SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, happens when there’s too much bacteria in your small intestine. While bacteria are essential for digestion, having them in the wrong place, or in excessive amounts, can lead to a range of health problems.
Several factors can contribute to SIBO, including:
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Medications: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and birth control pills can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.
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Dietary habits: Poor eating habits can encourage bacterial overgrowth.
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Digestive conditions: Disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease increase the risk of SIBO.
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Surgery complications: Abdominal surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gastrectomy, can interfere with normal digestion and lead to bacterial buildup.
What happens if you have a bacteria overgrowth?
If you have a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, you might experience leaky gut syndrome, immune issues, liver overload and brain toxicity. Some symptoms of SIBO include:
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Digestion problems, including gas and bloating
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Food sensitivities
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Trouble concentrating
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Extreme tiredness
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Constipation that keeps returning
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Depression and anxiety
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Feeling uncomfortably full after eating
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Vitamin deficiency
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Weakened bones
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Poor absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins
Six natural ways to help get rid of SIBO
Treating SIBO often starts with addressing its root cause. For example, if a postoperative issue like a loop, or fistula is involved, doctors may recommend surgical repair. However, not all cases can be reversed. When that’s the case, treatment focuses on correcting nutritional deficiencies and reducing bacterial overgrowth.
While there’s no quick fix for SIBO, here are steps you can take to help:
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Prioritise the right nutrients: Start by eliminating foods that you’re sensitive to or that encourage bacterial growth. Many people with SIBO also need to avoid lactose, as damage to the small intestine can impair the ability to digest milk sugar. If that’s the case, steer clear of lactose-containing products. To boost nutrient intake, consider a product like Happy Bum Gut Greens, which combines alkalising greens with digestive enzymes to give your body the nutrients it needs.
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Incorporate neuro techniques: Singing and deep breathing exercises can help stimulate your vagus nerve, which plays a key role in intestinal motility. Meditation is also a helpful tool to bring your body into a more relaxed and balanced state, supporting overall gut health.
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Try coffee enemas: Coffee enemas offer an alternative detoxification method, where a mixture of coffee and water is introduced into the colon. This practice is believed to flush out impurities, support digestive health, and address issues like constipation, parasites, and IBS. By aiding the body’s natural detox processes, coffee enemas may boost overall well-being while targeting specific gut concerns. Read Caylla's SIBO healing journey with coffee enemas.
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Take supplements: Nutritional support is critical for SIBO patients. Some may require intramuscular vitamin B-12 injections along with oral supplements for vitamins, calcium, and iron to replenish deficiencies caused by poor absorption.
One of the important things for us at Happy Bum Co is to create an environment where it's ok to talk about gut issues. Far too often people are struggling alone when there are so many other people being affected by the same issues. The more open we are about health, the easier and faster it will be to solve these issues.
