Bacteria Overgrowth

Bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine is a relatively common condition and can build up over a number of years before being detected.  It can be attributable to an overuse of medications, steroids, birth control, antibiotics and antacids which wipe out friendly intestinal bacteria and make way for bad bacteria to grow.  Also – with age – the stomach produces less stomach acid to kill bad bacteria, so this reduction in acid can also help bacteria to multiply.

 

It’s not something that is generally tested for and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be blamed for causing the symptoms experienced, but excess bacteria could be an underlying issue as it inhibits the body from absorbing food, especially carbohydrates, sugar and fat.  The food that isn’t absorbed properly is then left to ferment in the intestines causing a variety of gastro-intestinal problems.

 

The symptoms of bacteria overgrowth include abdominal bloating and wind after meals, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea and nutritional deficiency.  The bloating may be worse after eating carbohydrate-rich foods or sugar.

 

As the bad bacteria flourish over time, it’s not just digestive disturbances that occur; fatigue or depression can develop too and a bacteria overgrowth has not only been linked to Fibromyalgia, but to many other chronic conditions including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus and arthritis.  It can also lead to the development of Leaky Gut Syndrome.

 

It is important to address this imbalance through limiting sugar intake as well as following a low-carbohydrate diet; by limiting starchy foods there can be an immediate noticeable reduction in bloating and wind.

 

It’s also important to add more friendly bacteria (probiotics) into the diet and there are a large number of supplements available.  Probiotics can be bought as a stand-alone supplement – such as ‘acidophilus’ or in conjunction with a multivitamin.  Alternatively there are a whole host of probiotic yoghurts available in all the main supermarkets.

 

Digestive enzyme supplements can also improve digestive health, peppermint oil capsules can be very effective for killing bacteria, olive leaf extract or coconut oil can be beneficial too.

 

Vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to – or be caused by – bacterial overgrowth including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper and vitamin B12.