^{Are you suffering with digestion problems?}

SIBO, IBS and Leaky Gut

SIBO and leaky gut symptoms can feel a lot like IBS. IBS symptoms can feel a lot like IBS. You don’t “feel” a leaky gut.

If you have been to your gastroenterologist and did not get solutions to your digestive issues then odds are you have a functional disorder of the gut; this means your digestive tract is not working the way it was designed to…the solution is to help your gut get back on track so it can perform the way you want it to.

Function medicine doctors work with root causes. These root causes often lead us to an imbalance or dysfunction of normal biological process. The two most common systems that contribute to a leaky gut, SIBO or IBS are the immune system and the nervous system.

As a functional medicine doctor working in Naperville and serving Chicago and the suburbs, I look for root causes that are functional-based and apply functional treatment solutions.

Functional gut disorders can have a significant impact on your overall body health, causing other health problems. It has been said that health really starts in the digestive tract; and I truly believe this. The question that needs to be asked it “Why do you have a functional digestive problem…WHAT IS YOUR WHY?

^{Leaky Gut}

Leaky gut sounds terrible doesn’t it? When we say the gut is leaky we are referring to your small intestine. The small intestine is where you absorb the nutrients form the food you eat and the dietary supplements you may be taking. When this part of your gut gets “leaky” it means the cells that separate the contents of your bowel from the rest of your body start to break down.

So instead of having a nice selective barrier that only lets the good things pass into our body and blood stream (like nutrients); other things are allowed to slip by; such as particles of food that are too big, bacteria, yeast, etc. This is a problem because these things should not have access to your body’s interior and causes immune system problems, inflammation and puts stress on your liver; etc.

Leaky Gut Can Cause Anxiety

Leaky gut syndrome is an increasingly common medical condition that can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including anxiety. This is caused by a disruption of the intestinal barrier that normally separates the contents of the gut from the rest of the body. This disruption causes toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation and an imbalance of hormones.

Because the brain and gut are intricately connected, this inflammation and hormonal imbalance can lead to an increase in anxiety levels. Additionally, leaky gut can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies that can also contribute to anxiety. It is therefore important to take steps to heal leaky gut in order to reduce anxiety levels and maintain overall mental health. 

Leaky Gut and Depression

Leaky gut has been linked to the onset of depression. The intestines are lined with a delicate mucous membrane that separates the digestive tract from the rest of the body. If this barrier becomes weakened, it can allow toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to pass through into the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation within the body and trigger an immune response.

The immune response can result in an increase in stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can have an effect on our mental health, leading to symptoms of depression. In addition, the toxins released by bacteria can interfere with neurotransmitter production, leading to an imbalance in dopamine and serotonin, two important chemicals for regulating mood. Therefore, leaky gut can lead to depression, if not properly treated.

Functional Medicine Testing To The Rescue

You could look at it this way; a healthy gut is like a very fine mesh that only permits good things to pass but with leaky gut, this fine mesh is now full of larger holes and small tears…all sorts of things are getting through…now we have a problem. With appropriate functional testing a functional medicine doctor can help you get your gut healed so it is not leaky anymore. You can’t treat leaky gut with medications; it requires a lifestyle changes to correct…as is the case with most functional disorders.

^SIBO

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). This also occurs in the small intestine, just like leaky gut and it is not uncommon to suffer with both at the same time. When SIBO occurs, you have too many bacteria living in the small intestine. Most of the bacteria in your gut should be in the large intestine / colon; not the small intestine.

Remember when I said that the small intestine is where YOU absorb the nutrients from your food? This is because you should get access to the vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates BEFORE the bacteria do. This works out beautifully when the bacteria stay in the large intestine; because you have absorbed these nutrients and all that is left is fiber. Your body does not absorb fiber; your bacteria feed on the fiber your body can’t use.

SIBO and Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common symptom of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This occurs when excessive amounts of bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, creating an imbalance of normal gut microbiota. The bacteria can produce gas, which can cause bloating and cramping, as well as an increased appetite. In addition, the bacteria can consume nutrients before they can be properly absorbed by the body.  This leads to malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies can also lead to weight gain, as the body is not getting enough of the necessary nutrients from food. Furthermore, SIBO can reduce the body’s ability to burn calories, resulting in further weight gain. All of these factors contribute to why SIBO can cause weight gain. 

SIBO and Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect associated with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, and can cause various digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of SIBO, and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, diarrhea can be accompanied by other symptoms such as cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

It is important to note that other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease can also cause similar symptoms, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor before beginning any treatment. Treatment for SIBO-related diarrhea typically involves looking to the root of the problem and treating it at the source.

Brain Fog and SIBO

Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally inhabit the large intestine enter the small intestine, where they don’t belong. This leads to inflammation and an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. This can lead to a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.

Brain fog is also a common symptom of SIBO due to the fact that it can disrupt the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Additionally, SIBO can lead to dysbiosis, or an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Which can create inflammation and impair the body’s ability to absorb microbes.

Functional Solution For Functional Problem

With SIBO, the bacteria are in the small intestine competing with your body for nutrients. This leads to overgrowth of bacteria, gas, bloating and can even cause a leaky gut. The medical treatment for SIBO is to use antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The problem with this solution is it kills bacteria in the small  and large intestine and the problem usually returns. Because you never solved the root cause of the problem that permitted the bacteria to thrive in your small intestine. So they just end up getting back into the small intestine again. SIBO is a functional bowel disorder that requires a functional gut solution to resolve the problem and restore healthy gut function.

^IBS

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome); is another common gut issue that often occurs with leaky gut and SIBO. Just consider for a moment the names of these conditions…”leaky gut”, “small intestinal bacterial overgrowth” and “irritable bowel syndrome”…these are all “functional” problems. I really find the name IBS interesting because the only we it can be described is “irritable”…not very specific is it? You have an unhappy/frustrated/irritable bowel…does not sound very “medical” does it. That would be like calling hypothyroidism “lazy thyroid syndrome.” A IBS functional disorder is something focus on getting to the root of the problem for. 

What can IBS be mistaken for?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Unfortunately, it can be hard to diagnose and is often mistaken for other conditions. IBS can be mistaken for food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even some types of cancer. Furthermore, IBS can be triggered by certain medications, stress, anxiety, or changes in diet. Since the symptoms can be similar to those of many other digestive diseases, it is important to consult with a functional medicine doctor.

IBS Pain and Discomfort

Irritable Bowel syndrome can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. The pain associated with IBS is often severe and can be unpredictable in intensity and duration. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. It is thought to be related to a variety of factors, including stress, genetic predisposition, and changes in gut microbiome. IBS pain is thought to be caused by a combination of spasms in the intestines. In addition inflammation of the intestine, and sensitivity to certain foods. People with IBS may also experience emotional distress due to the pain, which can make it even worse. 

IBS vs SIBO vs Leaky Gut

IBS, SIBO, and leaky gut are interrelated gastrointestinal conditions. IBS manifests as abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits without structural abnormalities. SIBO involves an excessive bacterial population in the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as bloating and malabsorption. Leaky gut refers to intestinal permeability, where the gut lining becomes compromised, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation. Though they share symptoms, each condition has unique underlying mechanisms, necessitating tailored treatment approaches. Consulting a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and personalized management is advisable.  Looking for a natural solution to IBS? We can help.

Leaky gut vs SIBO

SIBO is a condition of the small intestine that can cause abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.  Leaky gut may or may not have similar symptoms and it also occurs in the small intestine.  Some causes of SIBO can also cause leaky gut.  Some people often ask, can SIBO cause leaky gut? Although the symptoms may be similar for both SIBO and leaky gut, and they often occur together, it can not be assumed that SIBO causes leaky gut.  If the environment in the gut is such to create SIBO, it is likely that leaky gut is present as well.  However, leaky gut can be present without SIBO.

IBS vs Leaky Gut

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.  Leaky Gut may be present without obvious symptoms, or it may result in similar symptoms to IBS.  It is likely that the two conditions are present simultaneously because, as mentioned previously, the conditions of the gut, (i.e. the environment) are what sets the stage for both conditions.  To put it simply, what you put in your body can create the environment for both conditions.  Leaky gut may, however, be present without IBS. People often ask, “what is the difference between IBS and leaky gut?”  Leaky gut is a break in the barrier between the body and the digestive tract. Stated differently, leaky gut does not have to be present with IBS but some of the same things that cause IBS also cause leaky gut. 

IBS vs SIBO

Both SIBO and IBS have similar symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain or cramping, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.  However, the location of SIBO is in the small intestine and the location of IBS is in the colon or large intestine.  Both conditions may be present at the same time as they are not mutually exclusive. A person may test positive for SIBO and also have IBS.

Ok let me get back on track here. IBS is clearly a functional bowel disorder. The coordinated functions of your gut are either too slow (constipation) too fast (diarrhea) or both! You may have pain and cramping so the intestinal walls are being affected as well. Many IBS sufferers also have anxiety, depression or hormone problems. There is no single cause for IBS or SIBO or leaky gut. Below are some of the most common causes I find in my clinic for these conditions. Remember you can have more than one of these digestive problems occurring at the same time:

^{Most Common Causes For Leaky Gut, IBS and SIBO}

• Food sensitivities or food allergies
• Thyroid problems
• Yeast / candida overgrowth
• Hormone imbalances
• Poor balance of neurotransmitters (serotonin / dopamine) in the gut
• Low stomach acid or using antacids
• High carbohydrate or low fiber diets
• Autoimmune diseases
• Zinc deficiency
• Extensive antibiotic use
• Poor adrenal gland function (these are your glands that respond to stress)
• Insomnia; leading to poor body healing and recovery

If you have digestion problems and just can’t seem to figure out why, you should consult the help of a functional medicine doctor who has experience working with functional digestive tract disorders. When you are ready to get your gut issues under control and improve your quality of life, contact our office today.

If you live in Plainfield, Aurora, Warrenville, Downers Grove, Chicago, Oswego, Wheaton or other local areas and are interested in functional medicine with respect to IBS and leaky gut, contact us today!

Functional Challenges Necessitate Functional Remedies

Wishing you vitality, joy, and an elevated standard of living!

For further details on functional medicine, functional medicine IBS specialists, Dr. Sharon Borkowski or Dr. Sexton, visit napervilleintegratedwellness.com.

Conduct thorough research, educate yourself, and inquire extensively. Always scrutinize the source when gathering information, as the healthcare landscape is rife with falsehoods, outdated data, profit-driven motives, and biased viewpoints, even from esteemed sources and organizations.

It’s crucial to note that this healthcare methodology is not aimed at diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any illness. Why? Because the FDA mandates that these terms are exclusive to drugs. This approach, however, does not involve the use of drugs.