Why does SIBO occur? SIBO is a result of disruption to acid and alkaline levels in the digestive system, leading to bacteria overgrowing in the small intestine.
We look at 3 habits which can increase your chances of SIBO occurring.
What is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is an increasingly common gastrointestinal condition which is characterised by an excessive or abnormal growth of bacteria species in the small intestine.
It can mimic symptoms of IBS or can be diagnosed as well as IBS, but requires antimicrobial treatment and lifestyle /diet changes to ensure it doesn’t come back.
Why does SIBO occur? The digestive system explained
The digestive system has two jobs:
Digest food in order to absorb it
Make incoming food safe
It does this by alternating alkaline and acidic environments to do different jobs at different points:
Our mouths are meant to be alkaline and this is where the digestion of starch in our diet begins.
Our stomachs are meant to be acidic to help sterilise our foods and start the process of protein digestion.
Once the acidic contents of the stomach is moved down along into the small intestine, the pancreas then squirts bicarbonate and enzymes onto the food and the mixture becomes more alkaline.
Disruption to these delicate alkaline and acidic environments can result in bacteria overgrowing in the small intestine, causing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Low stomach acid and intestinal motility issues are common causes of SIBO, as stomach acid and intestine contraction (peristalsis) patterns help keep bacteria levels low in the small bowel.
3 habits which may explain why SIBO can occur
Here are some common eating and lifestyle habits that can disrupt the alkaline and acidic environments in your digestive system, increasing the risk of SIBO occurring:
1. Consuming Anti-Acid products
Acid suppression or neutralisation creates a very large risk for SIBO.
Certain medications can affect our digestion through reducing or neutralising acid production.
These include:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s)
Calcium carbonate anti-acids
Taking sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
2. Drinking too much water with meals
Consuming large amounts of water or liquid while eating can dilute stomach acid (making it more alkali), reducing the body's ability to kill-off incoming bacteria from the mouth and within food itself.
In addition to changing acidity, the timing of your food intake is also important.
3. Constant snacking/grazing
Eating continuously throughout the day prevents the migrating motor complex (MMC) from activating.
MMC is a specialised type of peristalsis that occurs in the fasted state (when not snacking). It is characterised by rhythmic contractions that occur approximately every 90–120 minutes.
The contractions sweep bacteria, undigested material and residual secretions towards the colon.
If the MMC is not activated, bacteria can build up in the small intestine and the symptoms of SIBO can occur.
How can you treat SIBO?
Now that you know why SIBO occurs, the good news is that SIBO is treatable. It can be tested for at home, and there is a clear, evidence-backed way to treat it.
The first step is to book a free 75-minute call with AltruVita's nutritionist. She'll listen, ask the right questions and help you figure out your next step.
Once you have a SIBO diagnosis, you have two options for treatment. The first option many people try is a course of prescription antibiotics.
Antibiotics can be effective at reducing bacterial overgrowth quickly. However, the primary limitation of this is relapse. Studies show that around 40% of people experience a return of symptoms within nine months of completing a course. Antibiotics address the overgrowth but don't always resolve the underlying reason it developed in the first place.
The second treatment option is herbal antimicrobials.
At AltruVita, we've developed a straightforward 2-Step Protocol based on this treatment and formulated under the guidance of Professor Martyn Caplin, Professor of Gastroenterology at the Royal Free Hospital.
Step 1 of the AltruVita protocol is to clear the bacterial overgrowth with SIBO Complex+.
Step 2 - restore with ProfBiotics Complex - replenishes your gut with beneficial bacteria to support long-term gut health so the problem is less likely to return.
Download SIBO Unlocked: your free guide to SIBO
Our free SIBO Unlocked Guide explains more about the 2-Step Protocol and is full of expert advice from AltruVita, helping you take the first step to understanding your digestive health.