SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth) is a gut infection caused by changes in the gut’s terrain, allowing bacteria to thrive. Root causes include insufficient digestive secretions, dysfunction in the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC), weak vagal tone, and unaddressed factors.
SIBO is a common digestive disorder that can be treated with various methods. Some common reasons for not healing include not treating for long enough, using the wrong herbal treatment, not considering all options (Rx Meds), not using probiotics, not testing for co-infections, and not addressing the root cause of the problem (probiotics).
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment time for SIBO, and the most important factor for deciding treatment length is the levels of hydrogen and methane gases found on the lactulose breath test. Standard protocols have a treatment length of 2 – 4 weeks, but more severe SIBO may require 8 – 12 weeks of continuous antimicrobial treatment.
Herbal treatment is essential for proper treatment, but it is crucial to know the type of SIBO you have (methane or hydrogen dominant, hydrogen sulfide, or mixed type), in order to treat it properly with herbs and use the proper dosage. Rifaximin, a common prescription drug used to treat SIBO, is an antibiotic with unique properties, staying inside the intestines and not causing negative side effects. Dr. Mark Pimentel, a leading researcher in IBS and SIBO diagnosis and treatment, sees Rifaximin being effective in at least 70% of patients. In practice, a pre biotic is often discouraged with SIBO but recent studies show that using Rifaximin plus Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) is more effective at clearing SIBO than Rifaximin used alone. PHGG is a prebiotic, which means that it feeds bacteria.
Probiotics can be more effective than prescription antibiotics in treating SIBO, but it is important to stick to soil-based organisms, spore-based probiotics, or Bifidus strains for safety.
SIBO is not an infection that we “pick up” from somewhere out in the world, but rather a situation that arises because the terrain of the gut has changed so that it has become a place where bacteria can now thrive
Re-establishing proper motility and MMC activity is crucial for recovery. Physiologic approaches like probiotics, prokinetics, abdominal massage, and biofeedback can help restore vagal tone. However, addressing the underlying mind-body issue is also essential. HPA-Axis dysregulation, or adrenal fatigue, can lead to reduced immune secretions, altered digestive secretions, and slow gut repair. It’s crucial to test symptoms before treating HPA dysregulation, as symptoms can be confusing and overlap.
Also consider SIFO. SIFO, or small intestine fungal overgrowth, is often caused by Candida albicans or similar yeast/fungal species. It can be a mixed pattern with identical symptoms or a mixed overgrowth. Fungal/yeast overgrowth responds differently to herbs, supplements, and prescriptions than bacterial conditions. High-glycemic elemental diets may worsen yeast/fungal overgrowth, and sometimes a broad spectrum treatment is needed to treat persistent symptoms.
HPA-Axis dysregulation (aka adrenal fatigue) leads to imbalanced stress-hormone levels, which can lead to reduced immune secretions in the gut, altered digestive secretions, and slow down repair of the tissues that make up the stomach and intestinal lining, leading to leaky gut. It is important not to jump into treating HPA dysregulation without testing, as symptoms can be confusing and overlap.
In summary, if you are trying to treat SIBO but not getting better, it is essential to address the root causes, use the right herbal treatment, and consider alternative treatments like probiotics and testing for co-infections.
Bringing much light,
Lynn
