Small Intestinal bacterial Overgrown (SIBO) is a condition that affects the body like any other health issue. From the moment you notice the first symptom to the diagnosis and treatment, SIBO, like cancer or heart disease, is examined and treated through stages. At first, you may notice small symptoms that appear as an annoyance, but as diagnosis and treatment progress, the underlying condition yields knowledge of the true size and nature of the issue. This blog will discuss the 3 stages of SIBO, including the signs and symptoms as well as the treatment.
- Asymptomatic
The first stage of SIBO is the asymptomatic stage, or the time when you had the disease but were unaware due to the lack of signs and symptoms. You felt no affects other than slight bloating that you probably attributed to the foods that you ate.
As you progressed—unknowing of the issues within your small intestine—you may have noticed a mild bloating after eating. Again, you probably attributed this to the amount or type of foods you were ingesting.
- Moderate Symptoms
The next stage of SIBO yields a string of symptoms, including bloating combined with constipation and/or diarrhea. Again, this may seem like an issue with the foods you’ve been eating, but the truth is that bacteria has now fully infiltrated your small intestine and has begun to ferment the carbohydrates in your diet, including sugar, grain, starch and fiber. This fermentation leads to gas and bloating.
Other strains of the bacteria cause fats to be broken down improperly, leading to diarrhea and light-colored stool.
The bacteria will also begin to secrete toxins that affect the lining of the intestine. These toxins deter the absorption of vital vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamins A, B, D and E as well as iron.
- Severe Symptoms
Unfortunately, the majority of my SIBO patients come to me at this stage. They’ve long surpassed what help they can find from traditional western medicine. They’ve tried alternative therapies. They’ve researched everything they can find on the Internet. Many have been down the road of trying to heal their leaky gut, which they probably also have, but the treatment is radically different for SIBO and therefor most do not get well on leaky gut protocols alone. They’ve been to holistic practitioners who, although well meaning, were not able to help. They’re desperate, hopeless and frustrated. But now, there is hope! And THAT is why I created this website.
Bloating is a constant through all stages of SIBO, but the continued absorption of vital vitamins and nutrients leads to malnutrition. Other issues begin to arise, including anemia, low albumin and decreased cholesterol. This leads to weight loss and constant bowel dysfunction, alternating between constipation and diarrhea.
Most patients finally realize there’s a problem in the third stage of SIBO and seek relief. Unfortunately in most cases, over-the-counter medication and traditional therapy are ineffective at this point. It’s time to seek a professional who can advise on proper treatment and someone who can walk you through alternative, holistic therapy. Dr. Richard Hagmeyer practices holistic and functional medicine, meaning he believes that no issue has a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Hagmeyer will create a customized program around you as a person, not as a diagnosis. By focusing on your specific needs and understanding your unique biochemical makeup we are able to achieve superior outcomes.
Contact Dr. Hagmeyer today to get started. Complete the form below to schedule a free phone consultation.
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