What Are SIBO & SIMO? Causes, Foods to Avoid, & More. — Dr. Lana Wellness

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO, is one of the more common causes of digestive issues such as consistent/stubborn bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and pain in the stomach or while passing stools. SIBO is the result of bacteria producing an excess of hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide gas. Small intestinal methanogen overgrowth, also known as IMO or SIMO is caused by archaea (a type of microorganism) producing an excess of methanogens or methane gas. SIBO and SIMO can be similar in their presentation, which is why proper diagnosis is critical for appropriate and effective treatment.

SYMPTOMS OF SIBO/SIMO:

  • Bloating (individuals often describe themselves as looking pregnant)

  • Nausea

  • Gas

  • Low appetite, constant feeling of fullness

  • Abdominal pain and cramping

  • Pain while passing stool

  • Diarrhea (more common with SIBO)

  • Constipation (more common with SIMO)

  • Food intolerances

  • Nutrient deficiencies/malabsorption of nutrients

  • Impaired GI motility

  • Inflammation

  • Damaged microvilli (gut lining)

  • Dysbiosis

  • Impaired digestive capacity

COMMON CAUSES OF SIBO/SIMO:  

  • Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)

  • Dysbiosis

  • Insufficiency of digestive or pancreatic enzymes

  • Certain medications (especially antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and antacids)

  • GI motility issues

  • Impaired immune function

  • Surgery or anatomical issues

NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS FOR SIBO/SIMO

A key component to effectively addressing SIBO and SIMO is making dietary changes to reduce the growth of additional bacteria and methanogens, which in turn helps reduce the uncomfortable symptoms that come with SIBO/SIMO. These diets should be followed for 2-6 months under guidance from your healthcare practitioner. Afterwards, foods will slowly be added back into the diet. Two common dietary strategies are the low FODMAP diets and low fermentation diets.

Low Fermentation Diet

  • This diet is far less complicated and restrictive in comparison to the low FODMAP diet

  • This diet attempts to lower the fermentation of foods in the gut as well as reducing sulfur rich foods which can often contribute to fueling SIBO/SIMO

TESTING OPTIONS TO CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF SIBO/SIMO:

  • Breath Test (best way to determine SIBO/SIMO): To take this test you will drink a glucose or lactulose beverage and then take breath samples over a three hour period to determine whether you have elevated Methane, hydrogen, or hydrogen sulfide. 

  • Comprehensive Stool Analysis: A comprehensive stool test looks at bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, fungus and yeast, and assesses the type and amount of opportunistic and beneficial bacteria , as well as markers for inflammation, immunity, and digestive capacity and health.

PREVENTING SIBO/SIMO RECURRENCE:

After 2-6 months of following a specialized diet, along with incorporating supplemental and lifestyle recommendations given to you by your medical provider, you should see an improvement and be feeling better. Once your medical provider has determined that your SIBO/SIMO has been eradicated it is paramount to then work on repopulating your microbiome and prioritizing gut health. We do know that it is possible for SIBO/SIMO to return, therefore it is important to put things into place to optimize gut health and prevent recurrence from rearing its ugly head.

Strategies to prevent recurrence include:

  • Eat a diverse nutrient dense diet rich in vitamins & minerals (enjoy a variety of colors, textures, and a combination of raw vs. cooked foods) 

  • Avoiding fried foods, processed foods, & foods high in refined sugars and flours

  • Prioritize foods rich in prebiotics (legumes, lentils, grains, veggies)

  • Prioritize foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, fermented veggies, miso, tempeh)

  • Eat slowly, mindfully, and remember to chew food well

  • Managing stress and incorporating stress reduction techniques into your day to day life

  • Reduce consumption of alcohol 

  • Only utilize antibiotics when necessary and if needed, take with a double dose of probiotics both during and after the antibiotic course has ended, for at least an additional week to 10 days.

  • Stop or reduce smoking (cigarettes) 

  • Prioritize sufficient sleep

  • Continue taking any supplements your healthcare practitioner may have recommended to optimize gut health

  • Address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to SIBO/SIMO

Source link: https://www.drlanawellness.com/new-blog/get-rid-of-sibo-naturally by Lana Butner at www.drlanawellness.com