H Plyori And SIBO: Everything You Need To Know

H. pylori and SIBO are frequently occurring conditions that can greatly affect gut health. H. pylori is a type of bacterium which causes problems when it becomes excessive inside the stomach.

Equally, there is the development of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) when the overall bacterial population in the small intestine increases abnormally.

Both ailments can lead to discomfort as well as other health issues, and it is important to discern them for proper management and control. That’s why this article will provide an inclusive understanding of H. pylori and SIBO in order to empower readers towards effective self-management of their gut health.

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H. pylori, which is short for Helicobacter pylori, is a type of bacteria that can be found living in your stomach; it’s extremely common with about half of people globally having it unknowingly because it often doesn’t show any symptoms.

However, if H. Pylori grows unchecked, you may suffer from various health problems. These bacteria can destroy the protective lining on the stomach or small intestines causing ulcers which are painful sores on the lining of the stomach.

Occasionally, this might also cause stomach cancer.

Causes of H. pylori infection

The specific causes of H. pylori infection are still unclear but the general understanding is that it is transmitted by:

• Food and water contaminated with H. pylori bacteria

• Oral transmission (Kissing)

• Feces and vomit contaminated with the bacteria.

Moreover, since it is contagious, living in crowded spaces or being in contact with an infected person also increases your risk of infection. Despite being highly prevalent, many people remain unaware of their H.pylori infection until they start experiencing its symptoms.

Symptoms of H. pylori infection

These include:

• Stomachache

• Gasses in the stomach

• Burping frequently

• Lack of appetite

• Puking

• Loss of Weight

Nonetheless, these signs could also be due to other conditions; hence, a proper diagnosis is necessary. In case you think you may have an H.pylori infection, medical experts can run some tests, including breath tests, blood tests, and stool tests to confirm the presence of the bacterium.

What is

SIBO, also called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, denotes a condition where the growth of microorganisms in the small intestine surpasses normal. Normally, there are few bacteria in the small intestine as compared to the colon.

However, cases of SIBO have shown that these bacteria can be numerous and they can result in several health conditions.

The Causes of SIBO

Causes of SIBO include:

• Reduced motility of the small intestines, leading to bacterial overgrowth

• Growing old

• Physical blockage within the intestines

• Some medications such as opioids, antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

• Diseases affecting muscular movements in the stomach for instance diabetes

One can also develop SIBO due to a weakened immune system, certain eating habits, and even previous abdominal surgeries.

Symptoms of SIBO

Signs and symptoms of SIBO include

• Stomach pain

• Belly Bloat

• Enlargement or distention of the abdomen area

• Frequent loose stools with mucus present

• Decreased weight due to loss of appetite and malabsorption caused by an inflamed gut lining.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms please consult a specialised doctor or an IFDW Gut Health Expert.

H. pylori and SIBO are both disturbances of the bacteria balance in your intestines, but they affect different parts and in different ways. While H. pylori mainly affects the stomach, the small intestine is a target site for SIBO.

However, there’s some relation between the two. One of the roles played by H. pylori is lowering stomach acid, which is supposed to prevent too much bacteria from living in the small intestine. When acid levels in the stomach are low, it allows for more multiplication of bacteria, raising the possibility of getting SIBO.

Furthermore, it should be noted that both conditions can present with symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating or their severe forms such as malnutrition. In addition, these ailments can interfere with food nutrient absorption.

Poor nutrition absorption may cause shortages of indispensable vitamins and minerals necessary for general health deterioration; hence necessitating proper handling of these diseases to maintain correct colon health.

Testing for SIBO and H Pylori is relatively straightforward as it involves three main methods, including a Breath test, Blood test, and Stool test. Here’s what you need to know about each:

Breath Test

The breath test for SIBO measures how much hydrogen and methane are in the breath. As for H Pylori, It measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your breath after you drink a special solution containing urea

You can perform the test by purchasing a test kit from the IFDW or a medical facility. Afterwards, take the breath test as instructed then send it back to the lap for assessment.

Blood Test

A blood test for SIBO measures the antibodies against the bacterial toxin Cytolethal Distending Toxin B (CdtB) and the small intestine nerve protein Vinculin. As for H Pylori, the blood test also detects the antibodies your body makes to fight H Pylori. This option is highly accurate and will rule out other conditions.

Stool Test

A stool test for SIBO can give a comprehensive overview of the bacterial content of your large and small intestine. On the other hand, this same test aims to detect the antigen associated with H Pylori in the faeces. To test for H Pylori you can order the GI Map test from the IFDW. 

While it’s best to visit a doctor if you suspect you have SIBO or H Pylori, you can also test yourself at home and mail the sample to the lab for analysis. 

This is possible with the IFDW SIBO test kit (for SIBO) and the GI Map test (for H pylori), which come with clear instructions to ensure a hassle-free test process. 

Treatment options

Both diseases are usually treated with a combination of medicines, which will be prescribed by the healthcare providers. For H. pylori, these often include drugs to kill the bacteria and lower stomach acid levels.

These drugs include:

• Amoxil

• Clarithromycin

• Flagyl

• Levaquin

• Sumycin

• Mycobutin

On the other hand, SIBO is treated with antibiotics aimed at reducing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines, and they include;

• Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin)

• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

• Metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Neomycin (Mycifradin)

• Norfloxacin (Noroxin)

• Rifaximin (Xifaxan)

• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)

To ensure the best results, it is important to follow these prescriptions as directed and finish all medications as described by your doctor or IFDW Gut Health Expert.

Lifestyle changes

It can also help if you make some changes in lifestyle; this can assist in managing them too. Regular exercise, enough sleep and stress relief mechanisms may actually promote better gut health.

Apart from that one should avoid factors that expose one to such conditions i.e. excessive alcohol use and certain drugs that can lead to an imbalance of bacteria within gut walls.

Role of diet and nutrition

Managing both H. pylori and SIBO also involves focusing on diet as it is an important element. Some foods can worsen your symptoms while others can help maintain a proper balance of bacteria in the gut.

Although you may need personalized information from a healthcare professional or dietitian, you should consume diets which are rich in whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables.

Probiotics are also good bacteria that can help rebalance the gut. However, the use of this remedy should be guided by a medical practitioner.

By understanding these causes, symptoms, and treatment options for H.pylori and SIBO, one can take proactive steps to manage these conditions. For this reason, at IFDW, we have several stool test kits which enable you to monitor your gut health.

Feel free to explore our variety of stool test kits so that you get to know more about your gut health. For detailed information check out our collection page on stool tests.