This article will discuss bacterial overgrowth and natural ways to treat it.
What Is SIBO?
Some people are told they have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) instead of bacterial overgrowth.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
The small intestine normally contains relatively small numbers of bacteria.
It may lead to problems digesting and absorbing fat and carbohydrates.
Toxic metabolic substances produced by bacteria may injure cells inside the intestine and interfere with absorption.
This results in nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and intolerances, and impaired digestive enzyme activity.
If you are experiencing symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider.
Some conditions can look like SIBO, so it is important not to self-diagnose.
While some healthcare providers may prescribe antimicrobial drugs, not all of them recognize the condition.
Alternative healthcare practitioners recommend a range of lifestyle changes and remedies for treating SIBO.
This diet restricts grains, starchy vegetables, and some legumes.
It was created to treat digestive disorders such as bacterial overgrowth, Crohn’s disease, andulcerative colitis.
The course of treatment is usually one to six months.
A typical dose of enteric-coated peppermint oil is one to two capsules three times a day.
It should be taken in between meals with a glass of water.
Some people recommend apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for SIBO.
To date, however, there is little scientific evidence that this remedy is effective.
Take Probiotics
Adding back good bacteria is considered important in the treatment of SIBO.
The good bacteria present in probiotics are intended to replace the ones that cause SIBO.
Digestive enzymes may be prescribed or purchased over the counter.
Medical treatment of SIBO will also address underlying medical conditions and nutritional deficiencies.
When they appear, symptoms may include gas, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Sticking to a low-carb diet as well as taking probiotics and herbal supplements may help with this problem.
Some people experience relief when they follow a specific carbohydrate diet.
Augustyn M, Grys I, Kukla M.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Clin Exp Hepatol.
2019;5(1):110. doi:10.5114/ceh.2019.83151
Johns Hopkins.FODMAP diet: What you oughta know.
2018;1(1).
2020;159(4):1526-1532. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.06.090
