sibo
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine (the colon) migrate into the small intestine. This is problematic because the small intestine is meant for nutrient absorption, not heavy fermentation.
When these bacteria set up shop there, they ferment the food you eat before you can absorb it, creating the gases and symptoms mentioned in your image.
🔍 Why it happens (The Root Causes)
Your infographic accurately points to two major "protective mechanisms" that, when broken, lead to SIBO:
* Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria): Stomach acid is your first line of defense; it kills bacteria on your food. When you over-rely on antacids (as noted in your image), the stomach's pH rises, allowing bacteria to survive and move into the small intestine.
* Impaired Motility (The MMC): The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) is like a "janitorial wave" that sweeps leftover food and bacteria out of the small intestine during fasting periods. Skipping meals or constant grazing can disrupt this rhythm, leaving "stagnant" food that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
⚠️ Common Symptoms
* Extreme Bloating: Often occurs shortly after eating (within 30–90 minutes).
* Abdominal Pain: Cramping caused by trapped gas.
* Altered Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or both.
* Nutrient Deficiencies: Specifically Vitamin B12 and iron, as bacteria "steal" these nutrients before you can absorb them.
🌿 Ayurvedic & Modern Approaches
| Approach | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Modern Medicine | Often uses Rifaximin (an antibiotic that stays in the gut) to clear the overgrowth and Prokinetics to help the MMC move again. |
| Ayurveda | Focuses on Kindling Agni (digestive fire) with herbs like Ginger, Cumin, and Triphala to prevent food from sitting and fermenting. |
| Dietary Fixes | A temporary Low FODMAP or Bi-Phasic Diet is often used to "starve" the bacteria by removing the fermentable sugars they love. |
💡 What to watch for
If you suspect SIBO, the most common test is a Breath Test (Hydrogen/Methane). If it's positive, simply taking antibiotics often isn't enough; you have to fix the "Why" (like the stress or the antacid habit) to prevent it from coming back.
Would you like me to suggest some specific "Agni-kindling" habits or a sample "gut-friendly" meal schedule based on the principles in your image?
