What is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?

What is small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

SIBO stands for small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Here’s what happens: normally, your friendly bacteria live in your large intestine. But if they migrate to your small intestine, the microbes start fermenting your carbohydrates and eating your nutrients — especially B12, iron, and bile. Bloating, abdominal pain and gas are some of the side effects.

SIBO can develop because of many things. One common reason why it can occur is if you don’t have enough stomach acid to kill off microbes, which arrive with your food then can pass through to the small intestine.

Here’s what you can do if you have SIBO:

1. Stop the greens first thing for 3-5 days. Especially raw greens, cooked greens as well to minimum.

2. Do intermittent fasting to give your digestive system a chance to reset and clean itself out. Have 1 spoon castor oil, drink warm water over it and fast for 20-22 hours. Open your fast with something very light and easy to digest like dal paani with some ghee.

3. Avoid prebiotics and probiotics for some time, you can also take herbal antibiotic such as oregano, thyme, or cloves to create an antimicrobial environment.

4. Take apple cider vinegar regularly. If severe condition, you can get pills that combine betaine hydrochloride with apple cider vinegar.

After you condition improves, start including fermented food to support your gut health.