Natural Treatment for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) 

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, shortly known as SIBO is a gastric condition, occurs in the small intestines. We all know that our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, but do you know that most of these bacteria are present in the large intestine but not the small intestine. This is due to the movement of food and the production of gastric acids in the small intestine that does not support the growth of bacteria.  

But patients with SIBO have the overgrowth of bacteria in their small intestines causing discomfort to the gut and can cause gastric and nongastric symptoms. Today through our blog we will provide you with scientifically proven methods and natural ways to prevent the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. 

If you want to know in brief about the disease then continue reading, others can jump directly to the part where the natural treatment for SIBO has been discussed. 

Ayurveda and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

What does Ayurveda say about SIBO in detail including its root cause, symptoms, and prevention?

Ayurveda always focuses on the root cause of the disease, SIBO Natural Treatment helps in the elimination of this root cause. In this, the main root cause of the disease can be an imbalance in the three doshas. Yes, you read it right! Imbalance in the vata, kapha, and pitta doshas leads to the overgrowth of bacteria and lead to discomfort. Each of these doshas plays a key role in maintaining good gut health, like for example, pitta is responsible for Agni in the gut leading to proper digestion and correct secretion of digestive juices, whereas vata is for controlling movement and elimination of the food and Kapha is known for its lubricative properties and governs the structure. So, any slight imbalance in these doshas can be the cause of SIBO. 

The following can be the symptoms of SIBO: 

• Constipation based on the bacterial species (methane-releasing bacteria). 
• Diarrhoea (hydrogen-producing bacteria). 
• Bloating. 
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Fatigue.
• Malabsorption.
• Lack of appetite or excessive hunger. 
• Irregular bowel movements. 
• Gut discomfort especially after eating anything. 

Ayurveda also suggests great ways to prevent SIBO and SIBO Natural Treatment which are discussed in the below sections. 

Natural Treatment for SIBO

One study has suggested that natural treatment is as effective as one antibiotic (name is not mentioned for security purposes) and sometimes can be better due to no/less side effects comparatively. Some of the natural treatment options have been discussed here.

1. Following Dosha Balancing Diet or Diet plan for SIBO

Either it can be a pitta balancing or vata or kapha balancing diet that can be highly recommended to treat the root cause of the disease. This would involve:

• Foods low in carbohydrates.
• Foods low in sugars and fats.
• Avoiding highly adulterated and processed food.
• Avoiding cold and raw food.
• Preferring warm and home-cooked meals.
• Intake of short meals throughout the day. 
• Mindful eating rather than overeating. 
• Use of fewer spices and gastric stimulant herbs. 
• Avoid beverages like tea, coffee, and alcohol.
• Limiting inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy (as inflammation can worsen the condition). 
• Being hydrated. 
• Fresh fruits and veggies anytime and over anything. 
• Nuts and seeds to fill up nutritional deficiency gaps. 

This can make your job 80% easier, a part of natural treatment for SIBO, and eliminate the disease and other related conditions too. 

2. Herbs

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Treatment involves the intake of some potential herbs. Herbs play a vital role here in eliminating the symptoms and improving the betterment of the disease. Based on the symptoms of the disease herbs can be given, for example, fennel for indigestion and bloating, neem to kill the growth of bacteria, turmeric to reduce inflammation, ginger to improve digestion, licorice to treat stomach ulcers, and much more. Here are a few herbs that have been scientifically proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria, reducing inflammation, stress managing, and other related symptoms of SIBO. These herbs are equally proven to be effective with antibiotics and used by many as an alternative medicine considering the cost-effectiveness and long-term impact on health. Please read this study as a reference for the SIBO natural treatment. 

• Oregano oil
• Thyme root extract
• Indian berberine extract
• Wormwood
• Lemon balm oil
• Coptis root extract
• Red thyme essential oil

Read Also:- Imbalance of Gut Microbiome is the Root Cause of Several Childhood Allergies

3. Do’s and Don’ts for SIBO

Do follow these do’s and don’ts for SIBO natural treatment. 

Do’s

• Daily walk or yoga to increase movement.
• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Increase the intake of warm and home-cooked meals.
• Increase the intake of prebiotics and probiotics as good gut bacteria can kill the bad bacteria.
• Using the above-mentioned herbs. 
• Following the low FODMAP diet.
• Eating small meals throughout the day. 
• Practice meditation to reduce stress. 

 Don’ts 

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Avoid highly processed and ultra-processed foods.
• Avoid beverages like coffee and tea. 
• Avoid foods that are difficult to digest. 
• Avoid spices and herbs that can stimulate the gut.
• Avoid high fats, high sugars, and complex carbohydrates. 
• Avoid being lazy. 
• Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment. 
• Avoid eating foods that cause inflammation. 

Wrapping Up!

SIBO has been commonly increasing and seen in many people especially people with IBS, the symptoms can be similar to IBS and in some symptoms can be worsened. People who are on medications, being lazy, less movement, dosha imbalance, structural disorders can be at more risk than others. Studies have proven that natural herbs and some natural prevention strategies can be as effective as antibiotic medication in the treatment of SIBO. If you’re someone suffering from SIBO or your friends and family members are suffering, then please book an online consultation with Dr Sahil Gupta and get Natural Treatment for SIBO in addition to that there is no fear of remission of the symptoms.