Let’s talk about bacteria…
One of the most commonly treated digestive issues at our office is SIBO – small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This tricky condition is talked about often amongst nutritionists, gastroenterologists, and functional medicine doctors; but what is it?
Bacteria in the large intestines has trans-located (aka “Gone Wild”) and moved into the small intestines where it shouldn’t be. As much as 95% of all our bacteria SHOULD be in the large intestines. This ensuing overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine disrupts the balance of vitamin/mineral absorption and decreases the amount of bacteria in the large intestines that aid in healthy elimination. LPS (lipopolysaccharides), an endotoxin is responsible for this disruption. They increase intestinal dysbiosis, reduce immunity, lead to increased risk of developing inflammatory conditions and can result in a leaky gut. This means that even with proper nutrition you can become malnourished! No one wants their healthy lifestyle to be wasted by a sluggish small intestine, so let’s dive into how SIBO can be prevented, assessed, and treated.
Causes
Unfortunately, anyone can fall victim to SIBO. This condition can be caused by a myriad of factors including –
- sluggish digestive system
- stomach adhesions (scar tissue) that hasn’t been broken down
- eating too many grains
- too much sugar
What are the consequences of undiagnosed SIBO?
You can develop leaky gut, which is where food particles leak into the bloodstream, resulting in inflammation. This can lead to autoimmune disorders, one common one being Hashimoto’s disease. If left untreated, SIBO can also result in mitochondrial dysfunction (lack of energy), digestive problems, and hormonal imbalances.
Treatment
Outside of our clinic, some patients are forced to rely on an expensive prescription drink that can cost as much as $700 along with heavy antibiotics.
Not to worry! Fortunately, our functional treatment plan is much easier on the digestive tract and ensures a smoother (and more affordable) recovery. Our office utilizes a powerful triad of effective therapies to regain balanced homeostasis in the small intestine. This includes supplementation, nutritional changes, and chiropractic treatments.
The FODMAP diet, which limits certain types of sugars and carbohydrates, helps to reduce bacterial overgrowth while our nutritional supplementation provides anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial defense to the digestive tract. These lifestyles implementations paired with regular chiropractic treatments ensure that essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are being efficiently absorbed and utilized across the entire body.
An optimal digestive system is the foundation to a healthy lifestyle. It is never too late to recharge your physical performance by assessing your digestive health.
What are the consequences of undiagnosed SIBO?
You can develop leaky gut, which is where food particles leak into the bloodstream, resulting in inflammation. This can lead to autoimmune disorders, one common one being Hashimoto’s disease. If left untreated, SIBO can also result in mitochondrial dysfunction (lack of energy), digestive problems, and hormonal imbalances.
