After a while, your belly swells quickly and you can’t even close the button on your pants? Or wake up with a flat stomach in the morning; Do you look 6 months pregnant at night? One of the reasons behind all of this may be SIBO, the increase in harmful bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO, which can be responsible for gas and bloating complaints for years, can be treated with programs to be implemented by medical specialists and dietitians. Memorial Wellness Nutrition Consultant Ex. Says. Yeşim Temel Özcan spoke about SIBO and the regimes applied in its treatment.
SIBO can be the cause of many chronic complaints.
SIBO (increase of harmful bacteria in the small intestine); This can be the cause of many problems, from bloating to diarrhea and even leaky gut. When the balance of the intestinal flora is disturbed; As the beneficial bacteria in the gut decrease, the harmful bacteria begin to multiply. This process usually takes place with high consumption of simple sugars and simple carbohydrates and creates the image called SIBO. In SIBO, harmful bacteria in the intestine; By breaking down simple sugars and carbohydrates, it releases hydrogen and methane. This is manifested by excess gas and excessive swelling of the abdomen. While most of the SIBO chart is viewed this way; another group of harmful bacteria breaks down bile salts and disrupts the digestion of fats. Conclusion; It is reflected in the person as chronic diarrhea. Another group of bacteria destroys the intestinal barrier; can cause intestinal leakage.
Symptoms of SIBO include;
- Gas
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Constipation (but no more diarrhea)
- irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Especially vitamin B12; vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- There are fat absorption disorders.
- SIBO can be determined by analyzing the intestinal flora
Although not common in Turkey, there are tests that show the presence of SIBO. Those;
Respiratory examination; The gold standard in SIBO is that after a person has fasted for 12 hours, their breath is examined after consuming sugar every 3 minutes for 15 hours. It is a good test for pancreatic and celiac enzyme deficiencies.
urine tests; In the case of SIBO, the presence of substances produced by harmful bacteria in the urine is questioned.
analysis of fecal flora; Examining the intestinal flora imbalance is also useful in screening for SIBO. Analysis of faecal flora can be done in Turkey and allows monitoring of SIBO. By combining a good history and analysis of the patient’s flora, the patient can get rid of SIBO, that is, bloating, with the right treatment schedule.
Natural supplements can also be used in the treatment.
After the application of the tests used to diagnose SIBO, appropriate drugs and nutritional therapy should be administered. Typically, doctors can use antibiotics from the rifaximin group to which intestinal parasites are sensitive. Although this treatment is a large part of the SIBO treatment, natural carriers can also help. In particular, anti-inflammatory herbs such as goldenseal and field horsetail can be used. Apart from this, a diet free of sugar and simple carbohydrates is an indispensable part of the SIBO treatment. The regimens used in the treatment of SIBO are as follows;
Elimination diet (low FODMAP diet)
A low FODMAP diet consists of low lactose, low fructose, low fructan / gos, and low polyol. A high FODMAP-free diet for 3 to 8 weeks is a big part of SIBO treatment. The bans on this particular diet include a high content of lactose, fructose, fructans / gos, and polyols.
Lactose: (Triggers gas and bloating, draws water into the intestines) All milk and milk products.
Rich in fructose: (Draws water into the intestine) Apple, blackberry, cherry, fig, mango, pear, watermelon, alcohol, agave and all similar sweeteners.
High fructan content: (It triggers gas and bloating) Grapefruit, persimmon, onion, garlic, wheat, barley, legumes, banana, artichoke.
High polyols: (Sucks water in the intestine) Sunflower, mushroom, peas, apple apricot, blueberry cherry, nectarine, pear, peach, plum, watermelon.
A nutrition program that includes the right sources of protein, vegetables and fruits should be applied. This nutritional program should include bromelain (found in pineapple), potassium and magnesium, among other things.
The complete GAPS diet
The “Full GAPS” phase of the GAPS diet should be started and therefore the consumption of probiotics should be started while bowel repair continues. Intestinal repair agents such as bone broth, coconut oil, homemade apple cider vinegar are a must at this point. At the same time, FODMAPs that have been taken out of the diet must also be reintroduced into the diet.
The levels of vitamins B12, D, K, probiotics, digestive enzymes, iron and zinc should be monitored throughout treatment; It is important to provide these supplements under the supervision of a physician when needed and in stages. The insufficiency of these groups is frequently encountered in the SIBO table.
The antimicrobial herbs and oils will also help reduce harmful bacteria in SIBO; Thyme oil, tarragon oil and clove oil can be used, especially goldenseal and peppermint oil. Deposit these oils in drinking water consumed during the day
(1 liter of water 2-3 drops is enough) is recommended. After all of the therapy, the patient should adopt a healthy lifestyle free from stress and toxins, including a proper nutrition program.
