Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) leads to the production of various metabolic waste products by the overgrown bacteria. These waste products can cause a range of symptoms and side effects. The list below shares the main metabolic waste products produced by SIBO bacteria and the associated side effects.
1. Hydrogen Gas
Produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by anaerobic bacteria.
Side Effects
- Bloating: Excess hydrogen gas causes abdominal distension and discomfort.
- Diarrhea: Hydrogen gas can increase gut motility, leading to loose stools.
2. Methane Gas
Produced by: Archaea, particularly Methanobrevibacter smithii, which consumes hydrogen.
Side Effects:
- Constipation: Methane gas slows intestinal transit time, leading to constipation.
- Bloating and Discomfort: Methane gas can also cause abdominal bloating and pain.
3. Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
Produced by: Sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfovibrio.
Side Effects:
- Diarrhea: Hydrogen sulfide can irritate the gut lining, leading to diarrhea.
- Rotten Egg Smell: The gas has a characteristic foul odor, leading to malodorous flatulence.
4. Lactic Acid
Produced by: Fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus.
Side Effects:
- Acidosis: Accumulation of lactic acid can contribute to an acidic environment in the gut, potentially causing pain and discomfort.
- Bloating and Gas: Excess lactic acid can lead to increased gas production and bloating.
5. Ammonia
Produced by: Breakdown of proteins and amino acids by bacteria
Side Effects:
- Neurotoxicity: High levels of ammonia can cross into the bloodstream and affect the brain, leading to symptoms like confusion and fatigue.
- Gut Irritation: Ammonia can damage the gut lining, contributing to inflammation and discomfort.
6. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Produced by: Fermentation of dietary fibers by gut bacteria.
Side Effects:
- Bloating and Gas: Excess SCFAs can lead to gas production, causing bloating and discomfort.
- Diarrhea: Some SCFAs can increase intestinal motility, leading to diarrhea.
7. Ethanol
Produced by: Fermentation of sugars by yeasts and some bacteria.
Side Effects:
- Intoxication: In severe cases, excess ethanol production can lead to symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication.
- Liver Stress: Chronic production of ethanol can stress the liver, potentially exacerbating liver-related conditions.
8. Succinate
Produced by: Fermentation processes of certain bacteria.
Side Effects:
- Metabolic Acidosis: Excess succinate can contribute to metabolic acidosis, leading to systemic symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness.
9: Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
LPS are large molecules found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are released when these bacteria die and their cell walls break down. LPS are potent endotoxins and can trigger significant immune responses in the human body
Managing the Impacts of SIBO
In addition to the effects of metabolic waste, SIBO bacteria have clinical impacts beyond gas and bloating. They can exacerbate or even cause some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Managing SIBO typically involves dietary modifications, probiotics, and in some cases, antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials to reduce bacterial overgrowth and alleviate these symptoms.
If you are a patient looking for a Neurovanna provider, contact us. Healthcare providers set up a Neurovanna account for access to gold-standard Quintron breath testing and SIBO experts.
References:
– Pimentel, M., et al. (2003). “Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Associations With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders.” Gastroenterology.
– Rezaie, A., et al. (2017). “Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus.” The American Journal of Gastroenterology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5418558/
– Lauritano, E. C., et al. (2008). “Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Gut.
– Tana, C., et al. (2010). “Altered Profiles of Intestinal Microbiota and Organic Acids May Be the Origin of Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Neurogastroenterology & Motility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19903265/
