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SIBO: What is it and do you have it?

Have you been dealing with unpleasant digestive symptoms that you can’t seem to get to the bottom of? SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is something we are seeing more and more of in practice. In fact, many cases of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are thought to be SIBO. Read on for more information!


What is SIBO?


We have an abundance of bacteria in our colon (large intestine), with lesser amounts present the further up the digestive tract we go (small intestine, stomach). SIBO is the presence of excessive bacteria in the small intestine. This area of the GI tract plays a big role in our digestion and absorption of nutrients, so you can imagine if the terrain is not optimal it can lead to an array of issues. Unfortunately, you can feel just plain terrible!


Symptoms:

Constipation
Bloating
Gas
Abdominal pain/discomfort
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Joint Pain
Skin issues (rashes, eczema, rosacea)
Allergies and histamine issues
Are you at risk? Here are some of the most common risk factors:

Low stomach acid (ex. elderly, PPI use, stress)
Food poisoning or traveller’s diarrhea (who hasn’t had this before!)
Heavy alcohol use
Irritable bowel syndrome
Celiac disease
Crohn’s
Diabetes
Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is usually done via an at home breath test, which is relatively simple, safe, and non-invasive. The day before the test involves a rather bland/low fibre diet and a 12-hour overnight fast. On the morning of the test, a lactulose solution is administered orally. As the bacteria in the small intestine begin fermenting the sugar, hydrogen and/or methane are produced. Breath samples are taken every 20 minutes over a 3 hour period. The levels of these gases can be an indicator of whether or not you have excess bacteria within the small intestine.

Treatment:

Treatment aims to determine the underlying cause of bacterial overgrowth, eradicate the excess (through herbal antimicrobials or antibiotics), correct nutritional deficiencies or other complications, and to restore the gut microbiome.

This cannot be treated with diet alone! If you’ve been struggling to improve your digestive complaints, even with changing your diet, you could very likely have SIBO!

Contact us today! You’ll get a thorough assessment, and together we’ll decide if you should be tested for SIBO.

For more information on SIBO, including testing, contact us at Bedford Naturopathic 902-835-4907 or [email protected]

There is No One Path For Everyone

Personalized Everything

You are uniquely different and so should your health plan. Although your symptoms may be similar to someone else that does not mean your treatment plan will be. You will be fully assessed based multiple different health markers, your health history and your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions
Learn How it Works!

WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR?

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are general practitioners of natural medicine. They are trained to treat ailments using clinical nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle counselling and homeopathy.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Be prepared to provide your previous medical. Bring recent (and past) blood work and imaging reports, and list a of medication. You will also be required to fill out your intake form online before arrival.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

You can book your appointment through our online booking page or you can get in touch by phone 1-902-835-4907, which ever method we prefer.

DO I HAVE TO BE REFERRED BY MY DOCTOR (MD)?

No, Although we offen see patients that are referred by their MD, naturopathic doctors can assess and treat you without a referral by your doctor.

Not sure of you’re ready?
We’re here to help you.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your future health goals

and find the right fit for you.

Phone: 902-835-4907

Virtual Appointments Only
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