Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

Many people living with bloating after meals, excessive burping, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, brain fog and fatigue may actually be dealing with SIBO and yet they think it’s just ulcers or stress.

SIBO happens when bacteria that are supposed to stay mainly in the large intestine begin overgrowing inside the small intestine.

The small intestine is meant for digestion and absorption, not fermentation.

When too many bacteria move in, they begin fermenting food too early, producing gas, toxins and inflammation.

Common symptoms are;

+ Bloating immediately or shortly after eating.

+ Excessive gas and abdominal pressure.

+ Constipation or chronic diarrhea.

+ Acid reflux and indigestion.

+ Brain fog and poor concentration.

+ Fatigue after meals.

+ Food intolerances.

+ Bad breath.

+ Coated tongue.

+ Skin problems like acne and eczema.

+ Weightloss.

+ Vitamin deficiencies despite “eating well”.

When bacteria overgrow in the small intestines, they compete with you for nutrients and damage the gut lining.

This leads to poor absorption of iron, B12, magnesium and fat-soluble vitamins ADEK.

With time, chronic inflammation develops. The gut becomes leaky, allowing toxins and inflammatory compounds into the bloodstream.

This is why gut problems can become skin problems, hormonal problems, fatigue problems and even mental health problems.

A sick gut can create a sick brain through inflammation and poor nutrient absorption.

People with SIBO do not have “too much acid”, they often have low concentrated stomach acid which allows bacteria to survive when they should normally be destroyed in the stomach.

Weak stomach acid also leads to poor protein digestion and food stagnation.

The goal in treatment is to starve harmful overgrowth while nourishing the gut and concentrating stomach acid.

+ Start fasting to reset. OMAD.

+ Cut off ALL inflammatory foods and processed foods.

+ Drop the antacids and PPIs.

+ Hydrate adequately with salt and water.

+ Reduce vegetable and complex carbs intake for about a week or two. Fibre feeds those microorganisms. You want to reset first then repopulate.

+ Hold back on fermented foods. You already have bacteria there, you can’t keep adding more.

SIBO is often a sign that the digestive system has become weak and inflamed. The target is not just killing bacteria, but restoring the body’s natural defenses; strong stomach acid, proper gut movement, nutrient dense foods and strategic fasting.

When the gut begins healing, energy, skin, hormones, mood and metabolism often begin improving together.

Fix that gut.