Does SIBO Cause Constipation?
SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth produces several symptoms that can affect the entire gut. If the condition is left untreated what once seemed like annoying gut disturbances can begin causing some serious health issues.
SIBO Symptoms
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Stomach Ache
- Abdominal Cramping
- Fatigue
How It Works
As odd as it may seem, the large intestine or the colon needs bacteria in order to properly digest the food we eat. The gut microflora love carbohydrates especially, easily fermentable carbs. Bacteria eat and that process also produces gas which is also completely normal behavior. The problems begin when there are too many bacteria present in the colony. The more bacteria present, the more gas is going to be released. The types of gas produced through the breakdown are methan, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The type of gut flora is different in every individual so one person might have higher levels of one gas than another and vice versa.
SIBO patients with higher levels of methane being produced are likely to experience slow transit constipation. Patients with higher levels of hydrogen are likely to experience diarrhea rather than constipation and those with more of a balance might be the most unlucky having to possibly deal with both diarrhea and constipation.
How To Find Relief
There are ways to ease SIBO symptoms, as well as, ways to cure the condition as well. The most efficient way to heal SIBO is by using SIBO treatments in combination of one another. SIBO antibiotics will help eradicate the excess bacteria and using a specialized SIBO diet will ease the symptoms while the bacteria are being handled. All SIBO diets are going to be limiting and/or eliminating foods that are high in carbohydrates but the diets are also very different too.
Getting the proper SIBO treatment accompanied with a diet that has been adjusted to meet your body’s needs will help cure SIBO but if the underlying condition that triggered SIBO initially isn’t managed or taken care of, there’s a big possibility that SIBO will return. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist about getting you set up with the proper antibiotics and diet, as well as, testing for the underlying condition if it hasn’t already been identified. The sooner you get on the right healing track the sooner your entire body can begin healing too.