Get Your SIBO Test Brisbane

What is SIBO Testing?

The normal cleansing wave of the small intestine is disrupted, or stopped. This cleansing wave is called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMS), and occurs approximately every 90 minutes, typically between meals. The function of the MMC is to wash out accumulated bacteria and propel them toward the colon. The MMC is not related to the peristaltic waves of the large intestines.

The result is bacteria are allowed to grow and proliferate throughout the small intestine (a little over 6 meters in length).

SIBO and IBS

SIBO is a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine that causes hydrogen, methane and/or hydrogen sulphide gas production. These gases cause the symptoms of IBS but also damage the intestinal wall.

SIBO is the leading cause of IBS.

Practitioners across the nation are familiar with the frequent presentation of IBS in their clients.

IBS can have several causes— food sensitivities, dysbiosis of the large intestine, lack of digestive enzymes or hydrochloric acid, stress. All can cause digestive complaints that are often indistinguishable from one another.

SIBO is actually a very common undiagnosed cause of IBS (up to 84%) and thus shares some of the same presenting symptoms with IBS—Gas/bloating, diarrhoea/constipation, and abdominal cramping.

How does SIBO affect you

SIBO causes damage to the absorptive surface of the small intestine – the ability of the body to absorb nutrients from food.

The absorptive surface of the small intestine is likened to a shaggy carpet, with finger-like protrusions called villi. The surface of the villi contain microvilli, which act as the interface of absorption—microvilli secrete enzymes called “brush border enzymes” which break starches into single molecules and proteins into single amino acids, so these can be absorbed.

SIBO can result in

Malabsorption of monosaccharides and amino acids (carbohydrates and proteins)

Fermentation of disaccharides by bacteria causing hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulphate gasses

These gasses themselves are damaging to the gut wall

Malabsorption of vitamins (especially B12 and Folic acid)

Malabsorption of minerals (especially, magnesium, iron, and calcium SIBO can cause leaky gut, with a damaged gut wall allowing larger particles to pass through, causing an immune response

Causes of SIBO

Post infectious: a case of gastroenteritis can often be the “heralding event” for the development of SIBO

Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates

Medications: proton pump inhibitors, morphine and other opiates, narcotics, possibly beta agonists and calcium channel blockers

Stress: chronic stress can decrease stomach acid output (hypochlorhydria).

Normal stomach acid levels are required to kill bacteria

Stress also causes changes in the motility of the small intestines, causing a pooling and stagnation which allows for bacterial overgrowth

Altered anatomy: malformation of the ileocecal valve, surgical intervention causing scarring and adhesions altering the normal anatomy of the small intestines

Initial colonization of bad bacteria: caesarean birth, no breast feeding

Associated Conditions

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – especially associated with diarrhoea dominant SIBO

Chronic constipation – associated with methane-dominant SIBO

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Inflammatory Bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)

Acid reflux

Coeliac disease

Interstitial Cystitis

Restless leg syndrome

Acne Rosacea

Diabetes

Hypothyroidism

Scleroderma

Chronic Prostatitis

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Liver cirrhosis

Diverticulitis

SIBO cannot be treated with diet alone. See a qualified SIBO Testing Practitioner at Brisbane Livewell Clinic for a review of your current health needs.