Ayurvedic Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Abstract

A normal person has a good microflora in the gut which helps in digestion and metabolism. But sometimes excessive bacterial growth occurs which results in symptomatic condition i.e. SIBO which mostly causes chronic diarrhea, weight loss and malabsorption. This can be managed naturally with herbs without any side effects and aggravating other problems.

What is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?

SIBO is a heterogeneous group of diseases which are characterized by multiplication of bacteria in normal and healthy gut flora. This condition is implicated by malabsorption and chronic diarrhea. Generally, there are less than 104 bacteria/mL facultative anaerobes or gram positive bacteria like lactobacilli and enterococci and about less than 103 bacteria/mL coliforms present in a normal healthy person. But in case of SIBO affected people, they have ≥ 105 Colony-forming units (CFU) of gram-negative coliforms like klebsiella that may produce toxins damaging mucosa. (1) (2)

Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

According to research reviews the prevalence of SIBO is found to be around 2.5% to 22%, which remains consistent. Generally epidemiology varies with the diseases and disorders like for instance about 30%-85% are IBS patients and 50% are suffering from liver cirrhosis. About 50% of elderly group (up to 94 years) have this condition due to one or other reason. (1)

Causes of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

According to the studies, SIBO is not triggered by the single bacterial strain but there is division of colonic bacteria in the small intestine. There are various diseases which may lead to onset of this condition. Some of the disease are-

• Achlorhydria
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Immunodeficiency syndrome
• Small intestine stagnation
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
•  Coeliac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Short bowel syndrome
• Liver cirrhosis
• Scleroderma
• Diabetes mellitus
• Fibromyalgia

Other factors which can trigger SIBO include older age, previous surgery or medication, alcohol, smoking, unhealthy food habits and antibiotics. Some of the motility disorders like gastroparesis, celiac disease etc. may also play a role in triggering the conditions.

Symptoms of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Some of the common clinical features are-

1. Bloating
2. Flatulence
3. Weakness
4. Abdominal discomfort and pain
5. Diarrhea
6. Sudden weight loss
7. Malnutrition
8. Steatorrhea
9. Liver lesion
10. Skin manifestation i.e. rosacea
11. Anemia Flatulence

Complications that May Involve in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

• Malnutrition
• Excess dehydration
• Pain and inflammation in joints
• Constipation
• Leaky gut

Diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Some of the clinical manifestations of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are-

• Weight loss
• Steatorrhea
• Vitamin and mineral deficiency which includes Fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K), Vitamin B₁₂ and Iron
• Decreased xylose absorption
• Excess folate vitamin
• Hypoproteinemia

Some doctors also check the breath to measure the concentration of hydrogen and methane which is produced by bacteria during the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Ayurvedic Aspect Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

According to the Ayurvedic principles, this disease can be considered as Kaphaj and Pittaj vyadhi because in this Kapha dosha remains aggravated and pitta dosha gets vitiated. The vitiated dosha can be balanced naturally with Ayurvedic herbs having antibacterial properties and aids in digestion related problems.

Treatment by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is offering herbal supplements for managing Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) like Mahashankh Vati, Sanjivani Vati, Belgiri powder, Digestion support and Praval panchamrit tablets. All these supplements are 100 % pure, natural, and vegetarian and are formulated under strict supervision.

1. Mahashankh Vati

Mahashankh Vati from Planet Ayurveda is an amazing Ayurvedic formulation which contains enormous herbs like Shunthi ( Zingiber officinale) , Pippali (Piper longum) , Shankha bhasma, Tamarind bark ( Tamarindus indica), Shuddha vatsanabha ( Aconitum ferox), rock salt, black salt, Sea salt, etc. These herbs work efficiently in managing various digestive issues like bloating, acidity, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, etc. This herbal product is very beneficial in reducing bacterial infections which ultimately manages Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) effectively.

Dosage– 2 tablets two times a day with plain water after meals with lukewarm water.

2. Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani Vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation is an amazing herbal remedy for Aama (Endotoxins). This product contains various herbs like Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), vacha (Acorus calmus), Gudhuchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shuddh bhallataka (Semecrapus anacradium), Ginger roots (Zingiber officinale), and Shuddh Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox). Haritaki and Giloy in this supplement effectively removes toxic wastes from the liver and kidneys. These herbs are overloaded with many properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, astringent and an effective anthelmintic which in combination manages various digestive disorders.

Dosage– 2-4 tablets two times a day with plain water after meals.

3. Belgiri Powder

Belgiri churna is an effective herbal medicine for balancing Tridosha i.e. Vata, Kapha and Pitta which will automatically manage the disorder. This herbal blend contains high quality extracts of Bilva (Aegle marmelos) which is bitter and astringent that makes it beneficial in strengthening the digestion.

Dosage– Half to full teaspoonful of powder with plain water after meals, twice in a day.

4. Praval Panchamrit

Praval Panchamrit contains five bhasma i.e. Praval bhasma, Mukta bhasma, Shanka bhasma, Sukti bhasma and Karpadika bhasma which in combination acts like elixir of life. These tablets have rejuvenating action and help in managing digestive disorders like indigestion, bloating, ascites, etc.

Dosage– 1-2 tablets with honey two or three times daily.

5. Digestion Support

Digestion support capsules work efficiently in maintaining a healthy digestive system. These capsules contain various medicinally important herbs i.e. Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Pippali (Piper longum) and Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum). Amla in the combination stimulates digestive juices which aids in digestion of food. Dhania, Pippali and Sounf improves appetite, relieves gas and constipation.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

Prevention

As we know that gut bacteria depends on carbohydrates so reducing the intake of food products that contain high levels of carbohydrates can be a great precautionary step. Food items like wheat, legumes, milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, honey, mushrooms etc. should be excluded from daily diet.

Conclusion

As per the discussion above it can be concluded that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may get complicated if not managed properly. For this one must follow a healthy and hygienic lifestyle, along with proper dietary instructions to avoid further worsening of the condition.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890937/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099351/