Is it really IBS….or could it be SIBO?

Working in a busy health food store and naturopathic clinic I see many people presenting with digestive complaints like bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea and constipation daily.

Recently SIBO also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth has been a hot topic. I am always excited to see more research coming out on gastrointestinal health. The gastrointestinal tract is home to thousands of bacteria, which work to regulate certain processes like reducing water loss, preventing pathogen overgrowth, reducing inflammation and so much more.

The small intestine is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. While it is home to some bacteria, fermentation of excess bacteria can cause the build-up of hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide gases, causing digestive issues.

In new research, many cases of IBS are now thought to be linked to SIBO. Both IBS and SIBO share the same signs and symptoms, so why is SIBO not being more spoken about?

Research has shown that:

 - The is a 78% odds ratio of SIBO in patients with IBS (Shah, Talley at al., 2020)

 -  Among those with IBS, the female gender increased the odds of SIBO (Chen, Kim et al., 2018)

Research has shown that the inclusion of a low FODMAP diet for a short period of time with the inclusion of herbal interventions has improved digestive discomfort (Ried, Travica at al., 2020 and Su, Han et al., 2019).

If you have been told you have IBS or are experiencing digestive discomfort looking at your food intake will not only improve your digestive discomfort but also your nutrient absorption.

If you would like to know more information about gut health keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts.