What is SIBO and Why does it Occur?

Have you ever wondered what happens when your digestive system, specifically the small intestine, doesn’t function as it should? Enter SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. This condition happens when an unusually high number of bacteria in the small intestine.

The causes of SIBO can be varied and complex. Sometimes, its structural issues within the gut: imagine scar tissue post-surgery or even a hernia can cause blockage. Such complications often lead to intestinal dysmotility, a scenario where our digestion isn’t quite up to speed. Additionally, SIBO is commonly linked with other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In some cases, certain medications that reduce stomach acid production can also contribute to SIBO. This is why SIBO is tricky to be diagnosed or be treated.

6 Common SIBO Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

While the gut is important for our overall health, it often communicates through subtle signs rather than clear messages. Small changes in our daily routines and emotions can be the body’s way of indicating an imbalance. SIBO is one such imbalance and it can cause significant symptoms. As we explore its main symptoms, you may recognize connections to feelings you’ve experienced but couldn’t quite pinpoint the cause of.

1) Abdominal pain or cramping

Abdominal pain or cramping is one of the most common indicators of SIBO. When bacterial overgrowth occurs in the small intestine, these bacteria ferment foods, particularly carbohydrates, leading to gas production. This extra gas puts pressure on the intestinal walls, irritating the nerves that supply your gut. As a result, you experience discomfort, cramping, and even a sense of fullness after only a small meal.

2) Bloating and distension

Have you ever experienced the sensation of your stomach expanding like an excessively inflated balloon? This is not simply a result of overeating. The excess bacteria present in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) release gases, which in turn cause that uncomfortable bloated feeling. It is important to note that this sensation of bloating can go beyond simple discomfort and may even escalate to painful distention, causing considerable distress.

3) Excessive gas

Excessive gas, whether it’s flatulence or belching, occurs when gut bacteria break down carbohydrates and produce hydrogen, methane, or other gases in excessive amounts. If these gases aren’t released efficiently, pressure builds up, leading to noticeable flatulence or burping. The small intestine usually contains a much smaller number of bacteria than the large intestine. Therefore, once overgrowth occurs, gas levels can spike.

By monitoring how much hydrogen and methane your gut produces after consuming specific foods, you gain clearer insight into which food components might be the trigger of your gas symptoms. A portable breath tester like FoodMarble AIRE 2 allows you to conveniently measure your fermentation levels anytime, from the comfort of your home.

4) Constipation 

Constipation is a common symptom experienced by SIBO patients. The excessive production of methane by microbes in the small intestine is thought to be a possible culprit . Methane can slow down motility and constipation is usually more prevalent in methane dominant SIBO or Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) as it is also called.

5) Diarrhea

People with hydrogen-dominant SIBO, who tend to produce an excess of hydrogen gas, frequently report diarrhea as a primary symptom. The bacteria in our intestines and their metabolic byproducts can trigger an osmotic reaction, drawing extra water into the small intestine. This can weaken our gut’s mucosal barrier, which is the vital protective layer of our digestive tract, potentially leading to dehydration and nutrient shortages.

It is important noting that, because everyone’s gut is unique, the pattern may vary. However, this highlights the importance of testing the levels of hydrogen and methane in your breath to get a better understanding of the potential cause of your symptoms. With FoodMarble’s breath tester AIRE 2, you can visualise your fermentation level by measuring these two main gases. This will provide clearer guidance about your gut environment.

6) Nausea

Nausea can range from mild queasiness to an intense need to vomit and it often arises in SIBO due to the byproducts of fermentation and impaired gut motility. When the small intestine hosts too many bacteria, they may produce toxins or compounds that can slow down the natural movement of the gastrointestinal tract (peristalsis). As a result, food stays in the small intestine longer than it should, which increases fermentation and irritation.