Is it Possible to Heal Yourself From SIBO?

When I tell people I’m healing from SIBO, it’s not uncommon for me to get some raised eyebrows. Sure, it’s not the most discussed condition (and it’s underdiagnosed to boot). But as the world learns more about gut health, we’re gaining more knowledge on dealing with the related problems. 

With that said, here’s a quick breakdown of SIBO for those who haven’t heard of it:

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. And it’s caused by an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine. These bacteria types aren’t all that familiar in this area of the bowel--which is likely what causes issues.

Below, I’m going to educate you a bit more about this condition. With my story and the information provided, you’ll be one step closer to healing yourself, the same way I’ve been healing myself:

What Are Some SIBO-Related Risk Factors?

There are varying causes of SIBO. Much of the time, surgeries and disease slow food as it travels through your digestive tract. Then, as the food continues to linger, it breeds excessive bacteria.

Here’s a list of risk factors that can leave you vulnerable to SIBO:

●      A lack of stomach acid 

●      Suffering from irritable bowel syndrome 

●      Having celiac disease over a sustained period 

●      Dealing with Crohn’s disease 

●      Previously undergoing a bowel surgery 

●      Living with type I or type II diabetes 

●      Needing to take several rounds of antibiotics 

●      Problems with organ system functions

Alcohol also plays a considerable role in SIBO. 

Heavy drinking and SIBO have been linked for a long time. But even moderate alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor. One study says a drink per day for a woman and two drinks per day for a man is enough to make someone more vulnerable to SIBO. 

Alcohol damages the small bowels, which causes a leaky gut, and makes the associated muscles less active. Beyond that, alcoholic beverages actually nourish the bacteria that lead to overgrowth.

 Another risk factor - one that’s close to my heart - is thyroid issues.

One of the many symptoms of an underactive thyroid is hampered digestion. This issue might lead to a change in the balance of bacteria in the intestine, which can turn into small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

An underactive thyroid tends to disrupt digestion. In turn, intestinal bacteria might shift in balance, leading to SIBO.

This can also be the case if you are dealing with Graves or Hyperthyroid and you take medication - this ultimately causes the same effect as an underachieve thyroid.

What Are the Symptoms of SIBO?

Here’s a list of symptoms typically found in SIBO patients:

●      Discomfort or pain in the abdomen

●      Bloating 

●      Diarrhea 

●      Constipation 

●      Gas and belching 

●      Vitamin deficiency problems (e.g., weight loss)

With SIBO, these symptoms can either be almost unnoticeable or extremely painful and intense. Personally, I almost have no symptoms at all. Actually, between 6% to 15% of healthy, asymptomatic people have SIBO.

How Do You Get Tested for SIBO?

Something called the hydrogen breath test is used to figure out if you have SIBO--which is how I found out. 

Before getting into the nuts and bolts, I should bring up your 24-hour prep period. You’re not supposed to eat anything other than the following:

●      Chicken (baked or broiled) 

●      Fish or turkey (that can only be seasoned with salt and pepper) 

●      White bread (nothing brown)

●      Steamed white rice

●      Eggs

●      Clear chicken or beef broth without any vegetables

●      Water, plain coffee, and tea without sugar, sweeteners, or cream

I was actually told to only eat meat and rice--and I’ll admit it was pretty awful. But, depending on who runs the test, what you’re allowed to eat might vary.

So, how is the test run?

The doctor is trying to see changes in the amount of hydrogen in your breath once you’ve ingested a sugar solution. There shouldn’t be much hydrogen in your breath. And if there are high levels, you likely have a sug intolerance or too much bacteria in your small intestine. 

There’s also the methane breath test, which is the same as the hydrogen but measures methane instead.

“Why are there two tests?” you might ask. 

Because there are two types of SIBO: methane and hydrogen

With methane SIBO, you’re dealing with more gas, bloating, constipation, and weight gain. Whereas hydrogen SIBO mainly involves diarrhea and similar symptoms. 

I have a mix of methane and hydrogen, but you can be dominant in either one.

Yes--SIBO is Manageable

You’ll hear many people acting all doom and gloom about a SIBO diagnosis. They’ll tell you it’s chronic and incurable, and you’re stuck with it forever.

In my experience with SIBO, the above notions couldn’t be any further from the truth--although I can’t speak for everyone. 

But it’s all about perspective, really. Learning I had SIBO was actually an opportunity to improve my overall well-being.

Before getting diagnosed, some people find themselves dealing with SIBO symptoms for years. And a diagnosis offers a clear course to recovery, healing, and symptom management after a lot of time in the dark.

Believe me, it’s always better to know what’s wrong. That’s what helps you take action.

Even some baseline research will show you that many SIBO patients start feeling better within 2 to 4 months of finding out they have it. It might take a bit longer than that, but that’s because you might need more time to figure out what type of treatment works. After all, everybody’s SIBO is different. 

No--SIBO is Not a Disease

Part of the reason people might be scared of a SIBO diagnosis is that they think it’s a disease.

Rid the above idea from your mind, as it’s simply not the truth.

SIBO isn’t a disease. It’s a condition with a root cause. 

As I pointed out in the previous section, it’s often healed or improved promptly. You can also alleviate the problem through a semi-elemental diet, elemental diet, or antibiotics, for example.

Successfully treating your SIBO comes down entirely to figuring out your root cause. I hinted earlier how mine had to do with my thyroid hormones and their impact on stomach acid and digestion. Figuring that out helped me make the necessary changes to manage my symptoms.

So, don’t be discouraged by your SIBO diagnosis. I’m living proof that you can heal yourself and limit the symptoms almost entirely. If anything, your diagnosis is the first step toward a happier, healthier you.