Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth in Salt Lake City, UT

Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition that develops when an abnormal amount of bacteria moves into your small intestine. This often happens due to the slow movement of food through your digestive tract. At Cameron Wellness and Spa, our skilled healthcare professionals offer proper diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal bacteria overgrowth. If you exhibit any unpleasant symptoms associated with SIBO, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Our physician at our Salt Lake City, UT office. We can help care for your bacteria overgrowth and help restore your quality of life through natural treatment options.

In many cases, SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is due to food poisoning or chronic antibiotic use; however, it can also occur because of abdominal surgery, as well as structural issues. SIBO can also be triggered by certain medical conditions such as Crohn's disease, scleroderma, celiac disease, diabetes, and others. The bacteria living in our small intestines are an essential part of food digestion and nutrient absorption, when functioning properly. However, SIBO occurs when an abnormal number of these helpful bacteria within the large intestine begin to make their way into the small intestine. The limited space of the small intestine leaves less room for these bacteria to release necessary gas, meaning the gas has nowhere to go and becomes trapped within the small intestine itself.

Mark Pimental, a leading gastroenterology researcher, discovered that roughly 78% of patients with IBS in his study (Pimentel, Chow, & Lin, 2000) were found to have SIBO. As such, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it's very likely you may also be experiencing SIBO. To make matters even worse, many of the most common treatments for IBS actually make symptoms of SIBO even worse. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, it's possible you may have SIBO:

• Extreme bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Excessive gas

In order to properly diagnose small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, the lactulose breath test (LBT) will need to be conducted. These tests are conducted in our office, allowing you to simply pick up the test kit on the day of your appointment and return it once it has been completed. Before the test, we'll ask you to take part in a 24-hour diet prep. At the end of this period, you'll consume lactulose and blow into the test tubes every 20 minutes for three hours. This allows us to measure the lactulose coming from the small and large intestines.

Once a proper diagnosis has been established, our physicians will create a customized treatment plan specifically for you. Typically, SIBO can be effectively treated with herbals and/or an elemental diet; however, antibiotics may also be helpful in subsiding your symptoms. Our staff understands that SIBO can often be chronic, and we actively work to do not only ensure the bacteria in your small intestine is eliminated but that it stays gone. This is done by getting to know you on a very personal level you won't find at conventional practices, which allows us to completely understand your body and medical history to identify the root of your problems. Even after SIBO has been treated, we will work with you to offer continued support, ensuring it never happens again.

At Cameron Wellness and Spa, our skilled doctors are dedicated to properly diagnosing and treating SIBO in a natural manner. If you're tired of constant doctor visits with nothing to show for it, allow our staff to show you an experience that is unmatched in all of Salt Lake City, UT. Learn more about your treatment options by contacting our facility to schedule a conversation with a member of our staff. 

How common is SIBO?

The prevalence of SIBO among otherwise healthy patients may be unknown. This condition can be caused by food poisoning or the frequent use of antibiotics, as well as abdominal surgery or structural issues in your anatomy. Our team works hard to determine the cause of SIBO so we can correct the underlying issue and improve your health.

What happens if SIBO goes untreated?

Untreated SIBO can lead to a number of additional health issues like extreme bloating, stomach pain, unintended weight loss, and malnutrition. Symptoms can escalate and get worse over time, preventing you from enjoying daily activities and events. Patients in Salt Lake City, UT, should see an expert as soon as they notice symptoms to prevent additional complications.

Why choose Cameron Wellness and Spa?

The specialists at Cameron Wellness and Spa are committed to helping patients with SIBO and relieving painful symptoms. You can rest assured knowing that our providers can help with treatment recommendations and additional support measures if needed. We prioritize patient health and safety by providing the best care possible.