SIBO: How to Find Your Root Cause

What’s Causing Your SIBO?

Struggling with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can feel like navigating through a labyrinth of symptoms. From bloating to abdominal pain, it's crucial to uncover the underlying cause(s) to effectively address and manage this condition. In this guide, I'll explore the most common root causes of SIBO and how to identify yours for targeted treatment and lasting relief. But first, it’s important to make sure you have the right diagnosis. Ready about SIBO 101 first, and learn more about LIBO here. There is no particular order to the following list.

Impaired Motility

SIBO often stems from impaired gut motility, where the muscles in the digestive tract fail to move food along properly. Symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea. The Migrating Motor Complex is responsible for the cleaning waves of the Small Intestine and is often weak or simply not happening as often in people with SIBO. Intermittent fasting thus becomes a particularly useful tool when managing a SIBO condition. You can work with a health practitioner to assess your gut motility through tests like a gastric emptying study or a small bowel follow-through.

Impaired Digestion

Poor digestion, characterized by inadequate stomach acid or pancreatic enzyme production, can contribute to SIBO. Address digestive insufficiencies by optimizing your diet, incorporating digestive enzymes or bitters, and working with a specialized practitioner to support digestive function.

Adhesions

Surgery (for example a C-Section), abdominal trauma, or inflammation can lead to the formation of adhesions—bands of scar tissue that restrict movement in the intestines, potentially causing bacterial overgrowth. Seek evaluation from a healthcare provider skilled in manual therapy or consider non-invasive techniques like visceral manipulation to address adhesions.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can drastically slow down gut motility and impair digestive function, increasing the risk of SIBO. If you suspect thyroid dysfunction, consult with a healthcare provider to get your thyroid gland and hormones assessed via a comprehensive thyroid testing (aka a complete thyroid panel).

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes, particularly type 1 and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, may experience delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastrointestinal motility, predisposing them to SIBO. Proper blood sugar management, dietary modifications, and lifestyle interventions are essential for minimizing SIBO risk in diabetic individuals.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a group of connective tissue disorders, can affect gut motility and function due to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia). Patients with EDS may be more susceptible to SIBO, necessitating a comprehensive approach that addresses both connective tissue integrity and gastrointestinal function.

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppressive therapies, whether prescribed for autoimmune conditions, organ transplantation, or other medical reasons, can compromise the body's ability to regulate bacterial populations in the gut, leading to SIBO. Individuals who are immunocompromised or undergoing immunosuppression should work closely with healthcare providers to monitor gut health and implement preventive measures against SIBO.

Parasites

Chronic parasitic infections, such as Giardia lamblia or Blastocystis hominis, can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiota and increase the risk of SIBO. Addressing parasitic infections through targeted anti-parasitic therapy and supporting gut health with specific probiotics strains and digestive aids may be necessary to resolve SIBO symptoms.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury, whether resulting from accidents, concussions, or other head traumas, can disrupt neurological pathways that regulate gastrointestinal function, leading to motility disorders and SIBO. Patients with a history of TBI should undergo thorough evaluation and management of gastrointestinal symptoms to prevent SIBO complications.

Medications

Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, and opioids, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and predispose individuals to SIBO. Discuss your medication regimen with a health practitioner to explore alternatives or adjunct therapies to mitigate SIBO risk.

Hypochlorhydria

Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) creates an environment conducive to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Support optimal stomach acid production with strategies like dietary modifications, supplementation of Betaine HCL or bitters, and stress management techniques.

Lyme & Co-Infections

Chronic infections like Lyme disease and its co-infections can disrupt gut function and contribute to SIBO. Lyme disease and SIBO are unfortunately often seen hand-in-hand. Mold is another big contributor too. If you suspect being infected by Lyme or Mold, discuss it with a healthcare provider experienced in treating Lyme disease to address underlying infections and support gut health.

Food Poisoning

A bout of food poisoning can trigger dysbiosis in the gut, setting the stage for SIBO development. This is also often called post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) in the medical world and can include autoimmunity. It is now possible to test for gut nerve damage (autoimmune reaction) from an episode of gastroenteritis with the lab IBS-smart. If you've experienced food poisoning in the past, consider getting tested to determine if your body has developed antibodies to Vinculin, a naturally occurring protein in your body that is critical in healthy gut function. Options for treatment include targeted antimicrobial therapy, dietary modifications, and targeted probiotic support to restore gut balance.

OUF!

That was a long list. Now what? If you’re still unsure, you can download the FREE Questionnaire below that will help you identify YOUR root cause(s). And yes, it can be more than one.

Identifying the root cause of your SIBO is the first step towards reclaiming your digestive health. By addressing underlying factors like impaired motility, digestive insufficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, and other contributors, you can develop a targeted treatment plan for lasting relief.

Work closely with a knowledgeable functional health practitioner to explore functional testing, personalized interventions, and holistic support on your journey to optimal wellness.

To access the Free Questionnaire, get the download on this Freebie Page.