7 Signs & Treatment of SIBO: (Ultimate Guide)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is gaining more and more awareness as research into the condition progresses. You’re reading this article, so the chances are that you’ve heard of SIBO.
No one likes to think of bacteria in their gut. But perhaps they should. Why? Because recent studies are showing that over 50% of patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are suffering from an underlying imbalance called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Wondering if that’s what’s been causing your digestive issues? In this article, Dr. Vikrant Kale best gastroenterologist in Pune shares some basic information about the Signs, diagnosis, and treatment of SIBO.
7 Signs That You're Suffering From SIBO:
- Bloating – A feeling of fullness and discomfort, especially 1-2 hours after eating meals rich in carbohydrates
- Abdominal pain – linked to bloating, as the gases build up in the small intestine, they stretch the intestinal walls, and this can be very painful.
- Excessive belching – SIBO can cause excessive belching that is uncomfortable and embarrassing.
- Heartburn/Reflux – When patients suffer from excessive belching, they can belch acid from the stomach into the gullet, causing symptoms that mimic reflux-like heartburn.
- Flatulence/wind – Patients with SIBO are often very windy and the wind can be very smelly.
- Diarrhea/constipation – Diarrhea and constipation can also be a symptom of SIBO.
- Unexplained Weight loss – Unexplained weight loss is another sign of SIBO.
How SIBO is diagnosed?
The best method to diagnose SIBO is via Hydrogen breath testing. This is a non-invasive method for identifying SIBO that is now popular in clinical practice. At Kaizen Gastro Care Dr. Vikrant Kale performs Hydrogen breath testing for the SIBO diagnosis. If you are concerned that you may suffer from SIBO, speak to Dr. Vikrant Kale, gastroenterologist today about current testing and treatment options available.
How should SIBO be treated?
Just got diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and am not sure what advice to follow. You are not alone.
The good news is that SIBO can be diagnosed, treated, and prevented. Moreover, many patients who successfully eliminate SIBO from their gut will also find their IBS symptoms have been resolved. The treatment of SIBO consists of the
Medicine: The majority of studies to date have investigated the use of different antibiotics to treat SIBO, with variable results
Diet: A healthy diet is the backbone of maintaining intestinal health. While specific dietary needs are highly individualized, the fundamentals of healthy eating are the same for everyone:
- Avoid fast food and refined and highly processed foods
- Avoid foods high in sugar
- Avoid artificial coloring and dyes
- Minimize your intake of refined carbohydrates
- Eat three regular meals and one or two snacks per day
- If you eat meat, always pick clean, low-hormone, grass-fed, organic meat
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
- Consume healthy, high-quality oils
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic gut issues, then you must visit Dr. Vikrant Kale at Kaizen Gastro Care to diagnose and treatment SIBO.
