SIBO: When Good Bacteria Goes Bad

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) has become a gut health buzzword in recent years and is becoming a more common diagnosis. My gut feeling is that while its prevalence has increased with our modern diet and lifestyle, it’s also been underdiagnosed for years.

SIBO occurs when the bacteria that help us break down bile salts and waste products (that are essential to the health of the colon), move up into the small intestine where they cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and even weight gain as a result of nutrient deficiencies and fat malabsorption.

Since nearly 75% of your immune system lives in the gut, this overgrowth can have far reaching implications. Thanks to the work of experts like my friend Dr. William Davis, we now know that SIBO is suspected to be a “dual diagnosis” in a startling “who’s who list” of ailments and diseases – think diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, IBS, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and even Restless Legs Syndrome. Just look at some of the statistics:

• Obesity – SIBO present in 23-89% of cases
• Diabetes – SIBO present in 11-60% of cases
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome – SIBO present in 35-84%  of cases
• Fatty Liver – SIBO present in 40-60% of cases
• Autoimmune diseases – SIBO present in about 40% of cases
• Skin rashes (Rosacea, psoriasis, eczema) – SIBO present in 40-50% of cases
• Restless Leg Syndrome – SIBO present in up to 100% of cases!

So how do you know if you have SIBO? 

There are a wide range of symptoms including:

1. Gas and Bloating
2. Diarrhea and/or Constipation
3. Abdominal pain and cramping
4. Food allergies and intolerances, including lactose fructose, and Histamine Intolerance
5. Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), Leaky Gut, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Celiac Disease, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
6. Liver Cirrhosis, Bile issues and Fat Malabsorption (greasy or pale smelly stools and short transit times)
7. Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies, especially Vitamin B12, Calcium and Zinc
8. Osteoporosis
9. Unintended weight loss or weight gain
10. Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Autoimmune Diseases