Don't ignore these signs: you could have SIBO and not know it.
Do you suffer from bloating, constant digestive discomfort or unexplained nutritional deficiencies? You could be among the surprising percentage of people who suffer from SIBO(Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) without knowing it. It is estimated that up to 20% of the general population may suffer from it, a figure that rises to 80% in people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or autoimmune diseases. Detecting and treating SIBO early not only improves your quality of life, but also prevents serious complications such as vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and even autoimmune disorders.
What is SIBO?
SIBO occurs when bacteria, normally found in other parts of the digestive tract, colonize the small intestine. These bacteria break down nutrients before they can be absorbed, leading to uncontrolled fermentation of carbohydrates, resulting in gas, inflammation and nutritional deficiencies.
Common symptoms of SIBO that will help you identify if you suffer from it.
1. Digestive:
- Abdominal bloating, flatulence and belching 2.
- Diarrhea, constipation or both (often alternating)
- Recurrent abdominal pain
- Feeling of being full after eating little
- Intolerance to carbohydrate-rich foods, such as lactose and fructose.
2. Systemic:
- Chronic fatigue
- Weakness and loss of concentration
- Deficiencies of vitamins such as B12, iron and vitamin D, which can lead to anemia or neuropathies.
- Unintentional weight loss
- Anxiety or depression
- Autoimmune conditions such as arthritis or psoriasis.
3. Nutritional:
- Deficiency of vitamin B12, iron and other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) 4.
- Unintentional weight loss
- Steatorrhea ("loose" and greasy fecal secretions)
What causes it?
- Changes in intestinal pH with alterations in the balance between alkalinity and acidity, which may be caused by air pollution, poor eating habits or stress.
- Chronic use of medications: especially those that act by blocking the production of acid in the stomach, such as Omeprazole.
- Metabolic complications: such as diabetes or pancreatic insufficiency.
Why shouldn't you ignore it?
Untreated SIBO can trigger serious complications, from leaky gut syndrome to chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, it is a recurrent disorder: up to 45% of cases recur after initial treatment, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive and personalized management.
Don't worry, it has treatment
If you notice any of the symptoms described above, we recommend that you see a medical specialist who, after studying your surgical and clinical history and applying certain tests such as breath test (after carbohydrate intake) or small intestinal fluid culture, will be able to detect whether you suffer from this disorder. He/she will then be able to prescribe an appropriate treatment for your condition: specific antibiotics, personalized diet or the prescription of probiotics and nutritional supplements.
Important: Treatment must be individualized and supervised, as SIBO can recur if the underlying causes are not addressed.
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