Digestive Health and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

You all know the importance of having a good digestive health and the discomfort caused when it’s worse. Bacteria play a major role in the health of your body. Needless to say, there are good bacteria and bad ones too. Bacteria, when at the right location in the body, play their role perfectly and when moved, might cause problems. They highly influence the metabolism and bowel movements. The bad bacteria from the large intestine when moved to the small intestine, causes Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It’s abbreviated as SIBO. Bad bacteria in small amounts do no harm, but in large amounts blocks the ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients. The Small Intestine Overgrowth Breath Testing helps you diagnose for Bacterial overgrown in the small Intestine reliably.

Symptoms for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

• Constipation
• Gas
• Nausea or acid reflux
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Abdominal Cramps
• Anxiety or depression
• Headache
• Food Sensitivity
• Asthma
• Belching
• Pain in the Joints
• Various skin problems (eczema, acne, etc.)

The small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth shares many symptoms with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Due to this reason alone, it’s difficult to differentiate between the conditions. The detection of these conditions becomes harder because of the overlapping symptoms. The Small Intestine Overgrowth Breath Testing takes care of it easily through its easy ways of diagnosing.

How does the SIBO Test works?

The two gases, in particular, that body does not produce include methane and hydrogen. The bacteria produce them. The person that suffers through Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth has these gases in their breath. After the bacteria move from large to small intestine the overgrown bacteria produce these gases. A small intestine is a place where nutrients get absorbed by the body and go into the bloodstream. The Small Intestine Overgrowth Breath Testing utilizes this information for the detection of these gases in your breath. If found, it’s proved that the condition of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth exists in your body.

Conclusion

Upon the intake of fiber, your constipation worsens; Probiotics promote bloating and gas; Indication of low iron in the bloodstream. If you notice these conditions in your body, it points to the presence of SIBO. To confirm the presence of this condition and to avoid yourself further pain, it’s imperative to take this test. This test proves to be the easiest and reliable way to detect SIBO in your body. The Small Intestine Overgrowth Breath Testing might not cure the condition,  but it’s an important step towards a cure.

How Saliva Hormone Testing Has Become More Reliable, Private and Simpler

With recent developments, saliva hormone testing is becoming more private, simpler and reliable. It is taking less time in saliva testing labs to get results of saliva hormone testing. This is what has been happening till now. The patient, first of all, sees a doctor for prescriptions. After that, the patient visits one of the testing labs in the neighborhood for hormone testing. The test is going to be possibly painful and expensive. Patient’s blood will be drawn.

With the new saliva hormone testing system, you can do saliva test anytime and even at your home. You need not visit any of the saliva testing labs. And, you can test the level of hormones without a doctor’s prescription. And, it also costs a lot less than old-fashioned blood tests. Most of the hormones including melatonin, estrogens, DHEA, progesterone and testosterone decline as you age. Testing level of hormones helps in assessing life extension program progress. Saliva hormone testing is also used for bringing hormone level to normal. Both overdosing and underdosing of hormone supplements are not safe. You are not going to waste your money in saliva testing labs for expensive testing and testing hormone levels.

The salivary drug testing is available to the general public are providing accurate results. These tools are way more convenient than the blood test. And, the subject has to visit labs several times. These tools are being used in saliva testing labs for several years. The saliva hormone testing enables women to test progesterone level and men to test testosterone level without visiting a doctor.

The state-of-the-art Radioimmunoassay technique makes saliva hormone testing more reliable than other hormone testing. The results of saliva hormone testing are more meaningful when compared to a blood test. Saliva hormone testing measures the level of active hormone. Blood test, on the other hand, measures both active and inactive hormone and therefore, it is less reliable.

You simply need a saliva hormone testing kit. And, this kit is easily available in saliva testing labs and also very easy to use. Here is what comes with this kit:

Pre-paid return mailer

Packing material

Collection tube

Sugarless chewing gum

Identification labels and forms

Here is how you will use the kit. Chew the gum and spit into the collection tube. Fill out the form, pack everything and mail it to one of the saliva testing labs.

 

 

 

 

 

How Do Lactulose SIBO Breath Tests Work?

The primary functions of the small intestine are those of digestion and absorption of nutrients from our food. The bacteria in our small intestine aid in these processes, providing valuable nutrients, supporting gut immunity, and protecting us from other invasive organisms.

Overgrowth or misplacement of normal colonic bacteria in the small intestine results in fermentation, rather than the normal digestion and absorption that are its primary functions. When carbohydrates ferment rather than digest, hydrogen and methane can be produced in measurable quantities. The process of fermentation creates a host of symptoms that can be difficult to treat effectively without diagnosing and addressing the root cause. Diagnosing Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can be done through breath tests.

To complete a SIBO Breath Test, patients collect a baseline breath sample, before drinking a solution containing a sugar substrate. The patient then collects additional breath samples over the course of several hours. The hydrogen and methane within these samples is then tested.

Hydrogen and methane are produced by bacteria and are not a normal product of human metabolism. Too much hydrogen, methane, or both, is a positive test for bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine.

With this condition, the small intestine does not get a chance to digest and absorb sugar and carbohydrate as the bacteria digests them. Therefore, a large of amount hydrogen is produced in the small intestine.

BioHealth Laboratory offers several different options for SIBO Breath Tests, including lactulose, glucose, and fructose as well as combination kits.

Role of Good Bacteria in Human Digestive System

We have written several pieces about bacteria in past. Bacteria play very important roles in the completion of various important processes, especially in the digestive system. And, if the digestive system is not functioning properly, you are going to suffer from a range of digestive disorders and other health problems. The digestive system processes the food and converts it into energy. And, the waste is shown way out of the body.

There are more than 100 trillion bacteria in your gut. Some of these bacteria are good and some are bad. The bad bacteria do not cause any problem if present in a little amount. Otherwise, the bad bacteria can lead to several digestive disorders. Apart from this, these bacteria can also cause other problems when move into some other parts of the body.

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test 

For example, if the bacteria from large intestine travel into small intestine then you will experience the symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Bacterial overgrowth breath test tells whether you are suffering from this condition or not. Good bacteria, on the other hand, perform a number of very important functions in the small and large intestine.

Bacteria perform following functions in the intestinal tract.

Beat Bad Bacteria

Good bacteria prevent the growth of bad bacteria that can cause several health problems. Good bacteria use up nutrients. So, no nutrient is left for bad bacteria. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria respectively present in small and large intestine produce lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to create and maintain an acidic environment. The bad bacteria cannot grow in this acidic environment.

Digest Nutrients

Good bacteria break down proteins, fats and complex sugars. This makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. Lactobacilli break down lactose and proteins in the small intestine.

Synthesize Vitamins

Lactobacillus acidophilus is bacteria that manufacture vitamin K. Lactic acid bacteria produces B-group vitamins. Enteric bacteria manufacture vitamin B-12. Similarly, there are other bacteria that synthesize vitamins.

Improve Immune System

Bacteriocins produced by a type of Lactobacillus discourage the growth of bad bacteria in the small intestine. Good bacteria increase the number of T-cells. These are white blood cells that improve the immune system to restrict bad bacteria.

If you feel that something is wrong with your digestive system then don’t put in on the back burner. Visit a doctor or a lab for bacterial overgrowth breath test. This test will help in the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and other digestive system disorders.

What Do You Know About Bacteria In Your Guts?

Let’s start with an interesting fact. There were no bacteria in our bodies when we born. However, within a few seconds of our birth, bacteria started inhabiting in our bodies. Now, we have bacteria in our eyes, mouth, digestive system and even under our arms. There are different types of bacteria. Some bacteria congregate in the humidity of our feet and sometimes in dry conditions of our forearms. Most of the bacteria are harmless when stay at their right place. Bacteria are very helpful. The three pound of bacteria in our guts helps in the digestion of food. The majority of bacteria in our guts are in the large intestine.

And, these bacteria have a high impact on our health. Bacteria in our guts help in metabolism, immune system development, production of essential bio-compound and bacteria also influence our metabolism. If they stay where they should be, it is good for our health. If they move into small intestine then we will suffer from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Changes in gut bacteria can cause obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. And, this has been shown in a number of researches.

Experts have studied the three-dimensional structure of bacterial enzymes. Bacteria play the important role of breaking down sugar polymers. These sugar polymers are broken down to simple glucose. Gut bacteria have a large no of enzymes for breaking down complex sugars. So, these studies on gut bacteria and other gut organisms give a better understanding of diseases like diabetes and obesity.

This is important because it could potentially help scientists and doctors to better understand of the impact of gut organisms on human diseases like diabetes and obesity. There are multiple species of bacteria in our bodies and we know a little about these bacteria. This will help in making more effective and safe medications. Presently, medications are designed to target human enzymes, not bacterial enzymes. For example, a doctor gives medication to control the production of glucose in a diabetes patient. However, the medication should also target bacterial enzymes responsible for the production of glucose.

Antibiotics and antimicrobials medications do target bacteria. However, we can develop more medications after understanding what different species of bacteria do inside our bodies. Apart from this, the undertaking of colonies of bacteria living in our digestive tract will also help in understating various digestive disorders. We know that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is developed due to large intestinal bacteria moving into the small intestine.

However, we still don’t know the exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is the reason why IBS is difficult to treat. So, the study of guts bacteria can reveal the causes of IBS and other digestive disorders. Our scientists can also develop more effective medication for IBS, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and disorders. Till now, these unicellular organisms have been mysteries. However, scientists have shifted their focus to these complex unicellular organisms in recent years.

So, this will bring great improvements the healthcare industry.

What is the difference between Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth And IBS?

‘Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth’ and ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’, both are digestive system disorders caused when there are some troubles in small and/or large intestine (bowel). Both disorders come with some common symptoms including:

IBS and SIBO common symptoms   

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Gas
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea, acid reflux or heartburn
• Mood disorders like depression or anxiety
• Fatigue
• Headaches

IBS Shows Following Symptoms That Are Different From SIBO

• Changes in normal bowel movements, for example, you used to have two bowel movements a day but now you are having four bowel movements a day.
• Changes in texture and color of stool
• Loss appetite or feeling full
• Sexual problems
• Unpleasant taste in mouth
• Muscle aches
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate
• Heart palpitations

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth symptoms that are different from IBS

• Belching
• Food sensitivities
• Joint Pain
• Asthama
• Skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea

It is clear that most of the major symptoms of these two conditions overlap. A few other digestive disorders also show the same symptoms. Therefore, a doctor cannot rely on symptoms only to diagnose whether the patient is suffering from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or irritable bowel syndrome.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Diagnosis

SIBO Breath test is the most reliable test for diagnosing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This test detects the presence of two gases in the breath – hydrogen and methane. Our body cannot produce any of these two gases. However, bacteria can. A person suffers from SIBO when the bacteria in the small intestine are more than normal. This happens when bacteria from the large intestine move into the small intestine. The small intestine is a site where nutrients are absorbed. Food is not fermented in the small intestine. The bacteria overgrown in the small intestine produce these gases. So, if hydrogen and methane are detected in your breath, you are suffering from SIBO.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis

IBS is different from other digestive system problems. This condition does cause any structural problem in the intestine. So, this condition is hard to diagnose. No test can successfully diagnose this disorder. This condition is diagnosed by eliminating and observing symptoms. The doctor will ask following questions:

• How many times you have to use the bathroom in a single day?
• Is abdominal pain reduced after going to the bathroom?
• Does eating a specific food cause changes in texture or color of the stool?
• Do you feel gassy or bloated after eating certain meals?
• Does exercise provide relief from the symptoms of IBS?
• Do you have any food sensitivity or allergy

Everything You Need To Know About SIBO

Being an essential part of our small bowel, bacteria perform various important functions. However, bacterial overgrowth in small bowel can cause several symptoms such as leaky guts. The small bowel connects large bowel and the stomach. The length of normal small bowel is 20 feet long. The number of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract varies. However, it is present throughout the tract.

The number of bacteria living in the small bowel is way less than the number of bacteria in the colon or large bowel. And, bacteria present in the colon are completely different from the bacteria living in the small bowel.

Bacteria in small bowel provide protection from ingested yeast and bad bacteria. The bacteria help in absorbing nutrients and also produce vitamin K, folate and a few more important nutrients. The bacteria also help in normal small bowel muscle activity. The movement of intestinal content depends on the small bowel bacteria. However, overgrowth of the bacteria is not good for the health of the small bowel.

Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO Breath Test helps in diagnosing Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth. In this condition, the number of bacteria in the small bowel is increased. Apart from this, the type of bacteria might or might not be changed. In most of the cases, this condition is caused due to overgrowth of different types of bacteria. These bacteria are usually found in the colon. SIBO due to overgrowth of small bowel’s normal bacteria is less common.

Damage Caused by SIBO

• SIBO affects the function and structure of the small bowel.
• It damages the small bowel cell lining which affects the digestion and also the absorption of essential nutrients.
• Damage to cell lining causes leaky gut.
• Large molecules due to leaky guts enter the bloodstream and cause complications like autoimmune disease, food allergies or sensitivities, generalized inflammation and other immune reactions.

Common Symptoms of SIBO

If you experience one or more than one of the following symptoms then you should visit a doctor for SIBO Breath Test.

• Abdominal discomfort/pain
• Diarrhea
• Bloating and abdominal distention
• Belching and gas
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies

SIBO Risk Factors

SIBO Breath Test helps in diagnosing SIBO. The risk factors of SIBO include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Prior bowel surgery
• Multiple courses of antibiotics
• Organ system dysfunction

SIBO breath test on time helps in controlling and treating small intestinal bowel overgrowth. Therefore,

Addison’s disease (Adrenal Insufficiency) – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Adrenals glands are part of the endocrine system. This system is responsible for secreting hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction and other processes. These small glands are just above kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that respond to stress. These hormones also serve the purpose of regulating water and salt, and blood pressure.

Cortisol is one of these hormones. It plays a key role in digestion, heart function and many other functions. Mineralocorticoids maintain potassium – sodium balance in the body. Male sex hormones Androgens influence libido, muscle mass and also cause sexual developments in men.

What Causes Adrenal Insufficiency?

Adrenal glands fail due to following:

• Adrenal gland infections
• Tuberculosis
• Cancer spreading to adrenal glands
• Adrenal gland bleeding
• Corticosteroids (given to treat arthritis, asthma and a few other chronic conditions)

A person suffers from Addison’s disease when adrenal glands do not produce these hormones in adequate amount. 30 to 50 years old men and women are at higher risk. Addison’s disease is also known as adrenal insufficiency.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

Symptoms of this disease are vague. This makes it difficult to diagnose the Addison’s disease. However, if a person experiences following symptoms then he should visit the nearest doctor for Adrenal saliva test:

Muscle weakness or muscle pain	Joint pain
Fatigue	Fever
Diarrhea, Nausea and/or vomiting	Loss of appetite
Fainting or lightheadedness	Irritability, depression or anxiety
Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin)	Pain in lower back, legs or abdomen (Pain is severe and sudden)
Slurred speech or confusion	Salt food cravings
Seizures	Sluggish Movements

Tests for Addison’s Disease Diagnosis 

Adrenal saliva test or adrenal insufficiency test is an efficient test for the diagnosis of Addison’s disease. The adrenal saliva test is also known by some other names including adrenal fatigue saliva test and adrenal fatigue test. This test measures the level of minerals and hormone in the body. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computerized Tomography Scan (CT Scan) is used to see the size of adrenal glands of the patient.

A patient suffering from Addison’s disease is given prescription hormones. These prescription hormones include cortisone acetate, hydrocortisone or prednisone. Fludrocortisones is given when the body is not producing sufficient amount of hormones. These hormones are usually given in the form of pills. Dehydroepiandrosterone improves sex drive and mood in women suffering from this disease. Once this disease is confirmed after adrenal saliva test; a patient has to take these pills for the rest of life.

Therefore, do not ignore these symptoms and find a clinic for an Adrenal saliva test.