Treating SIBO with Chinese Medicine
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where there is an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria in the small intestine, disrupting the normal digestive process. It can be quite uncomfortable and difficult to treat. This blog post will delve into the different types of SIBO, their symptoms, conventional Western medicine treatment, herbal medicine alternatives, and the importance of addressing root causes.
Symptoms of SIBO
Bloating and abdominal distension
Gas and flatulence
Diarrhea or constipation (depending on the type)
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially after eating
Fatigue and weakness due to nutrient malabsorption
Unintended weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron)
Types of SIBO
Methane-Dominant SIBO:
This type is characterized by an overgrowth of bacteria that produce methane gas. Symptoms may include constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, particularly after consuming fiber-rich foods.
Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO:
In this type, there is an excess of bacteria that produce hydrogen gas. Symptoms often include bloating, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain, especially after meals.
Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO:
This less common type involves bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide gas. Symptoms may include foul-smelling gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Western Medicine Treatment
In Western medicine after a positive breath test, rifaximin is commonly prescribed for treating SIBO. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that targets the excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine. While it can be effective in reducing bacterial overgrowth, it may not address the underlying factors contributing to SIBO and often leads to recurrance
Herbal Medicine for SIBO
Many herbs are effective in treating SIBO by addressing bacterial overgrowth and supporting digestive health. Some notable herbs include:
Coptis Root (berberine)
Known for its antimicrobial properties, Coptis Root can help reduce bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Garlic:
Garlic contains compounds like allicin that have antibacterial effects and may help rebalance gut flora.
Oregano Oil:
Rich in carvacrol and thymol, oregano oil has antimicrobial properties that can target bacteria in the small intestine.
Neem:
Neem has been used traditionally for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for SIBO treatment.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial in managing SIBO symptoms.
Ginger:
Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and digestive properties, making it beneficial for SIBO treatment. It can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation associated with bacterial overgrowth and acts as a prokinetic to stimulate the migrating motor complex ( move stool through the gi tract).
Supportive Strategies for SIBO
Following a low FODMAP diet can be beneficial while healing from SIBO. FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can exacerbate digestive symptoms in individuals with SIBO. By reducing FODMAP intake, it can help alleviate bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. It’s important to note that low FODMAPs diet are meant for short term use only to manage symptoms, long term this diet can create nutritional deficiencies and further exacerbate dysbiosis. Once SIBO has healed its essential to add back in fiber and high FODMAPs foods. Temporarily ditching standard probiotics is also essential to treating SIBO as they contribute to the overgrowth.
In addition the above, addressing leaky gut, using biofilm disruptors, prokinetics and digestive enzymes while rebalancing the microbiome using yeast and soil based probiotics is crucial to completely resolve SIBO. Polyphenols found in foods like berries, green tea, and dark chocolate can also support gut health and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture for SIBO
Weekly acupuncture sessions can play a significant role in promoting healthy gut function and supporting the treatment of SIBO. Acupuncture has been shown to promote gut motility, helping to regulate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. This can alleviate symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea, restoring a more balanced bowel function. Additionally, acupuncture helps stimulate the flow of bile, which is crucial for digestion and absorption of fats and nutrients. By optimizing bile flow, acupuncture can help minimize the risk of bile insufficiency, which is a common root cause of SIBO. Furthermore, acupuncture helps reduce stress levels, which can contribute to gut dysbiosis and slow gut motility, both of which are linked to SIBO. Acupuncture also aids the body in producing gastric juices, essential for breaking down food and maintaining a healthy digestive environment. Incorporating regular acupuncture sessions into a comprehensive treatment plan can address multiple factors contributing to SIBO and support the healing process effectively
Finding the Root Cause of SIBO
While addressing bacterial overgrowth is essential, identifying and addressing the root cause of SIBO is equally important. Factors such as bile insufficiency, chronic stress, low stomach acid levels, leaky gut, gut dysbiosis, slow gut motility, hypothyroidism, chronic bacterial and parasite infections can contribute to SIBO and should be evaluated and managed accordingly. GI Map and thyroid testing can help provide the answers needed to get down to the root cause.
SIBO is a complex digestive disorder that requires a comprehensive approach for effective treatment. Integrating herbs, biofilm disruptors, probiotics, acupuncture and addressing root causes can significantly improve SIBO healing success and promote long-term gut health. It’s important to work with a practitioner who is knowledge about SIBO. If you are struggling with SIBO and live in the Los Angeles book a consultation in our office West Hollywood for a comprehensive approach to healing SIBO with acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and Stool Testing.