Do you meet the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can’t find relief? Are chronic diarrhea or constipation your constant companions? If so, you may be a victim of stubborn gut bacteria, also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
While a long list of symptoms accompany SIBO, its trademark symptoms are a chronically bloated, distended belly; gas, which can cause flatulence, belching, or both; and a tendency toward chronic diarrhea, constipation, or both. FODMAP sensitivity can also be a clue that you are “feeding” bacteria with certain foods that contain fermentable sugars. FODMAPs stands for Fermentable Oligo, Disaccharide, Monosaccharides and Polylols.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO can be caused by many things:
- A dysfunction of the migrating motor complex. (the cleansing wave in the small intestine that sweeps the food along).
- Problems with the brain/gut/nerve connection, which can slow down motility, blood flow and enzyme release to the gut.
- FODMAP malabsorption.
- Not enough dietary fiber.
- Too little stomach acid.
- A history of multiple antibiotic use.
- Leaky gut.
- Lack of Pancreatic enzymes.
SIBO symptoms
- Excess gas, flatulence, belching
- Abdominal bloating from gas
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Constipation, diarrhea, or both
- Nausea or heartburn
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Multiple food sensitivities
- Leaky gut
- Fatigue
- Malabsorption symptoms (anemia or fatty stools)
- Rosacea
- Neurologic and muscular diseases
- FODMAP sensitivity
For more info, check out my recipe book, The FODMAP Free Paleo Breakthrough, which is included in my class on FODMAPS, SIBO and IBS.
