Understanding the Connection Between SIBO and Anxiety: What You Need To Know

Anxiety is a common feeling experienced by many of us, but for some, it can be more than just an occasional emotion. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be a contributing factor to anxiety and other mental health issues. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the connection between SIBO and anxiety, what the research says, and how you can find relief. We’ll cover the symptoms of SIBO, the connection between SIBO and anxiety, and the treatments available to help manage symptoms. By understanding the connection between SIBO and anxiety, you can take steps to find relief and improve your mental health. What is SIBO? SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a condition that happens when bacteria grow in the small intestine. This bacteria is normally found in the large intestine, so when it grows in the small intestine, it can cause a variety of health problems. SIBO is estimated to affect up to 35% of the population, but only a fraction of people with SIBO ever get diagnosed. People with SIBO often don’t experience any symptoms, and they may never realize they have it. The small intestine is where food is broken down and nutrients are extracted from food; this is why SIBO is such a big deal: it messes up the normal process of digestion. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, gas and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. SIBO can also cause a variety of symptoms outside the gut, including anxiety, fatigue, and headache Symptoms of SIBO Loss of appetite. Abdominal pain. Nausea. Diarrhea. Unintentional weight loss. Malnutrition Bloating. An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating. SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a condition that happens when bacteria grow in the small intestine. This bacteria is normally found in the large intestine, so when it grows in the small intestine, it can cause a variety of health problems. SIBO is estimated to affect up to 35% of the population, but only a fraction of people with SIBO ever get diagnosed. People with SIBO often don’t experience any symptoms, and they may never realize they have it. The small intestine is where food is broken down and nutrients are extracted from food; this is why SIBO is such a big deal: it messes up the normal process of digestion. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, gas and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. SIBO can also cause a variety of symptoms outside the gut, including anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. What is the connection between SIBO and anxiety? People with SIBO tend to have higher levels of anxiety, and people with anxiety tend to have higher levels of SIBO. This means that it’s more likely that someone with a diagnosis of anxiety has SIBO, and vice versa. However, more research is needed to determine exactly how the two are connected. Researchers are still trying to figure out why there is a connection between SIBO and anxiety, but the following are a few theories: – Hormones in the gut: The gut produces a variety of different hormones that affect the rest of the body. In some people with SIBO, the bacteria in the gut may produce too much of some of these hormones and cause anxiety and other mental health issues. – Gut microbes and neurotransmitters: The gut microbes may also affect neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that are involved in mental health issues. This could mean that the microbes in the gut are making less serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that’s involved in mood disorders like anxiety. – Diet and lifestyle choices: In the same way that the gut microbes and neurotransmitters are connected, the foods we eat and lifestyle choices can also affect mental health. For example, diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can affect serotonin levels. How is SIBO diagnosed? If you experience a combination of symptoms, like bloating, constipation, and anxiety, you may want to consider getting tested for SIBO. There are a couple of different ways to test for SIBO. The first is through a breath test, which is a non-invasive way to get a small sample of your breath to test for hydrogen and methane gas. If you have SIBO, you’ll likely have higher levels of these gases in your breath. Another way to test for SIBO is with a blood test. A blood test will check for specific antibodies that indicate SIBO in the small intestine. It’s important to note that a SIBO test isn’t diagnostic by itself. It simply means that you have some symptoms that are associated with SIBO. You’ll still have to determine what the root cause of SIBO is in your body. Treatment for SIBO There are a few ways to treat SIBO. The first is finding and treating the root cause of the SIBO. The second is treating the SIBO itself. Let’s take a look at each in turn: – Finding and treating the root cause: It’s important to find the root cause of SIBO to treat it properly. There may be a variety of things that are causing the SIBO, and you’ll have to treat each one individually. For example, SIBO may be caused by diet, lack of digestive enzymes, or use of antibiotics. You’ll have to figure out what’s causing the SIBO in your body and treat it appropriately. – Treating the SIBO itself: One way to treat the SIBO itself is by taking antibiotics. However, antibiotics aren’t always the best option. They can cause side effects, and they can be difficult to end when you’re ready to stop taking them. There are also probiotics that can help kill off the bacteria in the gut and treat the SIBO. Diet and lifestyle changes for SIBO There are a few specific diet and lifestyle changes that can help manage SIBO. The first is eating a low-carbohydrate diet. This can help control the bacterial growth

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