Do you suspect you might have SIBO but feel overwhelmed by the conflicting information out there? In this episode, Tara Thorne demystifies Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), shedding light on what it really is, its common symptoms, and the significant role the gut plays in our overall health.
She dives deep into the risk factors, from PPI and antibiotic use to lifestyle triggers like binge drinking and food poisoning. Tara also emphasizes the importance of proper testing, exploring the nuances of the complex, yet critical, SIBO breath tests, and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on symptoms or stool tests for diagnosis.
Additionally, Tara provides actionable insights into treatment options, including why traditional methods may not always be ideal. From discussing individualized herbal tinctures to evaluating the impact of diet and transit time, this episode equips listeners with valuable knowledge to navigate their own SIBO journey with more clarity and confidence.
In this episode:
What is SIBO?
Learn about SIBO, its causes, and why the small bowel is not supposed to be sterile. Discover the two types of SIBO: gram-positive bacterial overgrowth from the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, and colonic SIBO, bacteria migrating up from the colon.
Symptoms to Watch For
Explore the common symptoms of SIBO, including bloating, flatulence, belching, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, malabsorption, joint stiffness, and more. Learn how these symptoms can vary based on timing after meals and other factors.
Diagnosis & Testing
Understand why stool tests do not diagnose SIBO and the importance of proper testing. Tara dives into the specifics of SIBO breath tests, including the different sugars used (lactulose, glucose, fructose) and their respective roles in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Approaches
While antibiotics like rifaximin are often prescribed, there's also a focus on natural treatments, including herbal tinctures and probiotics tailored to individual needs. Discover why certain herbs like berberine are no longer recommended for long-term use and the pivotal role of diet in managing symptoms.
Associated Conditions & Comprehensive Care
SIBO doesn't exist in isolation. It's often associated with conditions like IBS, fibromyalgia, liver cirrhosis, and more. Tara emphasizes a holistic approach, considering underlying factors like hypothyroidism, motility issues, and even prior surgeries.
A Fun Fact
Did you know that treating SIBO could potentially eliminate lactose intolerance? Yep, SIBO treatment can support your small bowel and help repair those essential microvilli, reducing lactose intolerance as long as it’s not a genetic condition.
Mentioned in this episode:
HRT Made Simple™ – Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.
[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook – Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).
Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast – a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.
Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years – plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.
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