Sibo

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an excess of bacteria or fungi in the gut, which can migrate to the small intestine. This can lead to a buildup of unwanted microbes in the digestive tract, potentially causing significant irritation and imbalance, disrupting its function, and resulting in pain. 

Our digestive process involves a delicate balance that requires enzymes to break down difficult-to-digest proteins, the creation of hydrochloric acid to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and bile production, which neutralizes stomach acids before they enter the small intestine.

The five leading causes of intestinal overgrowth are:

1.      Excessive use of medications, antibiotics, and antacids can disrupt intestinal bacteria.

2.     Weak stomach acid production enables undesirable bacteria to enter the small intestine, increasing gas and bloating.

3.     Years of untreated elimination and gastrointestinal issues weaken tissues and create an ideal environment for illnesses and pathogens to thrive.

4.     A diet high in processed and sweetened foods nourishes microbes and disrupts a healthy microbiome.

5.     Stress can reverse the flow of digestion and increase intestinal pressure, damaging the ileocecal valve (ICV) and allowing intestinal microbes to move into the small intestine.

While conventional medicine use antibiotics to treat Sibo, Ayurveda uses holistic approaches incorporating possible detoxification (panchakarama) modalities, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and body therapies.

Therre are many holistic practices to consider and it is advisable to collaborate with a practitioner who can assess your constititution and imbalances to create a tailored program, and some initial considerations can include:

1. Avoid or reduce refined carbohydrates and sugars which feed harmful bacteria.

2. Incorporate vegetables, including dark leafy greesn, brocolli, cauliflower and asparagus.

3. Increase health fats and proteins, such as orgaic meat and fish, nuts, seeds and avocado.

4. Limit or avoid caffeine, alchol, and spicey foods that irritate the digestive tract.

5. Use FRESH ginger to aid digstion, reduce inflammation and fight microbes.

6. Ayurvedic herbs can help limit bacteria development (tripahala, ginger, turmeric and neem)

7. Manage stress is crutical as it affects digestion, sleep and our attitudes.

8. Body therapies for Sibo include; Abhyanga massage with Sibo sequences for the IC valve, using Bastis (herbal enemas), and Shirodhara (warm oil poured over the third eye).