Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition that occurs when bacteria in the small intestine overgrows. Studies have shown that there is an association between the symptoms of the condition and the foods you eat. To treat this condition, doctors recommend eliminating certain foods from your diet. SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally develops on one part of the digestive tract, such as your colon, begin to grow in your small intestine.
Certain factors are known to make you more susceptible to SIBO. Some of these factors include ingesting proton pump inhibitors or opioids, damage to the nerve that supplies the small intestine, damage to the ileocecal valve, and gastric surgery. If SIBO is not properly treated, it can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, malnutrition (due to the loss of the body’s vital nutrients), and pain. In some cases, you may experience a neurological condition known as D-lactic acidosis.
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics as the first line of treatment. Your doctor may also recommend a liquid-based diet known as an elemental diet. An elemental diet replaces all your foods and beverages with a nutritious liquid that can be easily absorbed in the body. Your doctor will supervise this diet closely. Aside from the elemental diet, no other diet can help treat SIBO. However, several studies show that reducing your consumption of certain meals or changing your eating pattern can stop SIBO from recurring. Your doctor or dietitian may advise you to try out an elimination diet to know if certain foods are responsible for your digestive symptoms.
Types of SIBO Diets
SIBO diets can be divided into various types. Your doctor may recommend any of these diets to improve digestive symptoms. The types of SIBO diets include:
- Elemental diet
- Low FODMAP Diet (LFD)
- Gut And Psychology Syndrome Diet (Gaps diet)
- Cedars-Sinai Diet (C-SD)
These diets have similar characteristics because they contain low amounts of grains, sugars, and starches.