cause, then you should be evaluated/treated for SIBO. As your bowels distend, cramping can become very severe, which may land the occasional patient in the emergency department (this happens probably more than you think). Unfortunately, many doctors will jump right to antibiotics for treating suspected SIBO. Complete Guide, 7 DIY Herbal Solutions To Treat Your Dry Skin At Home, Zaditor vs Alaway [Review and 7 Key Facts For 2020], 5 Simple Neurogenic Inflammation Takeaways, 8 Science Based Benefits of Bamboo Tea [2021]. Limiting sugars is critical to success in treating SIBO. Another symptomatic clue might be that digestive symptoms improve while using antibiotics, even for . Pancreatic cyst. From my research, methane dominant SIBO correlates with weight gain more often for these 3 reasons: Slower transit time I've talked about this at length in various places, but there is a correlation between slow transit time and methane production. The good news is that will also help you lose weight! #4. Nutritionist Resource Dr Allison Siebecker is a leading SIBO doctor, having treated thousands of SIBO patients. This connection is also frequently documented in patients with SIBO. That is simply not the case. Ive included the most common deficiencies that SIBO can cause below: . This should be compared to the large intestine which consists of the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid and rectum. Two years later I am sharing free information with the masses. The jury is still out on which one typically presents first. Make a donation. Have your signs and symptoms included a fever? I've definitely been eating less. If you experience at least 3 of the symptoms listed above then your next step should be proper evaluation via a SIBO breath test. In the former, treatment with supplements and/or medications may be necessary in addition to the eradication and normalization of intestinal bacteria. Another reason why testing is a great idea. These bile salts prevent bacterial growth. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Thyroid Health: Is it Safe to Use? As you can read above, there is not a strong YES or NO answer to the question if SIBO can lead to weight gain or weight loss. So, if one of the common symptoms is unintentional weight loss, why do many clinicians see weight gain in patients with diagnosed SIBO? What does it mean for Hydrogen Sulphide SIBO regarding weight? SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, a location that normally has low levels of bacteria. Finding the cause of SIBO is not always straightforward. The test also does not have a well established range for the amount of gas expected in the breath. Testing may be performed if antibiotic treatment is not effective. The help and advice from my nutritionist, with my aim of losing weight, has been invaluable. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when large numbers of bacteria colonize the small intestine. Has anyone close to you had similar signs or symptoms recently? Thyroid Hormone Resistance: What is it & How to Diagnose it. Low thyroid function slows down digestion and the movement of food through the gut. Believe it or not, autoimmune disease may be a direct result of dysbiosis in the gut, and that includes dysbiosis from SIBO. Acid produced in the stomach also enters the duodenum and helps set the pH at which certain bacteria thrive. In addition, another approach to reducing this digestive load is to mechanically break down your food prior to ingestion. We use cookies to run and improve our site. This . Symptoms of this gut dysbiosis include diarrhea, belching, and frequent flatulence that smells like rotten eggs. 70% of the immune system is found around the gut. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Systemic inflammation refers to inflammation that is present in your entire body and inflammation that can be measured using serum systemic markers such as CRP and ESR. But is it common? However, in excess amounts H 2 S is actually considered a neurotoxin. It is important to remember that stomach acid is vital to digestion. There is a problem with 2018; doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2017.09.008. Leptin is a hormone that is secreted by your fat cells. Newly Diagnosed With Chronic Condition? All rights reserved. This is a healthy bug that you want to make sure and reestablish in your gut. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). A must read if you have high-deductible insurance, Helpful, money saving information in bite sized, easy to read steps, Saved over $200/month using just 1 step in this book. A lactulose substrate is ingested and it measure for both hydrogen and methane gases. Because it can be so difficult to treat it requires a combination of a specific diet, special treatment (including antibiotics and/or herbal therapies), and certain herbs to help boost intestinal movement (AKA prokinetics). Chronic pancreatitis. If you have signs and symptoms that are common to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), make an appointment with your doctor. Hydrogen formed by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome has an inverse relationship with obesity. these cookies. See a list of SIBO symptoms and IBS symptoms side by side: As you will notice the symptoms dont match up perfectly, and thats okay. This type of noninvasive test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane that you breathe out after drinking a mixture of glucose and water. The diet includes three phases: When being treated for SIBO you will be on a very limited diet with no sugars for about two weeks. privacy practices. You can also use certain supplements to reduce constipation and improve the elimination of bacterial load from your colon and intestines: For best results, you will want to combine at least 2 of the 3 supplements together. This gas and bloating is often associated with abdominal distention (your belly protruding) and seems to occur around 30-60 minutes after you consume a meal. 4. (former Osteopathic Physician). SIBO refers to an overgrowth of bacteria (often accompanied by fungal overgrowth as well) that causes a multitude of both intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. It is well-known and established that changes in the gastrointestinal tract are associated with skin changes most notably acne. Whole foods are the best source of prebiotics. Due to this slow movement of food in the intestines, people who have SIBO with constipation tend to absorb more calories. Stool tests of patients with SIBO confirm these bacteria being overgrown. Treatment options include. The main way to reduce the symptom of nausea is to increase gastric emptying with the use of prokinetics (see Iberogast above). Before I explain the most effective and accurate lab tests for SIBO 3, let's recap the two different types of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth so that you can understand their role in testing.. Hydrogen vs Methane. These changes may not be sufficient for everyone, however, especially considering that acne is often multifactorial. And what produces Hydrogen and Hydrogen Sulphide? If you have SIBO you have to find a way to taper off these medications. Here are some additional SIBO resources to heal SIBO. Once food reaches the colon (aka large intestine) it is exposed to your normal flora that feed off the food remains and help further break it down. There is the potential for a false positive if you move liquid through the GI tract quickly. The problem is that this breath test is unable to detect a less talked about form . More inflammatory bacteria get absorbed from the gut. What Causes SIBO? Usually, you need to have 2 or 3 of these factors all occurring simultaneously to trigger autoimmune disease. Once that food hits the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines, these bacteria cause excessive fermentation and breakdown of the food which results in the production of various gases. Specifically it helps drive reward sensations tied to eating. If you dont receive our email within 5 minutes, check your SPAM folder, then contact us Acid-blocking drugs that may cause and/or exacerbate SIBO include: If you are taking any medication that blocks stomach acid (proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers) then stopping this medication and treating the root cause of your acid reflux should be your next step. It's used to help diagnose common digestive problems, including SIBO, IBS and lactose intolerance. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Don't hesitate to ask questions. You will also receive Nutrient deficiencies, in general, are quite common among SIBO patients(18) (some more than others depending on the severity of the overgrowth). 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