Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been an underlying problem of about 84% of patients diagnosed with IBS.
SIBO is a co morbid and contributory factor in several common skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis.
Symptoms of SIBO include abdominal discomfort, distention, bloating, dyspepsia, flatulence, belching, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and/or constipation, sensation of incomplete evacuation and urgency. While less frequent, more serious manifestations of SIBO include malabsorption, weight loss, anemia, iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency.
The most common diagnostic tests include glucose or lactulose breath tests, small intestine aspiration and culture and assessment of symptoms. Breath testing remains the most economic, non-invasive and reliable approach.
Bacterial overgrowth can be found in the oral cavity and in the small intestines. This intestinal overgrowth called SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) produces a toxic gas called hydrogen sulfide when the gas contacts heavy metals or amalgam fillings in the mouth. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable and water-soluble gas that smells like rotten eggs. More potent than cyanide, this toxic gas inhibits mitochondrial respiration by blocking cytochrome c oxidase. Hydrogen sulfide is normal in balanced amounts in the body, but an overgrowth causes the intestinal epithelial barrier to break down.
Increased levels of hydrogen sulfide create more ROS or reactive oxygen species which limits the amount of energy produced in the mitochondria and that results in tissue damage and finally, cell death.
Researchers know that hydrogen sulfide is involved in long-term chronic gut inflammation which leaves cells without oxygen and energy. Hydrogen sulfide, present in gut nerves, in humans, is a unique gut-signaling molecule that increases neuronal electrical activity and mucosal secretion.
Second Nature patients follow the GOOD GUT protocol and use Xymogen's VegaPro protein mix with zero carbs and add in OptiFiber SCFA to increase short chain fatty acids.
Davison, S., & Case, B. (2022, December). Botanical Approach to Hydrogen-Positive Sibo- A Case Report. Townsend Letter, (473), 52–59.