SIBO Diet

Book excerpt: Did you know that if SIBO is left untreated, it can actually lead to other conditions, such as obesity, acne, anemia, fatigue, IBS, and even depression? Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is the excessive growing of bacteria in the lower part of the small intestine. Studies show that 6 to 15% of healthy, aymptomatic people have SIBO. These bacteria are of different varieties and is normally located in the colon or large intestines. The mechanisms that regulates the balanced bacteria population in the intestines are compromised and SIBO occurs. A person with SIBO experiences abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal distention or bloating which is because of too much gas in the stomach, too much belching, and constipation. When SIBO is severe, a person starts to lose weight and begins to have a vitamin deficiency. Because of the symptoms, people commonly thought SIBO as a typical stomach disease and it is not correctly diagnosed as SIBO. According to Kresser (2016), SIBO is a largely under-diagnosed disease. Patients do not usually consult when they have symptoms and most Doctors are not aware how common SIBO is. The symptoms of SIBO are difficult to minimize and treat. Firstly, because it is directly connected to the person’s diet. One might attempt to consume probiotic drinks or eat fibrous vegetables for good digestion, but this might worsen the symptoms instead. Unlike the traditional knowledge we have with food and our stomach, the diet to reverse SIBO is completely different. This book will show you that some of the common foods we eat, although they are nutritious, can worsen the symptoms of SIBO. You might want to pay attention to the details of each chapter if you happen to be experiencing the symptoms of SIBO. Weekly to do lists and recipes are provided to guide you in reversing its symptoms. In this guide, you will discover... Background information about SIBO How to limit foods with FODMAPs How fasting plays a role Which beverages and diet supplements to take How to reintroduce food and make appropriate lifestyle changes A selection of curated recipes to help you combat SIBO symptoms