Streptococcus: The Link Between Strep, SIBO, and PANS/PANDAS

Streptococcus bacteria are often associated with childhood illnesses like strep throat and ear infections. However, the impact of strep extends far beyond these common conditions, significantly influencing gut health and potentially contributing to more complex conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infections (PANS/PANDAS). This article explores the nature of strep infections, their connection to SIBO, clarifying the distinction between beneficial and harmful Streptococcus species, as well as natural approaches to support recovery.

Beyond Sore Throat

While a strep throat is easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, many strep infections are far more subtle and challenging to identify.

The hundreds of strep strains exhibit varying levels of aggressiveness, and antibiotic resistance is a growing concern due to overuse.

Streptococcus: Good or Bad?

It's crucial to understand that not all Streptococcus bacteria are harmful. Many are commensal, meaning they coexist peacefully within the human body, playing a beneficial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. However, other species are pathogenic, causing a range of infections.

Commensal Streptococcus (the "Good" Strep):

These species are typically found in the mouth, upper respiratory tract, and intestines. They contribute to a balanced microbial environment and can even inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Examples include Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus sanguinis. You can sometimes find these in Probiotics supplements.

Pathogenic Streptococcus (the "Bad" Strep):

Species like Streptococcus pyogenes (group A) and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B) are well-known pathogens causing strep throat, pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. These are the strains most commonly targeted with antibiotics.

Opportunistic Pathogens:

Even commensal Streptococcus can become opportunistic pathogens under certain conditions, such as a weakened immune system or when introduced into more sterile areas of the body. This is why it is so important to support overall health and immune function.

Symptoms of Streptococcus

The symptoms of pathogenic strep are incredibly diverse and can manifest in seemingly unrelated ways, including:

• Skin Issues: Acne, cystic acne, and styes (often linked to strep residing in the lymphatic system).

• Urinary Tract Issues: Cystitis (bladder scar tissue from chronic strep infection), UTIs.

• Digestive Problems: SIBO (often resulting from previous antibiotic use and strep overgrowth in the gut), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colitis (exacerbated by strep-induced inflammation).

• Other Symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, brain fog, low-grade fever, sinus pain and congestion, allergies, and asthma.

The Streptococcus-SIBO Connection

The link between Strep and SIBO is significant. Repeated rounds of antibiotics, often used to treat strep infections, can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria, including strep, in the small intestine. This overgrowth contributes to SIBO symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and digestive discomfort. The presence of pathogenic strep in the gut further complicates the situation, making it difficult to resolve SIBO solely through dietary changes or conventional treatments. You can find out if you have an overgrowth of Strep species by doing a microbiome stool test such as the GI-MAP.

PANS/PANDA: A Neurological Connection

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANS/PANDAS) represent a more severe consequence of strep infections. In these cases, strep (typically pathogenic strains) triggers an autoimmune response that affects the brain and nervous system, leading to a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, tics, and sudden behavioral changes.

Early intervention is crucial in managing PANS/PANDA, and addressing the underlying strep infection is a key component of treatment.

Natural Approaches to Support Recovery

While antibiotics have their place, especially in severe cases, a holistic approach often yields better long-term results when dealing with strep and its associated conditions. This approach focuses on:

• Dietary Changes: Eliminating inflammatory foods like corn, wheat, barley, rye, and canola oil is often beneficial. Some people also benefit from eliminating eggs and dairy, at least temporarily. Incorporating healing foods like bone broth, berries, leafy greens, garlic, onions, turmeric, ginger, raw honey, and a variety of nutrient-rich cooked vegetables is crucial.

• Herbal Support: oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic are powerful antibacterial herbs.

• Supplementation: Vitamin C, zinc sulfate (essential for immune function) and omega-3 fatty acids can offer significant support. You could also consider antiviral and antibacterial supplements like cat's claw, lemon balm, olive leaf, goldenseal, and monolaurin (from coconut) if a viral infection is also present.

• Immune System Strengthening: Appropriate supplementation is key to building a resilient immune system capable of effectively combating strep. For children, focus on building immunity with healing foods and supplements like zinc sulfate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and elderberry syrup (avoid goldenseal in children under 2).

  Always consult your health practitioner first before adding new supplements to your regimen.

• Addressing Underlying Issues: Stress management, emotional processing, and addressing any underlying energetic imbalances are essential for long-term healing.

Streptococcus infections can be quite varied and complex. By combining dietary changes, herbal remedies, targeted supplementation, and immune system support, we can empower the body to effectively address strep infections and their associated conditions.

Always consult with a practitioner for personalized guidance and to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.