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19Jan, 2016

What Does SIBO Cause? – Intro

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The primary “stomach” related symptoms can really depend on the individual and the location of the suspected bacterial overgrowth. For example; SIBO that is higher up in the small intestine (doudenum) may result more in upper digestive dysfunction, such as belching, nausea and heartburn. This is likely do to the bacteria impacting stomach emptying or gas production affecting the Vegus nerve, innervating the diaphragm. Although, it is thought that SIBO further down the intestines can also create similar symptoms by impacting the migratory motor complex of the small intestine and […]
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21Dec, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – High Fat and Protein

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Fat and Protein As with everything, there is always “too much of a good thing” and there is no exception with a diet rich in fats and animal protein. High fat diets, contrary to popular belief are also detrimental to the onset of SIBO. Numerous research studies have outlined that the standard American diet, (which can be very high in fats, animal proteins, along with refined starches) can result in alterations in the gut microbiome. In fact, it has been shown that a diet high in fat (60%) alters the […]
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3Dec, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – Fiber

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Fiber Complex carbs, or vegetables, whole grains, nuts and whole fruits are often no better, when it comes to people battling SIBO. This is because complex carbs contain fiber, which is actually made of sugars that are NOT digestible by our bodies. The cellulose fibers that give plants structure are actually pure sugar, but the bonds that hold these sugars together cannot to broken down by our enzymes. This makes them insoluble fibers … which simply means that they are not very soluble in water. Insoluble fiber is crucial in […]
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26Nov, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – Carbohydrates

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The dietary connections to dysbiosis and SIBO could be a large topic all on its own. I have entire books on the subject which are fascinating but for the purpose of this work once again we want to keep things fairly simple. Sugar is the cause of SIBO! Done … Although this is partially true, there is a little more to it than that because sugar is actually a complex topic all on its own. You see not all sugars are created equal and when I mention sugar being the […]
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23Nov, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – Bile and Enzymes

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As the small intestine is actually an alkaline environment or “terrain” this another part of how our bodies reduce the growth of bacteria. All bacteria, just like all enzymes in our bodies, require a certain pH (acid base balance) in order to grow or work. Altering the pH of the intestinal environment can favour certain bacteria to grow, and those bacteria actually produce more acid, which favours even more growth. This is why hydrogen (a measure of acidity) is actually a part of SIBO testing. High hydrogen levels are actually […]
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19Nov, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – Stomach Acid

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Stomach Acid As outlined in the “psychiatry” associated causes of SIBO article, digestive deficiencies are strongly correlated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In fact, it is highly unlikely that bacteria would be able to grow in the harsh environment of the upper small intestine (duodenum), as seen in some people, without significant digestive dysfunction. Stomach acid and bile are strong opposing substances that help to sterilize the intestines from bacteria on our food, as well as provide digestive support for both proteins and fats, respectively. The most common cause of […]
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16Nov, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – Genetics

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Genetics is an area of medicine that fascinates me. As a biochemistry student we are taught that our bodies operate at 100% efficiency. This is simply not the case, but for educational purposes you are not exposed to the truth when learning the many hundreds of cool enzymatic reactions that are occurring in our bodies at any given time. Genetics in undergraduate studies is similar. Sure there are a few genetic complications that are taught in pre-medicine but nothing remotely like what occurs in really life! Although this area fascinates […]
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12Nov, 2015

What Causes SIBO? – Psychiatry

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Further causes of SIBO, beyond the most established theory of post-infectious gastroenteritis, vary significantly. Clinically I have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of cases of dysbiosis and have correlated many associated causes which are supported by research. All of these associated causes have an effect on the “terrain” in the digestive system, which as discussed in my last article is critical in setting up the environment for SIBO. Before getting into the details, I think a definition of Dysbiosis is important. Dysbiosis simply refers to a microbial imbalance inside the […]
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9Nov, 2015

What causes SIBO?

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SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and is an emerging cause of many different health conditions. Estimated to affect (or infect as the case may be) 3 to 30% of the population, SIBO is an area of medicine that I have believed for many years will be considered the “missing link” in the causes of many diseases. Bacteria in the small intestine can over grow for a number of reasons however once the bacteria have established themselves it is quite difficult to get rid of them, which is inevitably […]
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