Experts say the human body is slightly more bacteria than it is human, comparing the ratio of bacterial cells to human cells. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that humans can be considered bacteria, it does say a lot about how much our body needs bacteria to function. While we do have trillions of bacteria inside our body, you can still have too much of it in certain places, as with the condition referred to as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO.

What is SIBO, and how do you get it? What are the symptoms?

Today, we discuss the definition of SIBO and why not many health practitioners know it’s a real term. We share our experience encountering this term for the first time and our initial reaction to it. We explain what causes SIBO, its similarities and differences to IBS, and how you can test for it. We also discuss the effects of fiber on people with SIBO as well as a recently published report on SIBO.

 

“The acidity of the stomach is not only to help break down your food, but also to sterilize your small gut.” - Michael Chapman

 

This week on The Lab Report Podcast:

• What SIBO is and why schools need to teach it.
• Our experience with encountering the term SIBO for the first time.
• Why SIBO is not considered a diagnosis.
• How SIBO happens and the symptoms it causes.
• What makes you more susceptible to SIBO?
• The other movements associated with peristalsis.
• How to determine if it's IBS or SIBO.
• The effects of fiber on people with SIBO.
• Why methane production is not a good way to determine SIBO.
• Reviewing a recently published clinical guideline on SIBO.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• ACG Clinical Guideline: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
• Genova SIBO Test

 

Question of the Day:

• Can diabetics and lactose intolerant patients do the SIBO test knowing the drink is a lactulose drink?

 

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts, Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and give us a rating and review.

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.

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