


Hydrogen has been associated with diarrhea and methane has been associated with constipation. Constipation and/or Diarrhea – When bacteria proliferate in the small intestine, hydrogen (H2) and methane (C4) gases build in the small intestinal tract.When the tract is unhealthy, serotonin production can decline, resulting in brain fog, memory loss, etc. Most of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, is produced in the GI tract. Brain Fog – A poor functioning digestive tract impacts cognition.Bloating – Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth causes bloating and abdominal distention as partially digested foods enter the small intestine and feed the bacteria growing inside.Gases like methane and hydrogen build up in the bowel during the process of digestion. Abdominal Pain – Abdominal pain immediately following a meal is a common symptom of SIBO.As bacteria proliferate, a person may experience the following symptoms: SIBO can cause a wide variety of digestive disturbances. Sex – Females are at an increased risk of having SIBO.Medications – Certain medications including narcotics, antibiotics, medicines used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, and proton pump inhibitors can lead to SIBO.These conditions prevent the digestive system from working properly and include inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), a weakened immune system, diabetes, connective tissue disorder ( scleroderma), or lupus. Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing SIBO.Low Levels of Stomach Acid – With low stomach acid, protein digestion becomes compromised and partially undigested foods enter the small intestine leading to improper microbial balance.

Causes for an unusual shaped small intestine include a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, gastric bypass surgery, scar tissue from surgery or radiation, diverticulosis, a fistula in the intestines, or injury to the GI tract. Anatomy – An unusually shaped small intestine increases the risk of developing SIBO.

Alcohol – Consuming too much alcohol can increase the risk of developing SIBO.Age – As a person ages, the risk of bacterial overgrowth within the small intestine increases.Several factors can increase the risk of developing SIBO, including: This slow down in digestion causes bacteria to grow out of control, resulting in a bacterial imbalance. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is often rooted in poor digestion as food does not move through the digestive tract the way it should. A person with SIBO can experience anywhere from mild to severe digestive complaints. This condition occurs when either the bacteria within the small intestine overgrows or bacteria typically found in the large intestine migrates to the small intestine. SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is a medical condition that impacts the small intestine.
