By Bec Farah, Naturopath and Colon Hydrotherapist
Experiencing bloating, cramping, burping, gas, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea and brain fog? You may have SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
What is SIBO?
SIBO, occurs when the normal bacteria in your small intestine are not being shifted down into the large bowel, leading to an overgrowth.
Most of our gut bacteria is meant to be in our colon, where they help to break down food, produce vitamins, and eliminate waste. When these normal and healthy bacteria (normally found in the colon) colonise the small intestine, SIBO occurs.
The excess bacteria then feed off the undigested food, especially simple carbs and sugars in our small intestine. As the bacteria feeds, it causes the carbohydrates to ferment, producing gases (hydrogen and methane) in the small intestine, leading to bloating, cramping, burping, constipation and diarrhoea. This overgrowth of bacteria can damage our small bowel, affecting how we absorb our nutrients and can even cause musculoskeletal pain, skin rashes, foggy brain, headaches and anxiety. Excess of the gas methane, can also be produced from bacteria in the large intestine, further contributing to bloating and cramping.
SIBO can be caused by food poisoning, either recently or previously, low stomach acid, certain medications – antacids, antibiotics or opiates, chronic stress and a poor diet rich in simple carbohydrates.
In clinical practice, I often find patients disdainfully expressing they’ve had a history or recently experienced food poisoning, and their gut has ‘never been the same since’. Food poisoning has been found to alter bowel movements long after the acute vomiting and diarrhoea have subsided.
As 70% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms have tested positive for SIBO, you may have even been diagnosed with the umbrella term of IBS, not knowing that it may be caused by this overgrowth of normal bacteria in the small intestine.
Can Colon Hydrotherapy Help?
Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. By introducing double-filtered, temperature and pressure regulated water into the colon, the waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. Colonics assist with balancing all microflora, therefore when the large intestine is balanced, it is easier for the small intestine and immune system to also be in balance.
As SIBO caused by food poisoning is associated with post-infectious bowel changes, colon hydrotherapy can reset the colon muscles to work efficiently at eliminating harmful pathogens including bacteria producing excess methane. What does the research say? Based on several clinical trials, colonics have been safe and effective at reducing abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea associated with IBS. Data is limited for colon hydrotherapy being beneficial for SIBO alone, however as 70% of IBS has been shown to cause SIBO, it is safe to say that colon hydrotherapy can also assist in reducing SIBO symptoms.
It’s time to beat the bloating and get our bugs back in balance!
Bec Farah is a Naturopath and Colon Hydrotherapist at The Health Lodge with a special interest in gut health. Book online for a consultation with Bec or contact our Client Support Team on 02 6685 6445 to learn more about how Naturopathy practices and Colon Hydrotherapy can assist you with your digestive health.
This blog features the views of the writer and is for educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or other qualified health practitioners before acting on information on this article, particularly if you have a medical condition, taking medication or if you are pregnant.
