Bloating Buddies: SIBO and H. Pylori
Jan 31, 2024 09:31AM ● By Jessica Liggero HHP, CPT
Many people are experiencing bloating and digestive issues these days. SIBO and H. Pylori are two common causes of digestive challenges and they often exist at the same time.
SIBO
SIBO is an imbalance of bacteria in the small intestine. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, constipation (or a combination of both), gas, fatigue, weight gain, weight loss, low iron and food sensitivities/intolerances. Testing for this ailment includes a breath test, which requires a person to drink a substrate and then blow into tubes for several hours to measure the production of hydrogen and methane gas in the small intestine.
There are a few different ways to clear SIBO. Conventional antibiotics such as rifaxim are commonly used; however, many people chose to go the holistic route for different reasons. A holistic and functional medicine approach would typically include herbal anti-microbials in combination with specific probiotics, and a SIBO-specific diet. Such a method would also work on healing the gut and checking for root causes, for SIBO is typically a by-product of something else. SIBO-healing diets may include GAPS Diet (see Chicken Meat Stock recipe), low FODMAP or the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Most diets are both gluten and dairy free and temporarily reduce carbohydrate consumption. Common root causes of SIBO include regular use of antibiotics, head injuries (TBIs or concussions), endometriosis, mold exposure, proton pump inhibitors and H. Pylori.
H. Pylori
H. Pylori is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacteria that burrows into the stomach lining causing digestive problems. Symptoms include acid reflux, nausea, belching, bloating, low stomach acid, sense of fullness in the upper GI, gastritis, ulcers and poor digestion. The condition can be eradicated holistically with the use of herbal supplements, probiotics and a proper gut healing protocol. H. Pylori lowers stomach acid creating an ideal environment for other pathogenic bacteria to thrive in. It is also linked to stomach ulcers and gastric cancer.Both SIBO and H. Pylori can be screened for with functional testing that can be completed at a person’s home and then mailed back to a lab. If one is experiencing ongoing digestive issues, it’s helpful to find a practitioner and do some functional testing to look for healing opportunities and specific bacterial imbalances. Obtaining professional guidance can help a person save time and help them get their gut health back on track.
For help and guidance with SIBO/Gut Health, contact Jessica Liggero, a board-certified Holistic Health Practitioner and owner of Rebalance Your Routine. Liggero utilizes functional testing in her practice and specializes in helping clients rebalance their health physically, emotionally and biochemically. For more information or to arrange for a free initial consultation, visit RebalanceYourRoutine.com.
Recipe
GAPS Chicken Meat Stock
When it comes to healing the gut and overcoming bacterial imbalances, such as SIBO, homemade meat stocks and bone broths are frequently used in the “repair” part of a gut healing protocol... Read More »
