SIBO and Your Fertility

SIBO Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a chronic bacterial infection of the small intestine. The infection is of bacteria that normally live in the gastrointestinal tract but have abnormally overgrown in a location not meant for so many bacteria.The bacteria interfere with our normal digestion and absorption of food and are associated with damage to the lining or membrane of the small intestine leading to nutrient deficiencies and altered immunity. Both which can impair your ability to conceive. NUTRIENTS DEFICIENCIES The bacteria associated with SIBO consume some of our food which over time leads to deficiencies in their favorite nutrients such as iron and B12, causing anemia. The bacteria can decrease proper fat absorption by deconjugating bile leading to deficiencies of vitamins A & D and fatty stools. This can lead to underlying nutrients deficiencies associated with infertility. IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION Through the damaged lining, larger food particles not able to be fully digested, enter into the body which the immune system reacts to. This causes and immune reaction associated with food sensitives and leaky gut. Bacteria themselves can also enter the body/bloodstream. Immune system reaction to bacteria and their cell walls (endotoxins) causes a myriad of negative effects on the body. This chronic taxed immune system can increase inflammation in the body creating a non hospitable environment for cell division. SYMPTOMS OF SIBO Symptoms may include: abdominal bloating and gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, heartburn, fatigue, skin issues such as eczema or rashes, leaky gut, malabsorption, fatigue, headaches, joint pain and mood symptoms such as low mood, associated with IBS and more. SIBO also associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). SIBO has been shown to exist in up to 84% of IBS patients and is therefore theorized to be the underlying cause. SIBO TESTING The Lactulose Breath Test (LBT) identifies if you have small intestine bacterial overgrowth. After digesting lactulose, levels of hydrogen and methane are measured in the breath. Humans can’t digest or absorb lactulose. Only bacteria have the proper enzymes to do this. After they consume lactulose, they make gas. If there is an overgrowth, this will be reflected in the levels of Hydrogen and/or Methane. Dr. Lane can test for SIBO and Arizona Natural Medicine Physicians, PLLC in Chandler, Arizona or ask you doctor to be tested if you think you may have symptoms of SIBO. References: www.siboinfo.com

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Scroll to Top