Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common conditions that affect the digestive system. Despite sharing many of the same symptoms, SIBO and IBS manifest in different ways and often require their own unique treatments.
Understanding the relationship between SIBO and IBS can help you determine the most effective treatment approach, allowing you to achieve complete relief from your symptoms. Here’s a closer look at SIBO vs IBS, and how functional medicine treatment can help.
What Is SIBO?
SIBO is a condition in which the small intestine becomes overrun with an abnormally large amount of bacteria. It is highly common, though many cases go undiagnosed. In a recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, nearly 34% of patients presenting with digestive symptoms were diagnosed with SIBO.
SIBO develops when food and waste move unusually slowly through the small intestine, often due to surgery or illness. This can lead to excess bacteria buildup in the small intestine, which can trigger a wide range of digestive issues.
Common symptoms of SIBO include:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
- Gas
- Brain fog
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Joint pain
- Malnutrition
Conditions like anemia, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease have been linked to the development of SIBO. Other SIBO risk factors include:
- Smoking
- History of radiation therapy to the abdomen
- Weight loss surgery
- Structural defect in the small intestine
- Injury to the small intestine
- Diverticulosis of the small intestine
- Scar tissue buildup from a previous intestinal surgery
What Is IBS?
IBS is a condition characterized by various abdominal and digestive symptoms. It affects an estimated 15% of Americans, though many researchers think the majority of IBS cases go undiagnosed, similar to SIBO.
IBS is thought to be caused by severe bacterial infections, neurological issues, and/or strong muscle contractions in the intestine. It may also be triggered by stress and certain foods.
Common symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating related to having a bowel movement
- Changes in the frequency of bowel movements
- Changes in the appearance of stool
- Mucus or whitish streaks in stool
- Severe gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling as if bowel movements are incomplete
- Strong urges to have bowel movements
- Inability to have or finish bowel movements
Females are generally at greater risk for IBS than males. Other IBS risk factors include:
- Family history of IBS
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Food intolerances
- History of abuse
- Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety
What’s the Link Between SIBO and IBS?
A number of studies show that many people with IBS also have SIBO. Therefore, it’s possible that treating SIBO may eliminate many IBS symptoms.
In a 2004 JAMA review, researchers learned that bloating in IBS is usually caused by SIBO. During the course of the study, 75% of patients with IBS experienced major improvements in their symptoms after receiving SIBO treatment. Similar observations were made in another study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, where researchers investigated the effects of antibiotics on IBS and found that 78% of patients with IBS also had SIBO.
Treatments for SIBO
SIBO treatment focuses on addressing its root cause, which is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. This may involve changing your diet to include more gut-friendly foods, taking nutritional supplements, or addressing conditions such as diabetes and Crohn’s disease that may be causing SIBO.
Antibiotics or antimicrobial herbs are often used in SIBO treatments to eliminate bacteria in the small intestine, although they are typically only used for a short period and combined with dietary interventions for optimal results. In fact, a study in Nutrients found that combining antibiotics with a low FODMAP diet was more effective at treating SIBO and IBS than antibiotics alone. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols—all of which are short-chain carbs that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine.
In short, potential treatments for SIBO may include:
- Antibiotic therapy
- Antimicrobial herbs
- Low FODMAP diet
- Lactose-free diet
- Nutritional supplementation
- Probiotics
- Treatment for underlying conditions
- Stress management
- Regular exercise
- Quality sleep
Treatments for SIBO and IBS can be personalized for you based on your symptoms, underlying conditions, and general health status. A functional medicine doctor can also perform tests to determine whether you are deficient in any nutrients that may otherwise help reduce your symptoms.
Functional Medicine Treatment for SIBO and IBS
If you’ve been experiencing gut issues for some time and have tried numerous treatments without success, SouthPark Functional Medicine can help. Dr. Mahtani, our functional medicine doctor, can confirm whether you have SIBO and work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.
Contact Dr. Mahtani today at 980-414-4600 or email reception@southparkfm.com to request a consultation and learn more about how our Charlotte, NC, clinic can help.
