“Nausea, heartburn, indigestion……upset stomach, diarrhea?” The Pepto Bismol song is one that is burned into most of our minds (especially if you’re over the age of 25). However, drinking pink plastic is not the solution to those symptoms! Research supports that many disease processes originate in our gut, so suppressing our bodies’ warning signals (symptoms) could be harmful. The gut is so important and has such an influence on the body and overall health that it has been labeled the “second brain.” Metabolic function, inflammation, hormonal balance, and neurotransmitters/chemical messengers are all influenced by gut health – proving there is an intimate connection and vast communication between the gut and your brain. The gut impacts everything in the body! At the time of this article there are 60-70 million people suffering from intestinal disorders in the U.S. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) being at the top of the list. Experts have estimated that 20% of the population has SIBO and suspect that SIBO is THE cause of IBS. This means if we address the SIBO, then IBS takes care of itself. The good news is there are lifestyle changes that can help one overcome SIBO as well as keep it in remission. In fact, modifying your lifestyle is the only way to reverse this condition, beating it once and for all.
First things first, what the heck is SIBO. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where we have bacteria in the wrong place. We should normally have bacteria in the large intestine where they help break down and ferment food, these bacteria also helps with the formation of certain vitamins like Vit K, absorption of water, and formation of waste. We should NOT have bacteria in the small intestines as this is where most of our nutrient absorption takes place. When we have bacteria in the small intestine this not only contributes to gastric upset, but can also damage the gut lining which will result in malabsorption of the nutrients you are consuming and can contribute to a number of illnesses and symptoms.
The most common symptoms associated with SIBO are: gas, bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, etc. after a meal. Other conditions that are associated with SIBO are thyroid issues, celiac disease, diverticulitis, fibromyalgia, and depression/anxiety just to name a few. The most common cause of this condition is decreased gastrointestinal motility (many times the result of medication such as opiates, antibiotics, NSAIDS, antacids, etc). The lifestyle factors that contribute to SIBO are stress, over eating, high sugar/starch diets, Vitamin D deficiency, Environmental toxins (BPA), excessive alcohol consumption, and too much water with meals. SIBO can also be the byproduct of low stomach acid, gallbladder/liver issues, or poor pancreatic function. Clearly, there is a lot to consider with this condition, however, the solution is the same in most cases.
Here are some tips if you suspect that your digestive issues are the result of SIBO.
- Don’t over-eat, don’t consume water with your meals, chew your food thoroughly, and avoid snacking (In other words, don’t bombard an already sluggish GI tract).
- Avoid high sugar and starchy meals (especially fructose) as well as alcohol. These act like gasoline to a fire and will feed the bacterial overgrowth.
- Supplement with herbal remedies such as Berberine, Ginger, Oregano, Peppermint, and Rosemary
- Start a low FODMAPs diet (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). In short these are foods that ferment easily in the gut further feeding any bacterial overgrowth.
- Consume apple cider vinegar before meals to help with stomach acid production. (Braggs, unfiltered, with the mother)
- Get adjusted! It is essential to ensure there is no nerve disturbance to the digestive organs. Research also shows that stress markers (i.e. cortisol) improve with chiropractic care. Remember, when we are stressed, our digestion is down-regulated! Chiropractic care could be your “reboot.” Visit www.livinwellchiro.com for more information or contact us at info@livinwellchiro.com.
The team at Aceva has many supplemental supports that can help in the elimination of SIBO, as well as, products that can naturally maintain your progress. These include:
o Omega 3 Plus/Omega Longevity
All of Aceva’s supplements are safe, natural, effective, and of the highest quality, which is why it is the trusted brand here at Livin’ Well and Cheyenne Weight Loss. If you have questions about individual products and their role in your health please let us know and we will be happy to share. Visit http://lddy.no/643r and enter promo code MS01 on any order for 5% off.
If your digestive health is a challenge for you, then Cheyenne Weight Loss may be your solution! To find out more visit www.cheyenneweightloss.com or email CWLHEALTHCOACH@GMAIL.COM. Our team is here to help you do life healthier. Through this lifestyle empowerment program, we have helped many people regain their digestive health, lose weight, and most importantly improve their quality of life!
Written by Your Cheyenne Wellness Expert,
Dr. Marley Smith DC CACCP