🔬 What is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)?

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

In short, it is a situation in which bacteria that would normally be found predominantly in the large intestine (colon) begin to colonize the small intestine — an area where, physiologically, the number of bacteria should be low.

🧠 What normally happens in the small intestine

Under normal conditions, the small intestine contains very few bacteria because:

• stomach acids destroy them,
• bile and pancreatic enzymes limit their proliferation,
• bowel movements (motility) constantly "sweep" them toward the colon.

⚠️ Why does SIBO occur?

SIBO can occur when protective mechanisms no longer function properly. Common causes:

• slow digestion,
• low stomach acid,
• motility disorders (e.g., after digestive infections, in diabetes, or chronic stress),
• abdominal surgery,
• prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole).

In these situations, bacteria migrate and multiply in the small intestine, and excessive fermentation can lead to digestive and systemic symptoms.

🦠 Common symptoms of SIBO

• bloating after meals (sometimes extreme, abdomen "inflated" like a balloon),
• gas, belching, bad breath,
• abdominal discomfort or pain,
• loose stools or alternating diarrhea/constipation,
• fatigue and brain fog,
• possible nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, iron, magnesium).

🌿 Natural treatment protocol for SIBO (2 phases)

Phase 1 – Antimicrobial (4–6 weeks)

Purpose: to reduce bacterial load.

• Berberine 500 mg, 2–3 times/day, after meals
• Can be combined with: oregano extract, neem, or allicin (garlic) for a synergistic effect.
• Temporarily avoid fermentable foods (fruits, vegetables) and fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, pickles, etc.).

Phase 2 – Recovery (2 weeks)

Purpose: to restore digestion and intestinal motility.

• adapted probiotic,
• digestive support: pancreatic enzymes + ginger (for motility),
• balanced diet: regular meals, breaks between them (no frequent snacks),
• Zeolit Spectrum, 3 capsules in the morning and 3 in the evening: start with 1 capsule on the first day and increase by one capsule each day. Drink 2 liters of water daily.

⚠️ Warning