SMALL INTESTINE BACTERIA
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Symptoms of Bacterial Overgrowth
Abdomial Cramps
Bloating approx. 40 mins after eating
Diarrhea
Gas
Steatorrhea
Weightloss (unexplained)
Vitamin B12 malabsorption
​Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine is a serious digestive disorder that is treat able after proper diagnosis. Although widespread, it is frequently unsuspected in cases of chronic bowel problems and carbohydrate intolerance because its symptoms often mimic other disorders.
Effects on the body Bacterial flora have the ability to act as small biochemical factories responsible for most of the effects of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. The flora contain very high concentrations of different enzymes which act upon substrates presented through the diet. Some of these enzymes produce toxic fermentation products normally not found in the small intestine. Gut flora metabolize biliary steroids, which contribute to the diarrhea common in bacterial over growth and which may contribute to colon cancer. Refer to our protocol to get ride of SIBO.
Studies are now showing how Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is linked to Fibromyalgia. One study was published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2004 found a 100% correspondence of Fibromyalgia with SIBO. This shows a direct connection to an imbalance inner ecosystem linked with a systemic condition.
Causes of Bacterial Overgrowth:
Normally, far fewer bacteria live in the small intestine than the compared to growth found in the colon. Gastric acid secretion and intestinal motility keep the small intestine relatively free of bacteria. A wide range of abnormalities and mal-functions, however, can encourage bacteria to multiply in the small intestine. The most common causes relate to a decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid or pancreatic enzymes, there by creating a unsterile environment in the small intestine. This enivirment is opportunistic for the bacteria to grow. Other causes of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine include intestinal obstructions caused by Crohn’s disease, adhesions, radiation damage. Many years may pass between the development of diverticula and symptoms of bacterial overgrowth.
Over grown flora in the small intestine can:
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Inactivate (destroy) pancreatic and brush border digestive enzymes due to production of proteases.
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Destroy dietary flavonoids, which serve as important antioxidants but are rapidly broken down and hydrolyzed by gut flora.
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Hydrogenate polyunsaturated fatty acids
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Deconjugate bile salts
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Consume vitamin B12
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Produce nitrosamines (toxins)
Causes of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine