So, the bottom line is that there are strong cases for both why SIBO can cause weight gain, and why it may make you lose weight. Before I explain the most effective and accurate lab tests for SIBO 3, let's recap the two different types of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth so that you can understand their role in testing.. Hydrogen vs Methane. Have you ever had problems with your pancreas? .st1 { The primary function of the large intestines is to absorb water and nutrients (Biotin, Vitamin K, etc.) It is never normal to have constipation or diarrhea, especially if these occur on a frequent basis (weekly or even monthly). Hydrogen SIBO occurs when hydrogen gas is released from bacteria in the small intestines, while the methane form happens when a different kind of organism - archaea . This depends on the type of SIBO you may have, i.e. . Have you noticed a change in your stools? Building B, Riverside Way Camberley Surrey GU15 3YL, Copyright 2023 Site by This connection has been named the gut-brain-skin axis (20) and was proposed over 70 years ago when scientists found that many patients with mood disorders also exhibited co-existent skin conditions. Doctors may start this treatment if your symptoms and medical history strongly suggest this is the cause, even when test results are inconclusive or without any testing at all. 70% of the immune system is found around the gut. Pancreatitis. We use cookies to run and improve our site. Instead they are an atypical organism called archaea, but are a normal resident of the gut. It acts in the brain to stimulate hunger and is the key part of the reward center in the brain. Its also worth pointing out that most cases of autoimmune disease are caused by a combination of GI dysfunction (intestinal dysbiosis), and environmental factors which occur in the setting of certain and specific genetic patterns. That leads to a production of methane or hydrogen gases and SIBO symptoms are the result. . In addition, another approach to reducing this digestive load is to mechanically break down your food prior to ingestion. Obviously, this is a complex topic but there are several simple steps you should take as soon as possible: Many, but not all, patients with SIBO present with some degree of nausea. Weight gain, on the other hand, usually does occur once the intestinal concentration of bacteria has been improved. Examples include: Probiotics are required because the low FODMAP diet can lead to a die off of bifidobacteria. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) Hydrogen gas does exist in the large intestine as a byproduct of fermentation but, when excess amounts of it grow in the small intestine, this is when symptoms such as diarrhoea occur, as the gas tends to cause loose stools and fast transit of the stools. Correcting nutritional deficiencies is a crucial part of treating SIBO, particularly in people with severe weight loss. We know that the connection between the brain and the gut not only exists but is bi-directional. Body expends energy on healing instead of digestion. clip-path: url(#SVGID_4_); Systemic inflammation refers to inflammation that is present in your entire body and inflammation that can be measured using serum systemic markers such as CRP and ESR. A lactulose substrate is ingested and it measure for both hydrogen and methane gases. One of the most common tools is a hydrogen/methane breath test. Testing may be performed if antibiotic treatment is not effective. Without the presence of hydrogen gas to tell them to "stop!" hydrogen-producing bacteria continue digesting food - leading to more calories being extracted. FODMAP means Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. The test is non-invasive, meaning there is nothing probing your body. Acute pancreatitis. Thus leading to an increased desire to eat. . Once food reaches the colon (aka large intestine) it is exposed to your normal flora that feed off the food remains and help further break it down. Higher methane levels have a direct impact on the small intestines normal digestion processes. These bile salts prevent bacterial growth. Turnbaugh PJ, Ley RE, Mahowald MA, Magrini V, Mardis ER, Gordon JI. Whenever possible, doctors treat SIBO by dealing with the underlying problem for example, by surgically repairing a postoperative loop, stricture or fistula. in person in the future. . I mentioned previously that anywhere from 4% to 78% of patients with diagnosed IBS also have existing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The creation of acid is actually required (and healthy) for the assimilation and breakdown of food products to properly absorb nutrients. This methane SIBO weight gain is something that I experienced first hand, gaining over 10 kg in the space of two months before testing positive for methane SIBO (and . This is a healthy bug that you want to make sure and reestablish in your gut. Changes to your gut may cause changes to your brain and vice versa. Katie is a writer for Nutritionist Resource. See a list of SIBO symptoms and IBS symptoms side by side: As you will notice the symptoms dont match up perfectly, and thats okay. Have you ever had radiation therapy to your abdomen or pelvis? #4. SIBO causes bloating, gas, pain, and inflammation in the gut. 2020 Jul;7(48): 93-100. 2018; doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2017.09.008. But is it common? Finally, SIBO can cause inflammation in the gut which can lead to weight gain. You can unsubscribe at any Management of bowel surgery complications. . Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO. Abdominal pain in SIBO likely stems from the combination of cramping, gas, bloating, and constipation. Take a look at these studies. Take immune-boosting supplements like zinc Zinc also plays an important role in immunity. Your nutrition professional could help you identify and avoid foods that contribute to intestinal fermentation that aggravate SIBO, can help you manage your carbohydrate intake the bacteria in SIBO feed off bacteria and help identify foods that may contribute to weight gain, and offer healthy alternatives. This type of SIBO may lead to weight gain for several reasons: Inflammation An invasion of microorganisms in the small intestine can irritate its lining, causing inflammation. SIBO is an acronym standing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The trick is you have to do it slowly or else your body will rebound and make high levels of acid. Inflammation can damage the gut lining, making it less efficient at absorbing nutrients [ 3 ]. That is a problem because the small intestine is not equipped for fermentation. This never gets the root of the problem. Weight Loss (11) Women's Health (66) Latest Posts Vitamin B12 Deficiency And Hashimoto's Click hereto get Dr. Jason Reeds exclusive list of medication questions you MUST ask your doctor, for FREE! Technically the organisms that make methane are not bacteria. Another factor is the type of bacteria that are commonly seen in people with SIBO. This content does not have an English version. . I've had many side effects while taking it such as diarrhea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, heartburn, esophageal spasms, difficulty focusing, muscle aches, breathing issues. These changes may not be sufficient for everyone, however, especially considering that acne is often multifactorial. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Rao SS, et al. The hydrogen breath test is a simple medical test that measures hydrogen gas levels (H02) in the breath you exhale. Prior to the test you must drink a sugar solution that the bacteria will feed off of and produce gas. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are particularly common among patients with SIBO and IBS. Ive included the most common deficiencies that SIBO can cause below: . Methanogens consume hydrogen gas in the gut. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to Small intestinal overgrowth (SIBO) is a common gut health issue characterized by bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. They can also support lifestyle interventions to support whole-body health. SIBO can also slow down metabolism, which affects the levels of insulin and leptin (hormones that control satiety and hunger) as well as thyroid hormones. 2012 Jan;8(1): 22-28. read more about my own personal health journey, free thyroid downloads, resources, and PDFs here, The 50 mcg Levothyroxine & Synthroid Medication Hack. Autoimmune disease may result from GI dysfunction in several ways: Not every case of autoimmune disease starts in the gut, but if you have a history of autoimmune disease AND you have GI symptoms then its a very good idea to be evaluated for SIBO or other GI-related issues. . In that case, treatment focuses on correcting nutritional deficiencies and eliminating bacterial overgrowth. Methane-producing SIBO has been shown to cause constipation and may cause a slower transit time, which means that food stays in the digestive tract longer than it should2. . When the natural balance of bacteria in your gut are thrown off losing weight becomes more of a challenge. Check out my own personal health story. Do your symptoms come and go or stay about the same? Gut inflammation results in increased intestinal permeability, reduction in the integrity of the mucosal lining, changes to immune function, nutrient deficiencies, and malabsorption of fat. What treatment approach do you recommend? In addition SIBO may cause insulin resistance. You can do this by juicing or by blending your food prior to consumption. So I'm surprised I haven't lost any weight and also seem to have gained some. The mechanism for this symptom seems to be related to the paralytic effect that SIBO has on your bowels, including your stomach. Luminal antigliadin antibodies in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions? In addition to that delayed gastric emptying may lead to and exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. These are all type of sugars that fall under the macronutrient of carbohydrates. Again, this will kill off both good and bad bacteria. Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a clinical condition characterized by an excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine. IMO is associated with things coming back up so symptoms like acid reflux, burping and nausea are common. These sections of the small intestines are primarily responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, foods, and supplements/hormones that you are taking by mouth. This predigested formula means the gut doesn't have to do any work to absorb the nutrients and therefore gets a break. Brazil Nuts And Your Thyroid: Helpful or Harmful? A short course of antibiotics often significantly reduces the number of abnormal bacteria. The idea is that it would take a full two hours for the liquid to reach the normal bacteria which may produce this gas in the large intestine. While SIBO does cause several stomach issues it can affect the entire body. In addition to GI symptoms these gases cause problems with other body functions as well. doi:10.7759/cureus.4764. So, it could be that methane overgrowth occurs in later stages of SIBO when the hydrogen gas production reaches a tipping point. Has anyone close to you had similar signs or symptoms recently? . hydrogen or methane dominant. In addition, those with methane-producing SIBO may extract more calories from their food3. The problem is that this breath test is unable to detect a less talked about form . It is important to remember that stomach acid is vital to digestion. Patients taking acid-blocking drugs have been shown to have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis(11), developing a different kind of colonic dysbiosis known as Clostridium difficile colitis(12), and developing nutrient deficiencies(13) from the reduction in stomach acid production. Dr Allison Siebecker is a leading SIBO doctor, having treated thousands of SIBO patients. Side Effects of Iodine Supplements: What They Mean, 6 Anti Inflammatory Supplements That Actually Work, Iodine Allergy: Why It Doesnt Exist & What Your Symptoms Mean. Is this normal for others? Obesity Is Inversely Related to Hydrogen-Producing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Non-Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Hey There! The scary thing is the incidence jumped to three times as likely for people on the SAD (Standard American Diet) typically seen in the western world. Prebiotics are foods such as fiber that feed the healthy bacteria in your large intestine. 50% of patients taking acid-blocking drugs, 50% of hypothyroid patients deal with SIBO in some form, bacterial concentration interfere with immune function, fermentation of food, absorption of nutrients, and inflammation locally, suggest that eliminating bacterial overgrowth will increase stool transit time and significantly reduce constipation, significant connection between the development of autoimmune disease and intestinal dysfunction, This cascade of symptoms is known as Leaky gut, Changes to immune function mediated through mucosal immunity, many patients even in the US are zinc deficient, Studies have shown that taking beta-glucans stimulates the complement system, treating your condition may actually relieve or eliminate the symptoms of IBS, this digestive enzyme 15 minutes prior to each meal, Nutrient deficiencies, in general, are quite common among SIBO patients, magnesium glycinate for superior absorption, important role in the metabolism of both tryptophan and serotonin, 8-step comprehensive guide to get you started, The Complete Guide to Andropause + 5 Causes of Low Testosterone in Men, Low Progesterone Symptoms Checklist + 8 Causes of Low Progesterone, 3 New Thyroid Support Supplements: Thyro Fuel, Thyro Biotic & Hashimotos Ab Rx. The following symptoms are most commonly associated with SIBO: Diarrhea Abdominal pain Gas & bloating Constipation Nutrient deficiencies, anemia & weight loss Because these are not symptoms specific to SIBO, it is hard to diagnose and must be differentiated from a functional gut disorder or another condition. The jury is still out on which one typically presents first. #1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20060064, #2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056127/, #3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3949258/, #4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890937/, #5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093012/, #6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4036413/, #7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266166/, #8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22109896, #9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4036413/, #10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17895634, #11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27224743, #12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25730198, #13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4110863/, #14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3949258/, #15. http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/symptoms-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs, #16. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212861-clinical?pa=R%2BKcf3mtVLs5m43x8ADUkgfsgQKRGT0v1SpIuTceUkA%2BlfzptJJpMPfOMaeqFGAtLCEJNCrbkqLWYvqLrhntWA%3D%3D, #17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099351/, #18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099351/, #19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257638/, #20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038963/, #21. http://www.jbc.org/content/278/42/41510.full, #22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25078296. } Not only can SIBO cause acid reflux, but taking drugs to reduce stomach acid can also trigger and promote the development of SIBO. If your GI tract is moving slower than normal then you will have constipation. This means more calories will be absorbed and leading to weight gain. Case studies (and indeed this is true of my practice) suggest that eliminating bacterial overgrowth will increase stool transit time and significantly reduce constipation (5). But is it common? The following list of autoimmune diseases that may be triggered through changes in GI function and dysbiosis: So what do you do if you think SIBO is playing a role in your autoimmune disease? In addition, patients with SIBO may suffer from low stomach acid which further worsens digestive capacity and efficiency in the body. Because correctly diagnosing and treating your condition may actually relieve or eliminate the symptoms of IBS (17). This is a powerful combination of hormonal influences that are leading to more and more people suffering with SIBO. Newly Diagnosed With Chronic Condition? Fasano A. Zonulin and its regulation of intestinal barrier function: the biological door to inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Once that food hits the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines, these bacteria cause excessive fermentation and breakdown of the food which results in the production of various gases. As colon bacteria start migrating into the small intestine they break down food as they normally do in the large intestine. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a complex condition that is diagnosed when our friendly gut bacteria that usually reside in the large intestine is found to be growing in excess in the small intestine. 630-303-3869 [email protected] . . This inflammation leads to insulin resistance. Don't hesitate to ask questions. That will ensure you dont suffer the long term consequences. The longer food stays in your gut, the more nutrients (and therefore, calories) can be extracted from it. The diet includes three phases: When being treated for SIBO you will be on a very limited diet with no sugars for about two weeks. . Lowering the production of stomach acid causes an increase in the pH of the upper intestines which changes the environment and may allow for certain species of bacteria to grow in abundance. SIBO did not come on quickly and to treat it effectively you need to be prepared that this is not a quick fix. How can I treat them? SIBO refers to an overgrowth of bacteria (often accompanied by fungal overgrowth as well) that causes a multitude of both intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. But there's good news: your body isn't actually absorbing more calories, says Brown, so it's not true weight. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. IMO = Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth produces CH4 gas, also called methane. The main way to reduce the symptom of nausea is to increase gastric emptying with the use of prokinetics (see Iberogast above). We arent talking about a small number of people here, we are talking about a huge portion of the population. Delayed gastric emptying leads to the filling of your stomach with stomach acid which may cause your stomach to expand and trigger the nausea reflex through the vagus nerve. And reason 2) was the disordered eating habits I developed due to the SIBO. That makes it pretty easy to understand why a stool test would not be able to tell you about the bacteria in your small intestine. The large intestine comes after the small intestine. With SIBO certain bacteria overgrow and this throws off the natural balance of the GI tract. This overgrowth can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating and pain, and can even damage the intestinal lining, known as leaky gut. I go to great lengths to help my users better understand their health; however, the content you see here is not a substitute for medical advice. This was in contrast with people with constipation who seemed to produce methane gas. She says that the type of SIBO you have will be dependent on the type of gas produced by the gut microbiome causing symptoms. The other half of the equation seems to be related to hormone imbalances and nutrient deficiencies that must also be addressed. . Weight gain - " In one study, mice were given a methane-producing archaea and it caused an increase in body fat. This condition can make it hard to eat, which can lead to weight loss and other problems. Finally, giving probiotics to repopulate any that were lost due to antibiotic use is critical. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. .st0 { The main issue is that hormone imbalances created as a consequence of SIBO usually do not completely normalize after treatment, instead, they may require additional treatment and/or management. Under normal circumstances, your large intestines should have significantly more bacteria than your small intestines. And then I kept losing more- even my doctor and nurse were shocked when they saw the scale 6 weeks after antibiotics. In the latter setting, symptomatic improvement may result in the complete resolution of mood changes. They may suffer with symptoms and try to use medications to mask the symptoms. It is normally diagnosed through a breath test identifying hydrogen or methane produced by the overgrown bacteria. Most treatment plans consist of three components. If your GI tract is moving quickly then you will have diarrhea. The colon (also known as large intestine) is the place where the normal flora live. Malnutrition can be treated, but the damage it causes can't always be reversed. Stool tests of patients with SIBO confirm these bacteria being overgrown. FODMAP is a very restrictive diet and is not intended to become a way of life. Bacteria produce these gases by eating the food that we digest. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a gas that is actually produced by the human body! I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. Studies have elaborated on the etiology of autoimmune disease and while it is complicated, there seems to be a significant connection between the development of autoimmune disease and intestinal dysfunction (6). As your intestines fill with gas they begin to cramp which presents as abdominal pain. I was prescribed Xifaxan after SIBO breath test was positive for hydrogen prominent SIBO. Should I take any nutritional supplements? The presence of gastric esophageal reflux is never a normal symptom, but more importantly, the treatment with acid-reducing drugs may actually CAUSE or WORSEN SIBO. Changes in your stool often reflect changes to your hormone levels (thyroid hormone), stress levels, autonomic nervous system activity, and colonic/intestinal bacterial concentrations. Her knowledge and skills ha Our free digital magazine supports our mission to break the stigma of mental health, and shine a "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Many of these symptoms have been linked with increased production of hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide gases . . The role of intestinal bacteria overgrowth in obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In: Current Surgical Therapy. Those with SIBO have impaired digestive function and cannot absorb, use or store the nutrients in the food they eat1, says Victoria Hamilton, nutritionist and autoimmune disease specialist. Generally, this condition is meant to imply that the gastrointestinal system is technically working but patients still have pain of unknown origin. H 2 S is produced throughout the GI tract in a healthy body. Another reason why testing is a great idea. Any level above a 20 is a positive for hydrogen dominant SIBO. It is an everybody wins scenario. }. The good news is that treating bacterial overgrowth may result in significant improvement and normalization of stooling patterns over time. Working with a doctor who is familiar with the problem is the best bet. Thyroid Hormone Resistance: What is it & How to Diagnose it. . In some cases, it may help with weight reduction, but in most cases treating SIBO will be insufficient to completely normalize your weight. While SIBO can lead to malnutrition and weight loss in some people, it can cause unwanted weight gain in others. Common tests include: In addition to these tests, your doctor may recommend blood testing to look for vitamin deficiency or a stool evaluation to test for fat malabsorption. It has also been shown that microbes (bacteria) in the GI tract play an important role in the metabolism of both tryptophan and serotonin (22). Many patients see multiple doctors before even learning about the condition Made from coconut oil and increases acid levels in the stomach and small intestine to eliminate SIBO. These often overlap with other conditions such as IBS. For instance you want to start out by starving the bacteria via your diet. With SIBO, some of the symptoms include: loss of appetite abdominal pain and nausea bloating and uncomfortable fullness after eating malnutrition unintentional weight loss "SIBO is often associated with malabsorption and, as a result, weight loss rather than weight gain.