Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
One of the most common causes of digestive symptoms that is often overlooked is small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In the small intestine, there is normally a very small population of bacteria. This population is distinct from the large intestine microbiome. But when motility in the small intestine becomes impaired, this small population can bloom into a larger population. This results in bacteria in the small intestine fermenting your food in the small intestine. This results in gas and other bacterial waste that can damage the small intestine, resulting in loss of digestive enzymes, impaired barrier function, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies.