According to research and studies it is said that SIBO is one of the prime factors for several diseases including:

• Fibromyalgia

• GERD

• Celiac disease

• Autism

• Anemia

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Cystic fibrosis

• Diabetes

• Muscular dystrophy

How is SIBO linked to fibromyalgia?

As Fibromyalgia is often linked to nutrient deficiencies, unhealthy gut and weak immune system, there are experts in the field who believe that SIBO or the Small Intestine Bowel Overgrowth is one of the causes of fibromyalgia. According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, 100% of fibromyalgia participants, of a sample size of 42, were found with abnormal levels of lactulose hydrogen in a breath test indicating a presence of SIBO. This finding suggest that majority of the patients suffering from fibromyalgia could also be suffering from SIBO and treatment of SIBO can help improve or eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms.

How to treat and prevent SIBO?

The treatment for SIBO mainly involves the elimination of the bacteria, healing the lining of the intestine and also preventing the relapse. Antibiotics are the most preferred medium for treating the disorder; the most common antibiotic used is the Rifraximin.

Always get the opinion and advice of a medical professional before taking antibiotics or other medications. Don’t not self-medicate.

If you wish to take precautionary measures on your part, avoid consuming high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. As bacteria thrive in high sugar and starch levels in your body, avoiding carbohydrate/sugar rich food can help prevent or control bacteria overgrowth.

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1. Bures J, Cyrany J, Kohoutova D, Förstl M, Rejchrt S, Kvetina J, Vorisek V, and Kopacova M. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jun 28; 16(24): 2978–2990.
2. Pimentel M, Wallace D, Hallegua D, Chow E, Kong Y, Park S, Lin HC. A link between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia may be related to findings on lactulose breath testing. Ann Rheum Dis.2004;63:450–452.