SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIA OVERGROWTH
Small Intestinal Bacterial Control is a proprietary blend of Phellodendron. All ingredients have been used traditionally to help maintain healthy digestion. Phellodendron, a source of berberine, is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its digestive enhancing and anti-diarrhoeal effects, while the essential oils of thyme, oregano and clove leaf all have antispasmodic, carminative and digestive properties combined with antimicrobial activity oils designed to help manage SIBO small intestinal dysbiosis and candidiasis.
WHAT IS SIBO
SIBO means the bacteria from the large intestine, or colon, migrates up into the small intestine and begins to create overgrowth. The most common symptom of SIBO is bloating, which is what so many of our patients suffer from.
Symptoms of SIBO include:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Fatigue
- nausea
- cramping
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Fuzzy brain, no concentration
Associated Conditions
- Dysbiosis-related depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Increases intestinal permeability
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome ,
- Irritable Bowel disease Coeliac, Crohns, Diverticulitis, Ulcerated Colitis
- Intestinal candida
- chemotherapy
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Osteoporosis
Causes of SIBO
There are two key factors that can increase the risk for SIBO – not enough stomach acid and poor intestinal motility.
Structural abnormalities, food poisoning, use of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, immunosuppressants, narcotics, opiate medications, like morphine, and the oral contraceptive pill and surgery to the abdominal area can also cause SIBO.
Other leading causes include:
- excessive alcohol consumption
- removal or structural damage to the ileo-cecal valve in the digestive system, allowing the back flow of bacteria from the large intestine into the small intestine
- stress, which can lead to low stomach acid and stagnation of the digestive system, allowing bacteria to grow
- a previous gastrointestinal infection that develops into SIBO
Impact of SIBO
The overgrowth of the bacteria from the colon causes fermentation of foods in our small intestine producing hydrogen and methane, which damage the cells lining the small intestine. This gas can is what cause the symptoms associated with SIBO such as – bloating, cramping, flatulence, belching .Leaky gut results, with a reduction in nutrient absorption and an increase in inflammation, food sensitivities and autoimmune disease. In those that suffer longstanding SIBO excess bacteria may also begin to breakdown the bile acids in which fats and fat soluble vitamins rely on for absorption, this may lead to significant nutrient deficiencies such as folic acid, vitamin B12, fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, minerals including magnesium. iron and calcium leading to multiple body system disruptions
Treatment
This is tricky- A recent study showed that herbal antibiotics were more effective in addressing SIBO than antibiotics and to ensure SIBO doesn’t relapse supporting gut motility is a key factor. Ensuring the bacteria do not migrate upwards is crucial for long-term remission therefore the use of a pro-kinetic the key to support motility.
Great Importance
Therefore it is important to seek a qualified trained practitioner to work out what the causes are and to work out the best treatment plan for each individual and either suggest specific antibiotics or herbal antimicrobial as well as following a restricted diet and lifestyle changes.
REFERENCES:
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