Gastrointestinal Health: SIBO Flashcards
Q: What is SIBO?
A: SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is an overgrowth of non-pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine and is the most common cause of IBS (60–70%).
Q: What are the hallmark symptoms of SIBO?
A: Hallmark symptoms of SIBO include bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, constipation and/or diarrhea, and flatulence.
Q: What are other common symptoms of SIBO?
A: Other symptoms include nausea, GORD, excessive burping, prolonged fullness, malabsorption (e.g., anemia symptoms), insomnia, and brain fog.
Q: How do hydrogen and methane gases affect SIBO symptoms?
A: Hydrogen gas production tends to cause diarrhea, while methane gas production is associated with severe constipation.
Q: What are the key clinical indicators of SIBO?
A: Indicators include worsening GI symptoms from probiotics or fiber, chronic GI symptoms post-antibiotics/PPIs/opioids, chronic low ferritin, post-infectious IBS, and inadequate improvement from a gluten-free diet in coeliac patients.
Q: What are common causes of SIBO (SIBO aetiology)?
A: Causes include hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), bile insufficiency, low SIgA, chronic stress, scar tissue, hypothyroidism, poor oral health, ileocaecal valve dysfunction, opioid medications, antibiotics, and food poisoning.
Q: How can SIBO lead to food sensitivities?
A: SIBO can damage the villi of the small intestine, reducing enzymes like lactase and diamine oxidase (DAO), potentially leading to lactose intolerance and histamine intolerance.
Q: What is the dietary approach to SIBO?
A: The goal is to reduce food sources for bacteria. Common interventions include low FODMAP (up to 6 weeks), Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), or combining dietary models (e.g., SCD with low FODMAP or low histamine).
Q: What are common anti-microbials used for SIBO?
A: Anti-microbials include berberine, oregano oil, allicin (for methane-producing bacteria), neem, uva ursi, and cinnamon.
Q: What digestive support is recommended for SIBO?
A: Digestive support includes digestive bitters before meals (e.g., dandelion, fennel), Betaine HCl, digestive enzymes, and apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Q: How can the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) be supported in SIBO treatment?
A: MMC support includes a 12-hour overnight fast, 4-hour meal spacing without snacks, pro-kinetic agents (e.g., ginger root), and mindful eating with diaphragmatic breathing.
Q: What is a biofilm, and how does it relate to SIBO?
A: A biofilm is an extracellular matrix that protects bacteria from the immune system. If antimicrobials and dietary changes aren’t working, biofilm production may be present.
Q: What are natural approaches to disrupting biofilms in SIBO?
A: Natural approaches include coconut oil, ACV, garlic, and curcumin. Biofilm disruptors include NAC, nano silver, and serrapeptase.
