Small intestinal overgrowth of bacterial (SIBO) treatment could include antibioticsthat decrease the amount of bacterial growth and also calcium, vitamin, and magnesium supplements that aid in addressing nutritional deficiencies. Certain diets, like the elemental diet or the low-FODMAP diet, can also be employed to help people avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
This article will explain the various choices you and your health doctor can discuss to treat SIBO which includes taking antibiotics as well as changing your diet.
Antibiotic Therapy
The “gold most effective” method of treating SIBO is to use antibiotics to control the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestinal tract. They are also thought to relieve inflammation of the lining of the small intestinal tract and can cause malabsorption.
SIBO is classified according to two different ways.
Methane-dominant SIBO typically causes constipation.
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO causes diarrhea.
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat both forms of SIBO. However, in addition to antibiotics methane-dominant SIBO might necessitate taking fiber.
There aren’t specific SIBO treatment guidelines and further research into how to use antibiotics to treat SIBO is needed. Different types of antibiotics can be employed to treat SIBO and other bacterial infections, but which one is most appropriate for a particular person and in what dose is not yet fully known.
Xifaxan The First Treatment
At present, the main treatment for SIBO is Xifaxan as the majority of patients appear to be benefited from it. Research suggests that Xifaxan, one of the brand names of the drug generically known as rifaximin destroys various bacteria strains and improves symptoms.
The body’s Xifaxan does not enter the bloodstream. This decreases the chance of adverse negative effects and increases the ability of the drug to work directly on the bacteria that reside in the small intestinal.
Another advantage is that Xifaxan has a minimal effect on the bacteria that reside in the large intestine. This decreases the risk of symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract and yeast infections, which are more common in other antibiotics.
While certain side effects can be expected however, generally speaking, Xifaxan is considered a secure medication.
Despite the promising researchfindings, Xifaxan is not accepted by the FDA to treat SIBO (although it has been approved to treat diarrhea-related IBS and travelers with diarrhea). So prescribing Xifaxan to treat SIBO is classified as “off-label” usage.
There is no consensus on the right dosage and time to use Xifaxan to treat SIBO. In clinical studies high doses have been proven to be more efficient than doses with lower efficacy. In the clinical setting, Xifaxan is usually prescribed in courses that last two weeks. Other antibiotics are sometimes administered concurrently or with repeat courses when needed.
Dietary Interventions
In addition to taking antibiotics to control the intestinal bacteria, you might be able to control SIBO symptoms by correcting nutrition deficiencies or by avoiding food items that trigger symptoms.
Nutritional Deficiencies
If you’re diagnosed with SIBO You should consult with your physician to determine and correct any nutritional deficiencies you may have. Supplements should be considered to supplement any or all of the following minerals and vitamins when a deficiency is discovered:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Calcium
Magnesium
If your doctor suspects that steatorrhea or other fat malabsorption type occurs, then they could suggest that you take an enzyme supplement for pancreas.
Elemental Diet
The elemental diet is limited to medically-formulated liquids. The nutrients can be consumed at their most basic form, making it easy to take in and digest the nutrients.
A few health experts suggest a diet that is based on an elemental one along with antibiotics for people suffering from SIBO due to the fact that it limits how much food items that bacteria could be able to attack. Also, it can reduce your total gut bacteria levels which can help alleviate symptoms.
Further research is required to fully understand the benefits of this difficult-to-follow diet plan. In the meantime, it is suggested to not attempt it at home by making your own formulas due to the possibility of nutritional deficiencies.
The Low-FODMAP Diet
Diets that are low in FODMAPs were created to alleviate IBS symptoms. IBS. The concept is to reduce the intake of carbohydrates or foods with high FODMAPs that can cause IBS symptoms.
In SIBO there are there are two FODMAP kinds, lactose and fructose, could be not absorbed properly due to inflammation in the intestinal lining. Alongside these two, other unabsorbed FODMAPs could be fermented by bacteria inside the small intestine, which can lead to gastric and other digestive issues.
So, the diet with a low FODMAP could be beneficial for SIBO as eating fewer carbohydrates could “starve” these bacteria that live in the small intestinal tract. As of now there are no research studies conducted on the issue.
Before You Change Your DIet
It is best to stick to an FODMAP diet with the help of an accredited nutritionist or dietician.
It is not clear the benefits of a low-FODMAP diet for people receiving antibiotics for SIBO. Some experts believe that this diet could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment due to the fact that it causes bacteria to become go into dormancy. It is recommended to eat a regular diet when taking antibiotics. Following the course of antibiotics you should adopt a low-FODMAP-based diet to prevent any future SIBO repeat incidences.
Resolve the underlying issues
Before giving antibiotics the doctor will conduct thorough physical examination along with a detailed medical examination to determine whether your SIBO symptoms are due to an underlying illness.
Infections that affect the Small Intestines
Certain illnesses can trigger the development of SIBO and can cause problems with digestibility in stomachs or the small intestine. This includes:
Gastroparesis, which impacts the stomach’s nerves can cause a slowdown in the digestion process. It’s usually linked to diabetes and, in the event that blood sugar levels are stabilized, it can disappear.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects small intestine, can cause problems with absorption in the digestive tract. Celiac patients are more at risk of developing SIBO. In these cases adhering to an elimination of gluten is crucial to improve symptoms and general health.
The Side Effects of Medication
Sometimes, a medication taken to treat a health issue can cause problems that cause SIBO. The medications that cause SIBO include:
Opiate drugs are usually prescribed for the relief of pain
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) usually prescribed for GERD
Stopping these drugs can aid in reducing SIBO symptoms.
Future of SIBO Treatment Future of SIBO Treatment
With more studies being conducted on SIBO and SIBO, new treatments are likely to be developed. One of the most exciting areas of study is the development of new technology that can precisely identify the type and presence of bacteria in the small intestines of people. Meanwhile, various possibilities are being investigated as safe, effective treatment options for SIBO.
Herbal Formulations
In one study that was published in a study, the herbal formula was shown to be as efficient as Xifaxan to treat SIBO.
Herbal remedies also promise to prevent the negative side consequences of antibiotics and can treat patients for whom antibiotics aren’t working. They can also help prevent the return of SIBO.
Prokinetic Medicines
Prokinetic medicines are used to treat digestive disorders or acid reflux. They can also aid in the treatment of SIBO. Initial research suggests that these medicines could be beneficial to those who suffer from SIBO or scleroderma. Prokinetic medication could be beneficial because they may increase the ability to the small intestinal tract’s “cleansing Wave” to flush out bacteria.
Probiotics
In theory, probiotics could be beneficial in treatment of SIBO as they have been proven to have an effect on the makeup of bacterial, enhance the gut lining’s health and reduce inflammation. There is however no studies on the efficacy of probiotics to treat SIBO.
Prevention of Relapse
Despite the success of treating SIBO by taking medication, relapses can be common. There isn’t much information on the best method to stop SIBO symptoms from recurring. The most effective procedure is to prescribe antibiotics rather than requiring patients to modify their diet. If needed, another course of antibiotics will be prescribed.
It isn’t easy to comprehend what the changes to your diet will be like. It could be helpful to adhere to the low-FODMAP diet for a short period of time. It is also beneficial to stay clear of foods that contain artificial sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame and sorbitol. They have the potential of interfacing with the bacteria that reside in the small intestinal tract.
Summary
SIBO may be very painful, and affect the quality of your life, however it doesn’t have to be this way. The majority of antibiotics are effective in treating SIBO. However, it can require multiple antibiotics or you may require repeated treatments in the event that SIBO is recurring.
In addition to taking medications It is recommended to alter your diet so that you’re getting the right nutrients and also to reduce inflammation.
SIBO is often affected by other health conditions that impact digestion. The treatment of these diseases and conditions will reduce your amount of bacteria present in your intestines , and reduce inflammation.
Researchers continue to research solutions to ease SIBO symptoms. The goal is to minimize adverse effects and reduce the chance of SIBO coming back after antibiotics have cleared the bacteria.