A Functional Medicine Approach to SIBO

While the colon contains a diverse eco-system consisting of (bacteria, fungi, and parasites), the small intestine is normally very sparse in comparison.With SIBO, we see an overgrowth of bacteria  in the small intestine where they are not usually present to such a high degree. in comparison to the colon. The bacteria are then able to act on undigested, fermentable carbohydrates, producing symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. Patients with SIBO can also suffer from weight loss and malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, skin issues and osteoporosis amongst other issues when dealing with this condition.

SIBO Causes

The cause of SIBO is multifactorial and it normally affects more than one of the protective mechanisms we have in the gut. These include a change in the acidity of the gut where the PH changes to make it less acidic making it easier for the bacteria to grow, a dysregulation of the continuous waves of bowel wall muscular function, called the migrating motor complex, from the stomach to its final destination in the colon. A change to the immunoglobulins in the intestinal fluid, and a malfunctioning ileocecal valve that normally allows the flow of contents into the large bowel but then prevents it from re-entering the small bowel. Physical issues in the gut such as Crohn’s and Diverticulitis which can cause an abnormal build-up of bacteria in the small intestines. There are also medications that disrupt our microbiome which include PPI, antibiotics and steroids,

SIBO Risk Factors

Common SIBO Symptoms

SIBO Treatment

In addition to SIBO testing, we generally look to test the large bowel (through microbiome testing in the form of a stool test) to see if there are any imbalances, as SIBO is generally an issue with the broader eco-system rather than just the small bowel.. With SIBO treatment, the overall goal is to reduce bacteria in the small intestine and prevent relapse by addressing the underlying causes that led to SIBO. Our approach is to take a holistic approach that can include a number of interventions.

At the London Centre for functional Medicine, we use an approach that incorporates nutrition and diet, herbal antibiotics and nutritional supplements, to ensure we get rid of the infection and prevent it from returning.

Our approach includes

Remove foods from your diet that cause inflammation and feed the overgrowth.
Stimulate the production of the digestive juices, especially hydrochloric acid and bile so you are absorbing your food properly.
Herbal antimicrobials to reduce the overgrowth. There have been studies done showing herbal antimicrobial being as effective as rifaximin but with the added benefit of being able to treat other dysbiosis issues, such as Candida, parasites, and dysbiotics bacteria in the large intestine.
Working on stimulating gut motility so the gut can push food through the small intestine.
Support gut immunity and repair any gut damage.

SIBO Approach

Optimal Nutrition and Absorption

Depending on the type of SIBO, we can use a number of different nutritional approaches to help with absorption and motility issues.

Supplement Support

The type of SIBO will affect the supplements we will recommend to treat the condition as well as looking at supportive nutrients for helping increase immunity and gut repair such as glutamine, slippery elm and DGL

How to test for SIBO

The gold standard approach to test for SIBO is by using a breath test. The SIBO breath test measures the level of hydrogen/methane gases following a 24-hour prep diet and an overnight fast. NHS SIBO testing is the same test but it has to go through a gastroenterologist which can take several months.

Targeted Treatments

Our practitioners can recommendations additional treatment or lifestyle interventions that have proven effects to help you overcome a specific digestive condition.

Our Client's Feedback

    
 
 
        
   Cormac Whelan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  Rob has helped me through a gut health conditon that no other GP was able or willing to figure out. There was no guess work involved. He got to the root of my issues through knowledge, testing and investigation. I would highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   Roger Hassan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  I can’t say enough good things about my experience at the London Centre for Functional Medicine. After 3 years of misdiagnosis and living with IBS I finally felt I was able to heal. I’m truly grateful to Rob for his expertise in SIBO. I have to keep things in check but I feel so much better. I would highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   G Monkee 
 2023-03-22
 
 
  For those seeking an alternative viewpoint to their chronic conditions, I would recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine to others. They were helpful and mindful of my financial restrictions. Thank you.
  
 
       
   Martin Beaumont 
 2023-03-21
 
 
  Working with the London Centre for Functional Medicine team has been a great experience. I have had big improvements with digestion issues and now live pain free! Having the support of Rob was very useful when questions or issues arose during the program and was particularly impressed with not going overboard with the supplement regime. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Sean Hayden 
 2023-02-20
 
 
  I'm currently going through treatment with Rob and just wanted to acknowledge the individualised and personalised care that has been provided. From when I started Rob has looked at my health issues without judgement and was able to help me in many areas that weren't optimal.
Notably, Rob has helped me overcome gut issues and other niggling issues that I didn't were related but seemingly are.
Rob is also great at explaining the body systems and related things which has been great. I can highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   K Kelly 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  "What I appreciate about Rob at the London Centre for Functional Medicine is that he seeks to educate rather than just give supplements and instructions. He makes you understand both the action needed to take as well the underlying physiological processes driving the underlying issues. Highly recommended."
  
 
       
   Aaron Robson 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  If you're dealing with health challenges that conventional medicine hasn't resolved, I strongly suggest you visit the London Centre for Functional Medicine. They make a real effort to comprehend symptoms and worked with me to develop a plan for exploring treatment possibilities. Thanks to my practitioner, I now have answers to health questions that had eluded me for years, and I couldn't be more grateful. My practitioner (rob) uses a data-driven approach to identify the underlying cause. I've already recommended him to friends, and they have had success with his care as well.
  
 
       
   Tracy Thomas 
 2023-02-12
 
 
  Rather than going to a GP when you are sick I entered the Functional Medicine journey before things got out of hand. It’s a route everyone should consider as it does prevent illness and can reverse it! I learned a lot about how my body works and how to become healthier. London CFM walked me through the things I needed to know by educating me about how the digestive system works and healing my SIBO. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Lindsay Jones 
 2023-01-08
 
 
  I sought help from the London Centre for Functional Medicine for a problem I have had for most of my life, terrible digestive issues.
Rob has worked with me to get back normal function of my digestive function. It has taken some time but the result have been great so far.
  
 
       
   T Webster 
 2022-07-16
 
 
  I was originally referred to Mr Staunton by a nutritional therapist who felt that his particular expertise was required for my specific needs. After meeting him and explaining the situation, he conducted some lab tests which had to be shipped to Germany.. In the 3 months that I’ve been treated by Mr Staunton, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my symptoms and I’m feeling optimistic about my continued good health. I highly recommend the Clinic and working with Mr Staunton has been a very professional and pleasant experience. He’s extremely knowledgeable about both nutrition and how the body works.

Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?

Support

Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.

Experience

We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.

Custom Approach

There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.

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