Inflammation... A complex biologic process that is initiated by damage to tissues designed to protect, heal and restore function to cells, tissues and organism. It is classically defined by its five cardinal signs: pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. So what does SIBO have to do with inflammation and food sensitivities? The short answer is that SIBO causes damage to cells of the gut wall in the small intestine.
SIBO and the IBS Connection
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a relatively new diagnosis. Over the past 15 years, it has gained acceptance in the medical community and there has been a large amount of research done regarding SIBO and its associated conditions. Perhaps the most well researched condition associated with SIBO is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Research from 2003 showed that 84% of IBS patients showed an abnormal result on the lactulose breath test (LBT). That means 84% of patients diagnosed with IBS also tested positive for SIBO.