Dysbiosis/ SIBO: Case Study
Dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in the microbiome, is characterized by one or more of the following6:
- A loss of beneficial bacteria
- An increase in opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria
- A loss of overall bacterial diversity
- A change in the distribution of the microbiota between niche
Dysbiosis results in changes in metabolic activities, increasing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and endogenous toxins. It simultaneously results in a loss of protective mediators produced by beneficial flora, tipping the scale toward inflammation and damage to the intestinal epithelium. This results in intestinal permeability and negative systemic effects.
Dysbiosis can be caused by many factors including; lifestyle factors (diet, stress, poor sleep, inappropriate amounts of exercise) medications, infections and inflammation, xenobiotics, poor dental hygiene, or hormonal fluctuations.
Symptoms include:
Digestive issues:
- Altered bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea)
- Bloating, cramping, abdominal discomfort
- Food intolerance or sensitivities
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Nausea
- Belching and/or flatulence
Systemic Issues:
- Fatigue
- Cavities, tooth decay, sore gums
- Acne, rashes (psoriasis, eczema), itching
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, anxiety, depression, irritability
- Metabolic changes (weight loss, or difficulty losing weight)
- Vaginal or rectal itching or infections
SIBO: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is defined as the abnormal overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine- particularly bacteria that are not typically found in this part of the digestive tract.7 It can result from GI surgery or trauma, antibiotic and other medications, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), H. pylori overgrowth, slowed transit time, as well as lifestyle factors such as stress, environmental toxic exposure, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
There are four main types of SIBO depending on the gasses or by- products produced by the overgrown bacteria. They include- hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide, or mixed type SIBO.
Although each have their own hallmark symptoms some of the major symptoms of SIBO include3:
- Abdominal bloating
- Flatulence
- Belching
- Diarrhea, constipation or alternating bowel movements
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Malnutrition
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Body pain
Practitioner: Dr. Emily Hernandez
Date of Protocol: 03/05/20-04/30/2020
Patient Data: A 27 year old female
Case History:
Patient presented with a history of abdominal distension, gas, hormonal acne, brain fog and fatigue. She struggled with abdominal symptoms for most of her life including gas and abdominal pain and sensitivities to dairy, gluten, eggs, and legumes. At time of initial intake she was experiencing gas and bloating daily, resulting in pressure and pain. Bowel movements were frequent but not fully evacuated and either loose or small and hard. Stomach cramping with urgency would wake her up most mornings. Symptoms were exacerbated by stress, She had a past medical history of two shoulder surgeries followed by a prescription of high dose ibuprofen for 6 months.
Protocol:
The patient was prescribed:
- Diet- Bi-phasic SIBO diet
- GI Detox- 2 capsules daily on an empty stomach
- Proflora 4R- 1 capsule daily)
- Biocidin liquid- worked up to 15 drops twice daily
- Gut healing powder with enzymes
- Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Outcome:
After two months on the prescribed protocol the patient reported her gas and bloating improved by 90% and she only experienced these symptoms if she ate certain triggering foods (sugar, gluten, dairy, etc). Bowel movements were consistent (one daily and well formed). Her skin greatly improved with much less acne and less dryness. Energy was consistent and she no longer had brain fog. She was able to slowly add FODMAP foods back into her diet and tolerated most very well.