Different Types of Small Intestinal Overgrowth (SIBO)
SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is a growing health concern affecting many people. It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to a variety of uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms. SIBO can be caused by various underlying conditions, and is classified into three distinct types: hydrogen-dominant SIBO, methane-dominant SIBO, and mixed-dominant SIBO. Each type of SIBO is associated with a unique set of symptoms and can be treated with a variety of therapies. In this article, we will explore the different types of SIBO and their associated symptoms, as well as the treatments available for each type. With the right testing and approach, individuals with SIBO can find relief from their symptoms and lead healthier lives. What is SIBO? SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. When bacteria grow in the small intestine, SIBO can occur. SIBO is a condition that affects the intestinal tract. It causes digestive issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. SIBO occurs when normal bacteria, which is normally found in the large intestine, migrates to the small intestine which should be largely sterile. The small intestine is where food is broken down into nutrients. If SIBO is not treated, it can lead to more serious health conditions, like anemia, liver disease, and a whole host of symptoms related to a leaky gut. SIBO is a growing health concern affecting many people. SIBO can be caused by various underlying conditions, and is classified into three distinct types: hydrogen-dominant SIBO, methane-dominant SIBO, and mixed-dominant SIBO. Each type of SIBO is associated with a unique set of symptoms and can be treated with a variety of therapies. In this article, we will explore the different types of SIBO and their associated symptoms, as well as the treatments available for each type. Overview of Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO Hydrogen-dominant SIBO is caused by a bacterial overgrowth of species that produce hydrogen gas, such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is the most common form of SIBO, affecting approximately 60% of people with SIBO. Hydrogen-dominant SIBO has several potential triggers, and is more common in individuals who have been prescribed antibiotics and/or have gastrointestinal disorders. Hydrogen-dominant SIBO is primarily diagnosed through hydrogen breath tests, as it is almost impossible to detect through other forms of testing. Overview of Methane-Dominant SIBO Methane-dominant SIBO is caused by a bacterial overgrowth of species that produce methane gas, such as Bacteroides species and Fusobacterium nucleatum. It is the least common form of SIBO, affecting approximately 25% of people with SIBO. Methane-dominant SIBO has several potential triggers and is more common in individuals who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. Methane-dominant SIBO can be diagnosed with hydrogen breath tests using different substrates such as lactulose and glucose. Overview of Mixed-Dominant SIBO Mixed-dominant SIBO is caused by a combination of species producing hydrogen and methane gas. It is the second most common form of SIBO. Like the other types of SIBO, mixed-dominant SIBO can be diagnosed through testing using lactulose or glucose or a combination of the both. Hydrogen sulfide SIBO Hydrogen sulfide SIBO is a type of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) caused by the excessive production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the small intestine. This condition is linked to several digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, and inflammatory bowel disease.Symptoms of hydrogen sulfide SIBO can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, and bad breath. Treatment for hydrogen sulfide SIBO often includes antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials, probiotics, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. It’s important to talk to your functional medicine doctor about the best treatment option for your individual situation. With proper treatment, hydrogen sulfide SIBO can be managed and your digestive symptoms can be relieved. Common Symptoms of SIBO There are so many differnt symptoms relating to SIBO which makes it difficult to diagnose. Abdominal pain – People with SIBO may can experience abdominal pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. This pain is often described as cramping, burning, or gnawing in nature. It can be worsened by eating, and can last several hours after a meal. – Bloating – Bloating is caused by the buildup of bacterial waste products in the small intestine, which can lead to abdominal distension and pain. This is one of the most common symptoms of SIBO, occurring in around 90% of people with SIBO. – Diarrhea – Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can lead to a disruption of normal digestion, resulting in diarrhea – Excessive gas – People with SIBO often experience excessive gas, particularly after consuming a high-fiber diet. Excessive gas can cause abdominal distension, pain, and flatulence. While people with SIBO can experience excessive gas regardless of fiber intake, they tend to be more sensitive to it due to the presence of bacteria in the small intestine. – Iron deficiency – Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can result in iron deficiency, due to increased levels of hydrogen gas in the small intestine that inhibit iron absorption. Nutrient malabsorption – Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause malabsorption of nutrients. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, B12, and vitamin D. This can lead to reduced immune function, headaches, and poor sleep. Diagnosing SIBO There are numerous gut tests on the market including the organic acids tests, and microbiome testing which includes tests such as the GI MAP, Genova and Doctors’ data etc. However, as good as tests as these are they only give a snapshot of the large intestine. The gold standard of SIBO testing is a breath that will measure the levels of the different gases. however, that is not to say that a microbiome test isn’t worthwhile. At the Dublin Centre for Functional medicine, we generally recommend both and reason is that SIBO is generally an eco-system issue that starts in the large bowel. If there is a dysfunctional large bowel, this will set the stage for
Candida – signs and symptoms and treatment approach.
Candida is a common type of yeast that is found naturally in the human body. In certain cases, it can overgrow, leading to a condition known as a Candida infection. In this article, we are going to discuss the signs and symptoms of Candida infections, their causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures. What is Candida Candida is a type of fungus that is often referred to as a yeast. It is typically found in small amounts in the human body, particularly in the mouth, intestines, and on the skin. In healthy individuals, the body’s natural bacteria and other organisms help to keep the Candida levels in check. However, when these levels become imbalanced, it can lead to an overgrowth of Candida, which is known as a Candida infection. Candida infections can affect different areas of the body and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, Candida infections can cause serious health complications. Common Candida Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of a Candida infection will vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. Generally, the most common signs and symptoms of a Candida infection include: White patches in the mouth or on the tongue Redness, itching, and soreness in the affected area Thick, white, and clumpy discharge Abdominal pain and bloating Fatigue Skin rashes or irritation Headache Joint pain Difficulty concentrating Causes of Candida Infections Candida infections are typically caused by an imbalance in the body’s natural bacteria and other organisms. This imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors including: Antibiotic use Illness Stress Poor diet Weak immune system Diabetes In some cases, a Candida infection can also be caused by sexual contact with an infected partner Diagnosis of Candida Infections If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of a Candida infection, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and may also order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may also take a sample of the affected area to look for the presence of Candida. This is known as a culture test. This test can help to determine the type of Candida present and the best treatment options for your particular case. Treatment Options for Candida Infections The treatment for a Candida infection will depend on the type and severity of the infection. Generally, the most common treatment options for Candida infections include: Natural Antifungal medications Topical antifungal creams or ointments Probiotics Dietary changes Lifestyle Changes Prevention of Candida Infections In addition to the treatments mentioned above, there are also several preventive measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of a Candida infection. These include: Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your body’s natural bacteria in balance, which can help to prevent a Candida infection. Avoiding antibiotics: While antibiotics can be necessary to treat bacterial infections, they can also disrupt the body’s natural bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of Candida. Wearing cotton underwear: Wearing cotton underwear that is loose-fitting can help to keep the area dry and prevent the growth of Candida. Avoiding douching: Douching can disrupt the body’s natural bacteria and lead to an overgrowth of Candida. Practicing good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as regularly washing your hands and avoiding sharing personal items, can help to reduce the risk of a Candida infection. When to use antimicrobials (natural antibiotics) From my perspective dietary changes alone are not typically enough to manage fungal infection and or SIBO. Nutrition is a key component in the therapy plan, but for patients with fungal overgrowth or SIBO, I always recommend the use of antimicrobials. Generally, herbs are the first go-to, which works in 90% of the cases. Generally, we work with plant-based, nutrient-rich strategies. Amongst those we use, and which have been backed up by research, are undecylenic acid; uva ursi; cat’s claw; graepfruit seed extract, oregano oil, pau d’arco; monolaurin (Lauricidin); taking a high dosage of biotin which has an antifungal effect; Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial kind of yeast which has been shown to not only impede Candida expansion but also restrain cytokine production that is associated with cells contaminated with Candida; and soil-based probiotics which appears to be effective in outcompeting Candida for adhesion sites in the digestive system. Rebuilding the gut It is vital to take a two-part approach when dealing with infection or an overgrowth. The first step is to clear away any present infection and the pathogen or the overabundance. The second is to restore and construct. These processes should not be done at the same time, because certain elements used to restore and construct – such as prebiotics – can cause the overgrowth to become worse. Elements such as resistant starches, FODMAPs, and non-starch polysaccharides are beneficial for a long-term recovery and can aid in increasing beneficial bacteria levels in the colon. This is important to prevent any possible recurrence of fungal overgrowth in the future. It is often observed that patients put too much emphasis on the destruction and elimination of their gut bacteria. They remain on a particular diet or regimen for an extended period of time, which means they are depriving their beneficial gut bacteria of necessary nutrients. It is fascinating to note that there are now studies conducted on this topic. Recently, a paper discussed the effectiveness of the low-FODMAP diet for IBS patients, but it also suggested that doctors should not advise this strategy to be used long-term since it does not contain enough microbiota-accessible carbohydrates which are important for sustaining healthy gut bacteria and it is certainly clear how significant this concept is in the long run. It is clear that a low-carb diet can be remarkably successful as a short-term therapy for a variety of health issues. However, this is not necessarily to indicate that consuming carbohydrates initially caused the problem. It can be rather