Discovery of what causes this disease linked to bacterial growth in the body

He reported that, therefore, “Parts of the gut that don’t work properly or change, which in turn can cause damage to the “skin” of the gut itself and alter our ability to absorb nutrients’. This is known as SIBO, and this disease in turn leads to many other very common malabsorptive processes or intolerances.

Why does SIBO occur?

As José María Alberdi, head of the digestive system service at La Moraleja University Hospital and Virgen del Mar University Hospital, explains, SIBO “is caused by an increase in microbiomes in the small intestine. small intestinedue to the peristaltic movement, the presence of stomach acid, bile and its separation from the colon (which has more bacteria) through a valve called the ileocecal valve Usually the number of bacteria is low. When one of these control mechanisms fails, bacterial populations increase and gas production increases.’. Furthermore, he adds, “inflammation of the small intestinal villi This leads to poor absorption of nutrients, which in turn favors the growth of more bacteria“.

Regarding possible influencing factors, nutrition experts state that the most common are:

• repeated doses of antibiotics
  
• heavy drinking
  
• Decreased stomach acid production due to medications such as omeprazole or Nexium
  
• Some stomach problems, such as chronic gastritis
  
• changes in intestinal motility
  
• Digestive surgery.

Although there are no specific data on the prevalence of SIBO, “and estimate It affects approximately 6-15% of the general population. Patients with underlying diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease or who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, Prevalence could rise to 70 percent,” Alberdi said.

Who is Most Affected by SIBO?

Just as there is no prevalence data, there is an established pattern that matches all SIBO patients, so there is no profile.

there is Certain factors may favor a person suffering from or being more likely to suffer from Sibo:

• Diets high in saturated fat, refined oils, soft drinks, ultra-processed foods based on white and refined flour, and people high in sugar.
  
• repeated use of antibiotics
  
• CMM (motor migration complex) malfunction
  
• People who are prone to constipation or slow peristalsis
  
• Small Bowel Surgical Intervention

Warning Symptoms of SIBO

Abdominal inflammation is one of the most common symptoms of this disease, but it is not the only one. As Jorge pointed out, additional bloating (swelling) is added”such as diarrhea and/or constipation, gas, fatty stools, or abdominal pain“. These symptoms are related to the digestive environment, but there are also symptoms that are not related to an upset stomach, such as “Hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skinGeorge reports.

How SIBO differs from other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease

As Jorge explains, in clinical practice “distinguishing digestive diseases is very difficult because most of them present with similar symptoms.” In fact, “celiac patients are often found to exhibit symptoms similar to fructose intolerance patients with the same symptoms.” Therefore”It is important to be able to collect as detailed and specific data as possible, as each digestive pathology may present with signs more typical of one disease or another“.

Alverdi reported that the diagnosis of SIBO “It is usually done with tests that directly or indirectly investigate the presence and amount of bacteria in the small intestine. “. The most common tests to diagnose SIBO are:

1. Bacterial culture of duodenal aspirate or jejunum is considered the most reliable method. However, since it is an invasive and complicated test, it is not usually used.
   
2. Now, Lactulose or glucose breath testMostly used as a non-invasive test. These tests indirectly measure the amount of bacteria present in the gut.

In the face of differences, perhaps the origin is the most common. For example, “Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease, whereas small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or irritable bowel syndrome don’t develop in this way.” Regarding intolerance, he noted, “We know that when they occur in adults, they are secondary to a primary origin that must be discovered“.

Therefore, “in the face of digestive system diseases, it is very important for the doctor to carry out a series of tests (differential diagnosis) to find out the cause and be able to take specific treatment methods.”

For detection and diagnosis (necessary to establish appropriate treatment), a “breath test (hydrogen, methane, and exhaled carbon dioxide test) with lactulose or lactitol” is usually performed.

How is SIBO treated? Is there a cure?

If the test result is positive,Must take specific antibiotics prescribed by a doctorin addition to following low carb short chain diet“, the nutrition expert points out. “This is a very specific dietary protocol that must be supervised and detailed by a nutrition professional, such as a nutritionist who specializes in this field,” he explains. The protocol”Should be based on stopping or reducing consumption of certain foods or food group temporarily Helping people improve their symptoms so they can achieve a higher level of comfort and quality of life than before.”

When this combination (antibiotics and diet) is done, experts state, “It is recommended to repeat the same test to evaluate its results.Regardless, “it’s important to let patients know that relapses are common because eradicating the bacteria doesn’t always correct the original cause.” “

After treatment with antibiotics, “the entire intestinal microbiota as well as the mucous membrane must be restored, for which we can take probiotics (probiotics must be recommended in an individualized way)”.

Can SIBO be prevented?

Regarding its prevention, Jorge states, “No one with a small bowel can guarantee that they won’t get SIBO at some point in their life, what we do know is that, There are some triggers that can be avoided. We have the ability to decide what and how to eat, as well as increase physical activity, learn to manage stress, avoid alcohol, and seek help to get rid of constipation.

According to Alberdi, the best ways to prevent SIBO are to:

• Reduce use of medicines that slow intestinal transit, such as benzodiazepines or opioids, or medicines that lower stomach acidity, such as omeprazole.
  
• Diseases that can slow down intestinal transit, such as diabetes, are strictly controlled.
  
• Prokinetic drugs may be helpful in some patients with slow intestinal transit.
  
• Prophylactic treatment with cycles of antibiotics can be used in patients with multiple annual SIBO episodes and certain anatomical defects such as previous surgery or small bowel diverticulum.