SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
What is SIBO?

SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a bacterial issue involving the small intestine. The small intestine is usually meant to have a relatively low level of bacteria, unlike the colon which is very rich in bacteria. Sometimes bacteria can overgrow in the small intestine which is abnormal and it can create a number of different health issues. SIBO causes the number of bacteria in the small intestine to be significantly higher than normal levels. The bacteria migrate from the large intestine and there are different factors which can cause the migration.
What are the causes and influences of SIBO?
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is caused by bacteria staying too long in this area and then having a chance to multiply and stay put. The muscles of the stomach and the small intestine push food from the stomach and through the small intestine to then enter the colon. The muscular action also cleans most of the bacteria out of the small intestine to keep levels low. Various health issues and contributing factors can cause this process to not work properly and as a result, too much bacteria is left in the small intestine and also bacteria can be pushed back into the small intestine through the colon.
Below are the causes and influences of SIBO:
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is caused by bacteria staying too long in this area and then having a chance to multiply and stay put. The muscles of the stomach and the small intestine push food from the stomach and through the small intestine to then enter the colon. The muscular action also cleans most of the bacteria out of the small intestine to keep levels low. Various health issues and contributing factors can cause this process to not work properly and as a result, too much bacteria is left in the small intestine and also bacteria can be pushed back into the small intestine through the colon.
Below are the causes and influences of SIBO:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Celiac disease
- Candida overgrowth and other yeasts and moulds
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes
- Heavy alcohol use
- Immune system disorders
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Low stomach acid
- Liver cirrhosis
- Multiple courses of antibiotics
- Prior bowel surgery
- Renal failure
- Toxic metals
- Use of certain medications – immunosuppressants and proton-pump inhibitors
Testing for SIBO
Detecting SIBO can be done via a breath sample, this is the most accurate way of testing for SIBO. Blood testing for SIBO has been proven to be inaccurate and a difficult way of diagnosing the syndrome. The specific testing method for SIBO is a breath hydrogen and methane test. Bacteria in the intestine can break down carbohydrates to produce hydrogen and methane. The test will detect hydrogen and methane levels in the breath sample which gives a reflection of the bacterial level. For SIBO testing please click here for the available tests page.
Treatment for SIBO
Treatment for SIBO involves a dietary and supplement regime and lifestyle changes to minimise and avoid stress. Prescribed antibiotics can also be taken to deal with the bacterial overgrowth but these are not recommended long term. Herbal antibiotics are another option and they can be taken alongside prescribed antibiotics. Herbal antibiotics can be just as effective and they can be taken for longer periods of time with very little side effects. If you undergo the SIBO test and you test positive then you will receive the treatment programme in the results email. If you have any questions about your results, then mindovermetal will answer them for you.