SIBO

SIBO is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, a condition that can cause a range of uncomfortable effects on digestive health. Our gut microbiome contains trillions of bacteria, which are essential to our overall well-being. However, issues arise when we have an imbalance or an overgrowth of bacteria. The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs. With an improper amount of bacteria, malabsorption can develop and cause lasting digestive issues. The bacteria itself may absorb them and cause symptoms of SIBO, like gas, diarrhea, and bloating.

Are you struggling with these symptoms? Are you yet to find a lasting solution to help improve your quality of life? If so, schedule a consultation with Dr. Raphael Kellman, a pioneer in the field of foundational and holistic medicine and gut microbiome super specialist.

To get in touch today, call the Medicine of Tomorrow at (212) 717-1118 or fill out his contact form. With our innovative treatment methods, you can find lasting relief from SIBO.

About SIBO

The small intestine is a critical part of the digestive system and is responsible for about 90% of all nutrient absorption. ⁽¹⁾ After the stomach breaks down food, it immediately passes into the small intestine for further digestion, and the nutrients directly enter the bloodstream. However, unlike the large intestine, a healthy small intestine has few bacteria because food moves relatively quickly through this area, and bile breaks it down.

Those with SIBO have an abnormal amount of bacteria in the small intestine since food moves much slower than usual and creates a breeding ground. This stagnancy can also result in the buildup of toxins that further interfere with nutrient absorption. The bacteria itself can also consume these nutrients, compounding malabsorption even more. SIBO is often a complication of stomach surgery since these surgeries can introduce new bacteria into the gut, but it can also develop from another condition or structural problem.

Common Symptoms of SIBO

SIBO Risk Factors

One of the challenges with SIBO is that it has similar symptoms to other GI conditions, which can make it difficult to diagnose. It is also common for people who have had SIBO in the past to have a recurrence.

SIBO vs. IBS

SIBO and IBS share many of the same symptoms, and it is possible to have both. The difference is that clinicians can diagnose bacterial overgrowth and have definitive verification of the problem. IBS, short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a term used to describe a collection of gastrointestinal symptoms that do not have a clear cause. There is a high prevalence of SIBO in people with IBS, but not every person with IBS has SIBO. If you have been diagnosed with IBS, you must get a diagnosis scanning for other issues, such as lactose intolerance.

SIBO Complications

SIBO causes many symptoms, but sometimes, they can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Some long-term consequences of unmanaged SIBO include anemia and nervous system damage from vitamin B12 deficiency. Anemia from vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. If the body is unable to absorb calcium, a vital mineral, it can lead to osteoporosis– a condition characterized by reduced bone density. ⁽²⁾

How to Diagnose SIBO

Breath Test The SIBO breath test is the best and most accurate way to determine whether you are suffering from the condition. Although other GI tests such as stool tests are commonly used, they are not nearly as definitive as the breath test.

When undigested carbohydrates reach the large intestine, bacteria ferment them in the colon, which produces gas. Under normal circumstances, it only produces a negligible amount of gas. However, if you have an overgrowth of this bacteria in the small intestines, as food passes through it, this bacteria interferes with the healthy digestive and absorptive process by actually consuming some of the food. The result leads to SIBO symptoms such as gas and bloating, particularly associated with carbohydrates.

The SIBO test challenges the system by supplementing carbohydrate intake prior to the test and measuring the amount of gas produced. Results showing an excessive rise in methane and/or hydrogen gas are indicative of a positive SIBO diagnosis. About 20% of this excess gas travels to the lungs, which allows a breath test to confirm the imbalance of bacteria. ⁽³⁾

Consultation

During a consultation appointment with Dr. Kellman, you will be able to freely express your concerns about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Dr. Kellman will conduct breath testing to verify if your issues are related to SIBO or not. After this, he may ask you about other aspects of your health to get a comprehensive idea of your medical history and other conditions that could be affecting your overall well-being. As the pioneer of “Microbiome Medicine”, and a leading author on the subject, Dr. Kellman understands the importance and intricacies of gut functionality, implementing the most effective treatments for long-term health– not just the masking of symptoms.

To learn more about how holistic and functional medicine can restore the balance of bacteria in your GI system, call (212) 717-1118 or fill out our contact form to find out about the services at Medicine of Tomorrow in NYC.

SIBO Treatments

SIBO can be difficult to eradicate and recurrence is common. Therefore, a comprehensive and layered approach is required to achieve a successful resolution.

This may include a combination of the following treatment options:

How To Prevent SIBO Recurrence

SIBO symptoms can recur again within a few months, but this does not mean that treatments do not work. Antibiotics are meant to serve as a short-term solution that should be part of a commitment to greater lifestyle changes. You can be at an especially high risk if you have another condition that raises your risk, such as diabetes or a gastrointestinal disease like Crohn’s. Actively managing comorbidities is essential to long-term resolution. Also, adjusting your current prescriptions and limiting alcohol consumption will help you greatly. Consult Dr. Kellman on long-term usage of probiotics and implementing a low-carb diet. Limiting the “bad” bacteria and allowing “good” bacteria to flourish will allow you to reap the benefits of an optimal microbiome.

What Foods Worsen SIBO?

Though the food itself is not the root cause of SIBO, certain foods can worsen the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. By following a certain diet, you may notice an increase in your symptoms. On the other hand, restricting certain foods can relieve you of bothersome symptoms. Though avoiding these foods will not “cure” the condition, it can be an effective complementary treatment option:

Cost of SIBO Treatment in New York City

The cost of your SIBO treatment will depend on the methods that Dr. Kellman recommends for your particular situation. He believes in providing individualized attention for every patient coming in with gastrointestinal complaints. Dr. Kellman prides himself on being at the forefront of microbiome research, educating his patients, and giving them a total cost estimate during their consultation.

With his expertise, you can begin your journey toward feeling better and having better control over your health. Call his NYC practice today at (212) 717-1118 or inquire with his online form stating your questions and/or request for a consultation. His staff will be happy to set up your first appointment at your convenience.

References

1. Ogobuiro I, Gonzales J, Shumway KR, Tuma F. Physiology, Gastrointestinal. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537103/#:~:text=Unlike%20the%20stomach%2C%20which%20has
2. Aziz S, Patrick SA, Mupparaju V, Kode S. THU436 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Causing Osteoporosis In An Adult Male. Journal of the Endocrine Society. 2023;7(Suppl 1):bvad114.397. doi:https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvad114.397
3. Achufusi TGO, Sharma A, Zamora EA, Manocha D. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment Methods. Cureus. 2020;12(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8860