The treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can be improved with probiotics. Bifidobacterium triple viable capsule, B bifidum, B lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, L acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L casei, and Streptococcus thermophilus are all beneficial for SIBO.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, which can alleviate the symptoms of SIBO when administered in sufficient quantities.
Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is currently the most commonly used antibiotic for SIBO treatment and has reported success rates of around 50% for those with hydrogen-dominant SIBO (6).
Probiotics for methane SIBO
In another study, the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (17938) had a beneficial effect on chronic constipation via decreases in methane production (as well as hydrogen), including the complete eradication of methane in 11 of the study patients.
Let's look at the best probiotic strains for SIBO. Although it may be seen as contradictory to use probiotics in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, one particular probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, which is a probiotic yeast, and soil-based probiotics have been identified as beneficial.
People with SIBO may need intramuscular injections of vitamin B-12, as well as oral vitamins, calcium and iron supplements. Lactose-free diet. Damage to the small intestine may cause you to lose the ability to digest milk sugar (lactose).
Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI 431® is a probiotic strain suitable for those with histamine intolerance as it does not produce histamine.
Research tells us that the allicin in garlic is most effective against methane-producing microbes [Source: PubMed], while herbs like oregano and berberine are more effective against hydrogen-producing bacteria [Source: PubMed].
In conclusion, SIBO causes an increase in intestinal gas production and unpleasant symptoms. Studies have shown that probiotics may be both help and hindrance for SIBO. Ultimately, there is no convincing evidence that probiotics eradicate SIBO, but antibiotics can, and they remain the most effective way to treat it.
The most common SIBO diet is the low-FODMAP diet, or some less restrictive version of it (like Whole30). The low-FODMAP diet starves the harmful bacteria in your gut of fermentable carbs it needs, including if the overgrowth is in your small intestine (SIBO).
Probably the best-known dietary intervention for SIBO is the Low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPs is a term used to describe a group of specific carbohydrates that can cause symptoms in people with IBS, SIBO, or both. FODMAPs are found in everything from onions, apples, garlic, and wheat to beans and asparagus.
One study, (1) for example, indicated that potential beneficial effects of Yakult in SIBO. SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, highly associated with IBS.
It would take six weeks of antimicrobial medicines and another six months of a restricted diet for her digestion to feel normal again, and for the bloat to finally go away. Lapine, a food and health writer and chef, chronicled her SIBO journey and shared SIBO-appropriate recipes on her blog and podcast in early 2018.
Many with SIBO have low stomach acid. Increasing stomach acid helps normalize the pH throughout the digestive system and prevent overgrowth. Some ways to increase stomach acid include taking apple cider vinegar or digestive bitters before meals or supplementing with HCl during meals.
Since many people experience recurrent SIBO, be alert to a return or worsening of SIBO symptoms such as: Abdominal pain. Bloating. Constipation.
Prebiotics are fibers found in foods (i.e., inulin, resistant starches) and help promote the growth of bacteria. Prebiotics are perfect if the goal is to rebuild healthy bacteria, but they can make the symptoms of SIBO significantly worse by further increasing the overgrowth numbers.
One of the root causes of methane SIBO, and a reason why there is such a high relapse rate, is poor gut motility. The small intestine has a complex and elegant way to keep things moving and prevent stagnation (which leads to bacterial overgrowth aka SIBO).
This may lead to symptoms of bloating or pain quickly after eating. SIBO can often be the underlying reason for other IBS symptoms. Commonly including bloating, abdominal pain as well as alterations in bowel patterns. This can include diarrhoea or constipation.
When you have SIBO, the bile acids responsible for the breakdown and absorption of fat are deficient, resulting in a pale-colored stool that is also bulky and malodorous.
However, excess histamine levels and the related symptoms might also be caused by allergies, “leaky gut”, overconsumption of histamine-rich foods and SIBO.
Bifidobacterium longum – Known to be a histamine degrading probiotic . It may help reduce the post-meal inflammatory response and prevent or improve intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut syndrome”). Bifidobacterium lactis – May help break down histamine and tyramine.