Tag: herbal treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

What is SIBO? – Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Our gut contains trillions of microbes which help in maintaining the health of the large intestine and they are also known as gut microbiota. They are helpful in improving digestion, stimulating the immune system, synthesizing vitamins, and producing signaling molecules. In order to keep these microbes’ fat from the intestinal walls, we all have a thick layer of mucus secreted by the epithelium. While in the small intestinal there are a smaller number of microbes present and helping the smooth muscles of the gut to contract smoothly. However, when these numbers increase rapidly it gives rise to a condition called Small Intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In this article we are going to discuss SIBO more in detail along with its treatment through herbal medicine.

What is SIBO?

SIBO is used for the term called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth where group disease occurs due to increased bacteria in the gut. This condition leads to diarrhea, weight loss and malabsorption and it is only seen in a small number of patients. This increased number of microbes causes the fermentation of food within the small intestine producing hydrogen and other gases. This then results in degeneration of the mucosal layer which then causes the inflammation of the gut barrier. It is found that 30 to 85 percent of the patients with IBS suffer from this disease which then forms liver cirrhosis. Most of them are elderly people who are at the age of 94 years and both men as well as women are equally affected by this disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Here are Some of the Common Clinical Features seen in SIBO including

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Pain
  • Bloating in abdomen and flatulence after eating
  • Foul smelling stool
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Megaloblastic anemia which is due to malabsorption of Vitamin B12
  • Pain in abdomen
  • Mucus in stools
  • Bloating aggravated by eating carbs, fiber and sugar
  • Loss of weight
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Symptoms of SIBO

What Are the Causes for SIBO?

There are some of the causes that can lead to the overgrowth of intestinal bacteria including

  • Weak immune system of the body
  • Anatomical abnormalities in the small intestine
  • Changes in pH levels of small intestine
  • Malfunctioning muscular activity of the small intestine meaning the bacteria and foods are not removed properly.

Some Other Medical Condition Includes

  • Celiac disease
  • Low stomach acid
  • Gastroparesis
  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Nerve damage
  • Cirrhosis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Certain type of gastric bypass procedures

Risk Factors

  • Age: – It is mostly seen in older adults as they are more prone to the disease because they are not able to produce enough gastric acid that helps in breaking down the food.
  • Gender: – Females are most likely to suffer from the disease as compared to men.
  • Chronic disease: – People who suffer from connective tissue disorder like scleroderma, lupus or diabetes are at risk because their intestines are not working properly. Along with that the patients who have HIV have weak immune systems resulting in increased growth of the bacteria.
  • Others: – Drinking excessive alcohol or history of bowel surgery reduces the activity of the stomach and produces less stomach acid.

How can SIBO be Diagnosed?

The doctor might ask for the clinical features of the patient along with the medical history of the patient.  Along with that there is test performed including

  • Stool test
  • Blood test
  • Breath test

Treatment of SIBO

According to Ayurveda, small intestinal growth is correlated with the collection of toxins known as Aama. It is caused due to eating indigestible foods like junk and oily foods or foods that have too much salt, sugar or are spicy. It causes the Agni to lower down and affect the proper functioning of the stomach which results in excessive fermentation. It can be easily managed through herbal medicine which naturally reduces the overproduction of bacteria along with calming down the digestive tract.

Planet Ayurveda Provides Herbal Medicine for SIBO

Planet Ayurveda is a private limited company that manufactures herbal medicine and provides medicine not only in India but also other parts of the world. These herbal medicines are prepared properly according to the Ayurvedic principle and are 100 percent pure, natural as well as vegetarian. Each of them are free from chemicals, preservatives as well as additives and made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor. Along with that they are free from side-effects making it safe to use and here are the list of herbal medicine including

  1. Mahashankh Vati
  2. Sanjivani Vati
  3. Belgiri Churna
  4. Praval Panchamrit
  5. Digestion Support

Alternative Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Alternative Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Product Description

1. Mahashankh Vati

It is made from the formulation of herbs like Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Suddha (Aconitum ferox) and many more. It is one of the best herbal medicines for reducing any kind of abdominal pain and helps in removing toxins from the body. This herbal remedy is very effective in balancing the pH levels of the gut and also decreasing the increased number of microbes.

Dosage:- Two tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Sanjivani Vati

It is one of the classical formulation made from herbs like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum) etc. It is packed with anti-inflammatory, astringent and anti-bacterial properties making it perfect for treating SIBO. It is perfect for balancing the Kapha as well as Vata Dosha and removing Aama products in the stomach. Along with those helps in reducing ailments like weakness, pain and fatigue as well as reducing the excessive production of mucus.

Dosage:- One tablet twice daily after meals with water.

3. Belgiri Churna

It is one of the effective churna for balancing all the three dosha as it is made from the extract of a single herb known as Bilva (Aegle marmelos). It is very effective in reducing the burning sensation in the stomach as it consists of carminative properties. Along with that its antipyretic property helps in fighting any kind of bacterial infection.

Dosage:- One teaspoonful twice daily as prescribed by the physician.

4. Praval Panchamrit

It is made from different herbal minerals like Mukta bhasma, Sukti bhasma, Praval bhasma and many more. This herbal medicine effectively helps in managing the intestinal disorders and also treating ailments like nausea, flatulence by reducing the fermentation. Due to its rejuvenating property, it has been found very helpful in improving the health of intestinal walls.

Dosage:- Two tablets after meals with plain water twice daily.

5. Digestion Support

These capsules are made from the extract of herbs like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Pippali (Piper longum), Jeerak (CyminumCuminum) and many more. As the name says it is helpful in supporting as well as improving digestion of the body. It helps in improving digestion and also relieves constipation as well as flatulence.

Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals.

Preventive as well as Dietary tips

  • It is important for women to stop taking any kind of contraceptive pills.
  • Avoid taking any kind of NSAIDs as well as Antidepressants.
  • The intake of alcohol should be limited.
  • Foods rich in probiotics should be increased as it will help in maintaining gut health.
  • Vegetables and fruits like carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, cucumber, kiwi, blueberries and pineapple should be included more in the diet.
  • Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, custard or ice cream should not be included in the diet.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604.

Conclusion

As discussed above it is concluded that if SIBO is left untreated then it can lead to many digestive problems and complications. It can be easily managed through herbal medicine which will not only treat the related symptoms but will remove the root cause of the disease as well.

Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) through Ayurveda

Abstract

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a severe condition that affects the small intestine. Bacteria are overexpressed in the small intestine and can also result in malnutrition as bacteria begin to consume the nutrients of the body. To manage the condition and further complications an appropriate treatment is needed. Sometimes dietary changes also provide relief from SIBO. Therefore, Ayurveda is an appropriate treatment for SIBO as they provide herbs, herbal remedies, and dietary guidelines.

Introduction

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), it is also termed as small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SBBOS), or bacterial overgrowth which include the excess growth of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, bacteria are present in the gut for digestion but when they start to grow in the small intestine then the condition occurs is known as Small intestine bacterial overgrowth.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Cause of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

This overgrowth of bacteria can occur in the small intestine when bacteria pass from a part of the digestive system to the small intestine or when the bacteria develop naturally in the small intestine and spread too much.

SIBO can also be the result of gastric bypass procedures or surgeries and can be due to various health conditions, such as:

  1. Celiac disease
  2. Viral gastroenteritis
  3. Crohn’s disease
  4. Gastroparesis
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome
  6. Cirrhosis
  7. Hypochlorhydria (low level of stomach acid)
  8. Nerve damage
  9. Portal hypertension

Risk factors of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

  1. Older age
  2. Females are more prone to have SIBO
  3. Alcohol
  4. Smoking
  5. Unhealthy food habits
  6. Use of medicines such as antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors

Symptoms of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

The symptoms of SIBO are similar to other digestive conditions. The severity may vary from mild stomach distress to chronic diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and weight loss, etc. The symptoms associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are the following:

  1. Stomach pain
  2. Bloating
  3. Indigestion
  4. Diarrhea and constipation
  5. Nausea
  6. Cramps
  7. Feeling of fullness
  8. Unexplained weight loss (Malnutrition)

Diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

For diagnosis, the doctor will ask you about the symptoms that you have experienced and your medical history. He will also do a complete physical examination and ask for some blood tests, fecal tests or other tests like breath tests.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

According to the Ayurveda, this condition can be considered as Kaphaj and Pittaj vyadhi. In this aggravation of Kapha dosha and vitiation of pitta dosha takes place.

Ayurveda manages the condition naturally by providing herbs, herbal remedies, and dietary guidelines. These remedies help in balancing the Tridosha of the body and reduce the symptoms associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and also eradicate the root cause. The following are some herbs and herbal remedies to treat this condition and the effective herbal remedies are provided by Planet Ayurveda.

Herbs for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

  1. Amla (Emblica officinalis): This herb balances the pH level of the stomach and provides rejuvenating property.
  2. Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare): It works as a natural digestive and appetizer.
  3. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica): It eliminates the toxins from the body.
  4. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): It supports healthy metabolism and boosts the secretion of digestive juices.
  5. Pippali (Piper longum): It acts as a catalyst and appetizer.
  6. Ardraka (Gingiber officinale): It also improves immunity.
  7. Bhabhitaki (Terminalia bellirica): It acts as a mild laxative and beneficial in various digestive problems.
  8. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): It also acts as a laxative

Herbal Remedies for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers safe and effective herbal remedies for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It includes Sanjivani Vati, Digestive Support capsules, Belgiri Powder, Mahashankh Vati, and Praval Panchamrit Ras. These products are prepared by using pure herbs and contain no external additives.

Product Description

1. Sanjivani Vati

The ingredients added in Sanjivani Vati are Guduchi, Ardraka, Vidanga, Vacha, Shudh bhallatak, Shudh vatsanbh, Amlaki, Bhabhitaki, and Haritaki. This classical formulation balances the vitiated dosha in the body and beneficial in all digestive and intestine problems. It is helpful to digest the ama or toxins in the intestine that creates a blockage in the system. Due to these properties, it is effective in the treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily

2. Digestive Support

These capsules prepared by a combination of many useful herbs such as Haritaki, Amalaki, Bahera, Pippali, Dhania, Jeerak, and Sounf. These herbs eliminate the accumulated Kapha from the body and also support healthy metabolism and improve immunity. So, these capsules maintain the natural pH in the stomach and also manage the symptoms related to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth such as stomach pain, cramps, indigestion, bloating, gas, etc.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Belgiri Powder

This herbal formulation prepared by using herb Bilva (Aegle marmelos) which helps to balance Vata and Kapha disorders. This herb possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-diarrheal properties. It also prevents the spreading of microorganisms throughout the body and provides anti-infective and has anti-bacterial properties. Belgiri Powder provides relief from many symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, stomach pain, gas, etc. associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

Dosage: Half to one full teaspoonful with plain water after meals.

4. Mahashankh Vati

This herbal formulation prepared by combining many useful herbs such as Chitraka, Danti, Pippali, Yavkshar, Sarjakshar, Shudh Parad, and Shudh Tankan. These tablets are effective in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, as it helps to reduce the symptoms like gastritis, abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, indigestion, etc. It also improves the absorption of nutrients and benefits in malabsorption because in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth patients may suffer from malabsorption.

Dosage: 2 tablets daily with plain water after meals.

5. Praval Panchamrit Ras

This herbal formulation contains Pearl Bhasma, Pearl oyster bhasma, Conch shell Bhasma, Coral bhasma, and Calotropis Procera. It possesses Anti-bacterial action and reduces the growth of the bacteria in the small intestine, thus effective in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It also acts as a digestive stimulant, carminative and natural healer.

Dosage: 250 mg two times with honey, ghee, and milk after meals or s per directed by the doctor.

Dietary changes

Dietary changes are also advised to the people having Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It includes food what to eat and what to avoid.

Foods to be Added

  1. The low-FODMAP diet is commonly recommended in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates i.e. (Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols)
  2. Soluble and insoluble fiber is also recommended.
  3. Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, lettuce, sweet potato and cucumber,
  4. Gluten-Free Foods: white or brown rice
  5. Fruit: Banana, kiwi, blueberries, pineapple
  6. Non-Vegetarian Foods: Skinless chicken, egg white
  7. Fats and Oils: Limited oils

Foods to be Avoided

  1. Avoid high FODMAP foods in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
  2. Fruits: Citrus fruits, apples, blackberries, apricots, cherries, pears, plums, mango, watermelon, and nectarines, or juice including any of these fruits
  3. Vegetables: Asparagus, artichokes, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, and garlic salts, mushrooms, lentils, and onions, etc.
  4. Dairy products: Milk, milk products, yogurt, cheeses, custard, and ice cream
  5. Wheat and rye products
  6. Honey and Foods including high-fructose maize syrup

Conclusion

Complete information has concluded that natural remedies are best for treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth as these safe, effective and do not produce any side effects and also act as a dietary supplement.