Rarely does something appear crystal clear and certain, with definitive cause and effect. But here it is: SIBO and metabolic syndrome are linked. A growing number of studies link SIBO to a variety of conditions, and there are also links to taking probiotics in capsules. Many people suffer in silence because they are not helped by the medical system. References and my simple solution to the problem is described.

– Plus, the huge increase in SIBO has contributed greatly to the fact that 9 out of 10 people today have metabolic disease symptoms to varying degrees (read my previous blog). Updated, originally published April 20, 2023.

What is SIBO?

SIBO = small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. SIBO can contribute to histamine intolerance, the inability to tolerate foods that contain histamine or produce histamine. This may result in excess histamine, or alternatively the breakdown of histamine is disrupted by common medications. Histamine contributes to brain fog.

Signs that you have SIBO include (like IBS as you can see)

• Stomach pain or cramping in the gut
• Swollen stomach, balloon stomach
• Gases and belching
• diarrhea and/or constipation
• Nausea
• Heartburn / acid reflux
• brain fog and fuzzy thinking
• Poor or disturbed sleep
• Endometriosis – Did you know that the majority of women with endometriosis have IBS, IBD, SIBO or some other gastrointestinal disease?

This is a real and very distressing problem for many. Many suffer in silence, and do not get help in the medical system. I myself have been fighting this ghost for years, and am completely trouble free since four years. Read about histamine intolerance.

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In the small intestine, nutrients are absorbed

New research on the link between SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth/balance) and metabolic disease. The small intestine is one of the body’s most underrated organs. It is 5 meters long with (in a healthy state) a surface area the size of a football field – where your body has to absorb 90% of the nutrients from food (at best). It’s the largest surface you have to the outside world, and it’s also where 70-80% of your immune system is located. And 80-90% of communication goes from the abdomen TO the brain. So the abdomen is very central to your well-being and brain function.

One of the differences between the mucosa of the small and large intestine is that the small intestine has only one protective layer of mucus, while the large intestine has two. If there are too many bacteria in the small intestine, this single layer of mucus may not be enough to protect some people. However, the thicker layers of mucus in the large intestine can keep bacteria and bacterial toxins away from the cells of the intestinal wall. Let the bacteria thrive in the colon instead!

SIBO wreaks havoc and destruction on this vital organ, affecting the whole body badly. Severe fatigue and brain fog are just one of the damages…

SIBO and metabolic disease are linked

SIBO contributes to metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance, obesity and more, according to a recent article. They also discuss possible mechanisms for how this happens. The researchers write: “Increasing evidence suggests that a dysbiosis in the gut microbiota has a significant negative impact on the host. SIBO is a type of dysbiosis (disorder) of the gut flora that has gradually been shown to be associated with obesity and related diseases. The presence of SIBO can lead to the destruction of the integrity of the intestinal barrier, resulting in increased intestinal permeability. This leads to an increase in endotoxin levels – the release of toxins within the body, resulting in the activation of inflammatory responses. It can also cause bacteria to move from the colon to the small intestine.”

Ref: The role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in obesity and its related diseases

– And if you eat probiotics in a capsule and swallow billions at once, they have the nutrition directly in the upper part of the small intestine. There is no need for them to migrate down to the colon where we WANT them. They stay where the best nutrition is! (My comment)

Dr. Sanna Ehdin’s solution to the problem

I have been fighting this ghost myself for several years, and have been completely free of problems for four years. I recommend the following for SIBO, as it has been effective for myself and many others:

1. first do FlushDetox, which means doing 1-2 saltwater flushes spread over a couple of days or a week and preferably an alkaline flush (with bicarbonate that goes on harmful biofilm). Protocol for FlushDetox is available as an online course here:

In short, do like this:

2. then take at least one course of Gut-Clear for 10 days (read about the product below and link to purchase).

3. from day one, take 1 tsp of Black Cumin oil every meal. It has a range of benefits, including facilitating intestinal passage (link below). Link to buy Black Cumin Oil and it can be put in a gelatin capsule, which is available in the same shop.

4. Artemisia cure – but elderberry and wormwood tea is good for sluggish bowel because it stimulates intestinal peristalsis and can help empty intestinal pockets and accumulated (stagnated) stools. Link to how to make and purchase (coming soon as an online course)

This simple protocol may need to be repeated, depending on the extent of the problems. SIBO usually appears as a swollen fold directly under the bust or lower ribs, and it disappears when the SIBO, which causes inflammation) disappears. You’ll also notice if the histamine intolerance goes down and disappears… because you’ll be more alert, clearer and happier! Fasting therapists can do this too, plus more for good gut health. They can do short consultations for a fee. See list and location here.

Supplement

5. intermittent fasting Eating frequently and at all hours of the day is very stressful and unnatural for the body, and has also contributed to stress in the body. Eating intermittently is therefore helpful.

6. Water fasting keeps your gut flora in shape. Therefore, feel free to continue with my VASS fasting protocols described in Sannas Fastebok which is repeated regularly is shown to be beneficial for the gut flora. More info will come in a separate blog.

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“Access to food around the clock is an artificial environment for our genetics.”

Jonas Bergqvist, a licensed physiotherapist with further education, is the owner and education manager at the Paleo Institute and the Functional Medicine Institute.

Intake of probiotics?

Important note: Do not take probiotic capsules at all when getting rid of SIBO and histamine intolerance! I didn’t take it at all for six months. Because you don’t want to fill up your small intestine with bacteria when you’re trying to get rid of harmful overgrowth of bacteria in the wrong place. I only recommend that you then – after the cure has been successfully completed – ingest probiotics in the form of live culture that contains fiber AND lactic acid! It is yogurt or other lactic acid bacteria (incl made with coconut milk but avoid all rubber additives, guar gum etc). Feel free to add fiber like granola or muesli. Best of all are fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, available in all grocery stores today from Änglamark and Tistelvind so you get organic without spraying.

Taking probiotics rectally: open a capsule of probiotics in just under a teaspoon of water and stir. You can use an emptied and cleaned ampoule of LactalBalans (available in pharmacies) to suck up the suspension of bacteria. Gently insert it into the rectum and squeeze out the contents. It’s simple and effective and won’t affect the small intestine. This is what I recommend.

– Disclaimer NOTE! I do not give individual or clinical advice – but share research, experience and general advice. Your own health is and remains your responsibility. Consult your doctor or health expert if you need support.

PS: those of you who have brain fog and really need this may find it difficult to absorb the text. Ask for help from people close to you to do this, and write down on list and remind yourself. I have had SIBO and brain fog (including pre-diabetes which causes blurred vision sometimes) and know how hard it is. PLEASE HELP!

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More info:

How SIBO contributes to brain fog and metabolic syndrome is described in this scientific article: “We describe a syndrome of brain fog, gas and bloating, possibly related to probiotic use, SIBO and D-lactic acidosis. Patients with brain fog showed higher prevalence of SIBO and D-lactic acidosis. Symptoms improved with antibiotics and cessation of probiotics. Clinicians (doctors) should recognize and treat this condition.” (L-lactic acid is the natural form, D-lactic acid is the mirror image so an isomer. D-lactic acidosis is an uncommon form of lactic acidosis (acidification), my comment). Ref: Brain fogginess, gas and bloating: a link between SIBO, probiotics and metabolic acidosis. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, (2018). 9(6), 162.

• FlushDetox – protocol in my online course is here!
• Read my new blog 9 out of 10 today are metabolically unhealthy.
• GutClear® is developed by two Lunda centers at Gutfeelinglabs, and they also perform the most advanced gut flora analysis on the market. GutClear contains a combination of different plant substances such as psyllium seeds, bark from the jatoba and magnolia tree and rose root. Magnolia bark can contribute to normal bowel function and regular bowel movements and has antimicrobial effects. Psyllium seeds can contribute to normal bowel function, intestinal transit and digestion. GutClear® can therefore support normal bowel function and reduce the amount of unwelcome bacteria in the small intestine, without affecting the beneficial flora in the large intestine.
• Do you suspect you have SIBO? This is what GutFeeling’s Lundadocenter writes on its website: “There are various exhalation tests you can order online or at your health center to find out. Or you can take a sachet of GutClear every day for 10 days (it is also available in capsules now). You can take GutClear even if you don’t have SIBO, if you want to try it and can’t wait for the results of the breath test/health center.”
• Read about black cumin oil as the solution for a sluggish gut.
• Read about histamine intolerance.
• Metabolic syndrome has exploded: 9 out of 10 today are metabolically unhealthy .
• Products for Saltwater Flush, GutClear, Black Cumin Oil etc. are available in the VASS shop at NaturalShop.

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