How is SIBO connected to Hashimoto’s?

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. There should not be lots of bacteria in the small intestine in contrary to the large intestine, which is the "house" of bacteria beneficial to us.

Sometimes, bacteria from the large intestine overgrow into the small intestine and the problems develop.

If You develop SIBO, then it can lead to more problems like intestinal permeability, which only makes the autoimmune reaction of Your organism worse.

What's more, conditions like IBS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia and many others are frequently linked to SIBO development.

What are the most common symptoms of SIBO?

• Abdominal distention

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Acid Reflux or heartburn

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Excessive Gas

What are the signs and blood work indications You may be suffering from SIBO?

1. Chronically low ferritin or iron with no other cause.

2. Being celiac or gluten intolerant and not having symptoms resolution on the 100% gluten-free diet.

3. You notice that eating lots of fibre only worsens Your constipation.

4. You notice an improvement of IBS symptoms after using antibiotics.

How to test for SIBO?

By SIBO breath test.

But let's go back to SIBO and Hashimoto's, how does it work?

Well, SIBO can be a root cause or triggering factor of Hashimoto's.

In many cases, thyroid antibodies can be reduced or treated by targeting and treating SIBO.

What type of bacteria causes SIBO?

Very often it's caused by Streptococcus.

What are the risks of developing SIBO?

• Low stomach acid (most important for thyroid patients!)

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Celiac disease

• Crohn's disease

• Bowel surgery

• Diabetes

• Antibiotics use

• Liver cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis, or renal failure.

Why low stomach acid is the most relevant risk factor for patients with thyroid disease?

Patients with Hashimoto's usually suffer from low stomach acid (Hypochlorhydria). Stomach acid is also responsible for killing harmful bacteria from foods and neutralizing enzymes. When acid is low, bacteria can survive for years in the stomach and even create small ulcers. Low hydrochloric acid will cause Strep to proliferate and occur in the places in which it should normally not happen (like small intestine).

To sum up:

Patients who suffer from IBS, Hashimoto's, low levels of iron, ferritin or low vitamin B12 levels can be improved by treating SIBO.