Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Allergies

SIBO is a chronic gut condition, which can lead to leaky gut, and the development of food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. SIBO and allergies often occur concurrently.

What is SIBO?

SIBO is defined as an abnormal number of bacteria, which are usually in the large intestine, present in the small intestine. These are ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’ bacteria species, but can become problematic when they increase in numbers, which is the case in SIBO.

These bacteria start to ferment carbohydrates, starches and fibres into gases that can damage the small intestinal lining and cause a lot of symptoms. This can lead to the development of leaky gut and allergies.

What are the symptoms of SIBO?

SIBO causes gases, namely methane and hydrogen, to be produced, which are the underlying cause of symptoms.

The production of methane gas can cause “retrograde motility” which basically means a backward flowing symptom. This, unsurprisingly, can cause constipation, nausea and belching. It’s usually caused by an overgrowth of a particular bacteria named methanobrevibacter.

Whereas the production of hydrogen has the opposite affect, causing diarrhoea and abdominal cramping, as well as alternating constipation and diarrhoea.

Since these gases can cause differing symptoms, the symptoms of SIBO usually fall into 3 categories;

1. Diarrhoea type – affects about 40% of sufferers
2. Constipation type – affects about 35% of sufferers
3. Diarrhea-mixed type – affects about 23% of sufferers

The symptoms of SIBO include;

• Bloating and gas directly after meals (even after drinking water)
• Constipation/Diarrhoea or alternating pattern
• Abdominal pain
• Belching and flatulence
• Nausea
• Reflux
• Leaky gut symptoms & food reactions
• Steatorrhoea – fatty stools and malabsorption of fats

Clues you may have SIBO

Research has estimated that 60-80% of IBS cases are actually due to SIBO. Although you can have IBS without having SIBO and visa versa, so it’s important to know the distinguishing clues you may have SIBO, including;

• feeling worse on probiotics or prebiotics
• onset occurs after a case of gastroenteritis
• symptoms improve after antibiotics for an unrelated problem
• fibre worsens constipation
• xylitol and other alcohol sugars worsens symptoms
• coeliac patients still experiencing symptoms despite having removed gluten from their diet

SIBO is also associated with many chronic inflammatory conditions, including;

• IBS & IBD
• Fibromyalgia
• Interstitial cystitis
• Rosacea
• Diabetes
• and many more!

Natural Allergy Treatment

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help identify reactions to food and environmental substances. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address gluten intolerance using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:

• draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
• aims to re-train your body
• aims to reduce your body’s reactions to gluten and other food and environmental triggers

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the food and environmental substances triggering your symptoms.

Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.

Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.

Get in touch

• Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
• Send us your question HERE
• Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note this blog is general information only. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any diet or lifestyle changes

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