Could you have SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth)? Symptoms to look for
The food we eat, especially the type of carbohydrates, determines the populations of intestinal flora (bacteria) that can live in our gut. Gut bacteria ferment whatever we can’t digest & absorb, producing gases like hydrogen and methane which give us wind, and lactic acid which affects our brain, mood & sleep. Both inflame & damage the cells lining the small intestine, where enzymes complete digestion & absorption occurs. Damaged intestinal cells can no longer produce their digestive enzymes, and excess mucus is produced in an attempt to shield the gut wall, further inhibiting carbohydrates from getting to the enzymes still available. Leaky gut, systemic inflammation, pain, and multiple food sensitivities result.
Is there a test for this?
‘The Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test’ requested by your doctor tells you if you have excessive fermentation, but you probably know this already by the amount of wind & bloating you have.
How can we correct it?
When we give the body a healthy balance of protein, good fats, and certain carbohydrates that are easily digested & absorbed, leaving none to feed bacteria in the small intestine, harmful bacteria die off. Freed from the inflammatory effects of pathogenic bacteria, the small intestine cells can heal & start producing digestive enzymes again. Thus digestion and absorption improves and your symptoms disappear. Improvements appear quite quickly but long term healing requires adherence to the program for a year. If you need help with these symptoms call sunshine coast Nutritionist and Kinesiologist Karen Emans on 0408 748 532
- Wind & Bloating
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Craving sweet foods, or bread
- Fatigue
- Mood swings, anxiety & irritability
- Brain fog
- Poor sleep, or restless legs
- Multiple food sensitivities
The food we eat, especially the type of carbohydrates, determines the populations of intestinal flora (bacteria) that can live in our gut. Gut bacteria ferment whatever we can’t digest & absorb, producing gases like hydrogen and methane which give us wind, and lactic acid which affects our brain, mood & sleep. Both inflame & damage the cells lining the small intestine, where enzymes complete digestion & absorption occurs. Damaged intestinal cells can no longer produce their digestive enzymes, and excess mucus is produced in an attempt to shield the gut wall, further inhibiting carbohydrates from getting to the enzymes still available. Leaky gut, systemic inflammation, pain, and multiple food sensitivities result.
Is there a test for this?
‘The Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test’ requested by your doctor tells you if you have excessive fermentation, but you probably know this already by the amount of wind & bloating you have.
How can we correct it?
When we give the body a healthy balance of protein, good fats, and certain carbohydrates that are easily digested & absorbed, leaving none to feed bacteria in the small intestine, harmful bacteria die off. Freed from the inflammatory effects of pathogenic bacteria, the small intestine cells can heal & start producing digestive enzymes again. Thus digestion and absorption improves and your symptoms disappear. Improvements appear quite quickly but long term healing requires adherence to the program for a year. If you need help with these symptoms call sunshine coast Nutritionist and Kinesiologist Karen Emans on 0408 748 532