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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, is an issue in the digestive tract that causes a myriad of symptoms, from gas and bloating to constipation and diarrhea. Since many SIBO symptoms are similar to those of other gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, it can be challenging to determine the cause of digestive symptoms.
In this article, you’ll discover more about SIBO, its associated symptoms, and how to overcome it with the help of a Registered Dietitian.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by excessive bacteria in the small intestine. Unfortunately, testing is not always accessible, which can make getting a diagnosis difficult.
Typically, most gut bacteria reside in the large intestine in the microbiome. The small intestine is relatively sterile. However, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can happen because food that isn’t properly digested or broken down allows bacteria to grow. Sometimes, bacteria that normally reside in the large intestine relocate to the small intestine. SIBO can also be caused by other factors such as antibiotic use or poor diet.
The small intestine is where food is digested and absorbed into the body. The waste in the large intestine contains relatively little nutrition compared to the small intestine. When bacteria are in the small intestine, they have access to a wide variety of food they wouldn’t normally encounter. As the bacteria digest this food, also called intestinal fermentation, they produce gas, which causes bloating and other symptoms experienced by those with SIBO.
Typical SIBO symptoms include bloating, gas, flatulence, abdominal pain and distention, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. Some people find that certain foods lead to worsening symptoms.
SIBO is more common in:
The symptoms of SIBO significantly overlap with those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While it is not fully understood, some studies suggest that, in some cases, SIBO is mistaken for IBS. Because of this overlap of symptoms, it is critical to determine if the cause of the symptoms is SIBO or IBS so that appropriate interventions can be implemented and the symptoms and underlying causes resolved.
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is an expert in nutrition and how it impacts the body. An RD who specializes in digestive health is one of the best professionals people can work with to resolve SIBO.
While a gastroenterologist can give you a formal diagnosis and initiate medical treatment, RDs help monitor symptoms and guide you through dietary changes that can assist in treatment and help prevent recurrence.
Some of the things an RD helps with include:
When working with a Registered Dietitian, SIBO patients know they are working with health professionals with extensive training and experience. They have a minimum of a master’s degree, have completed hundreds of hours of supervised practice, and have passed a national certification exam. They then receive additional training in an area of specialty, such as digestive health.
Nutritionists, on the other hand, are not regulated in any way. Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” regardless of the amount or type of training received.
Choosing someone to help treat SIBO is just as serious as choosing a doctor. Registered Dietitians are medical professionals with the experience and qualifications to support gut health.
SIBO treatment focuses on lowering the amount of bacteria in the small intestines and uncovering and treating the underlying issue that leads to bacterial overgrowth.
A short course of antibiotics or antimicrobial herbs helps in SIBO treatment by significantly reducing the number of abnormal bacteria in the small intestine. However, the bacteria are resilient and can sometimes return when the antibiotics are discontinued, requiring a longer-term course. The length of antibiotic treatment depends on each person and the bacteria causing the SIBO.
Nutrition support involves two main tracks: short-term symptom relief and longer-term health restoration.
First, any nutritional or digestive deficiencies will be corrected. This is critical to maintaining good health and is particularly important for those with severe weight loss or those with disordered eating tendencies.
Second, a nutrition plan is developed with the client to minimize symptoms while meeting their nutritional and lifestyle needs. Other tools may also be used, such as digestive enzymes, to assist the body in digesting food and control intestinal fermentation.
A breath test for SIBO is non-invasive and easy to take. The client breathes into the testing apparatus before and after consuming the substrate for that specific test.
When you breathe into the testing apparatus, the amount of hydrogen or methane is measured. A rapid rise in either gas indicates bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Determining the underlying cause of digestive symptoms can be confusing and frustrating. Many patients struggle for years without relief. That’s why working with a Registered Dietitian who is an expert in gut health is critical. They help patients determine the underlying cause of their digestive issues, like SIBO, and resolve it using nutrition and lifestyle therapies. A Registered Dietitian is a critical part of the medical team for those with digestive issues.
Offices currently located in Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, NY, but we see patients all across the country.
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