Sibo Solutions

Sibo Solutions

- Jacob Teitelbaum

Q: I was recently diagnosed with a digestive disorder called SIBO, and was prescribed antibiotics. Is there a better way to treat it?

— Petra H., Phoenix

A:Most people have never heard of SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but many people may suffer from it. And many of those don’t even know they have it.

SIBO occurs when there is simply too much bacteria in your small intestine. Normally, only small amounts of bacteria should reside in your small intestine. In people with SIBO, however, bacteria from the large intestine have migrated into the small intestine, made themselves right at home, and multiplied. This bacterial overgrowth not only causes digestive distress, but it can also lead to myriad health problems.

Often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because the symptoms mimic each other, SIBO can be easily diagnosed with a hydrogen breath test from a gastroenterologist. Often, patients with SIBO finally seek help from a doctor after years of stomach pain and discomfort, gas and bloating, constipation, diarrhea, bad breath, and other symptoms. People tend to put off a doctor’s visit because they attribute these symptoms to other causes, or have simply become used to them and regard them as “normal.” When SIBO is eliminated, they’re amazed at how good they feel.