How Are IBS, SIBO, and Histamine Intolerance Connected?

Self-education about Gut Health is Key for Achieving Health Again

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How IBS, SIBO, and Histamine Intolerance Are Connected

In short, IBS, SIBO, and histamine intolerance are connected through gut bacteria changes, inflammation, and overlapping symptoms. SIBO can cause IBS symptoms, while both can lead to histamine intolerance by increasing histamine-producing bacteria and gut permeability. Managing these conditions involves diet changes, probiotics, antibiotics, and enzyme supplements.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common gut problem that causes belly pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). The exact cause isn’t clear, but it might be due to:

• Problems with how the brain and gut communicate

• Changes in how food moves through the gut

• Increased sensitivity in the gut

• Changes in gut bacteria

• Mild inflammation

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO happens when too many bad bacteria grow in the small intestine, where there shouldn’t be many. It can cause symptoms like IBS, such as bloating, diarrhea, and belly pain. SIBO can occur because of:

• Slow-moving food in the gut (low gut motility: you can read more about it here: https://guthealth.shop/understanding-gut-motility-how-it-affects-constipation-and-ways-to-improve-it )

• Physical issues in the gut

• Immune system problems

• Certain medications

How IBS and SIBO Are Linked

• Similar Symptoms: Many people with IBS also have SIBO. SIBO might be the reason for IBS symptoms in some cases.

• Common Causes: The bacterial overgrowth in SIBO can cause gas and poor absorption of nutrients, worsening IBS symptoms.

Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance happens when there’s too much histamine (a chemical involved in immune responses and gut function) and the body can’t break it down properly. Symptoms include headaches, rashes, itching, and gut issues. This can be due to:

• Eating lots of histamine-rich foods

• Problems breaking down histamine because of enzyme deficiencies

• Imbalances in gut bacteria

• Having SIBO and/or IBS

How Histamine Intolerance Connects to IBS and SIBO

• Changes in gut bacteria can affect histamine levels. Some bacteria produce histamine, and too many of these bacteria can cause histamine intolerance.

• Gut Inflammation and Leaky Gut: IBS and SIBO can cause mild inflammation and make the gut more permeable, affecting histamine breakdown.

• Diet and Symptoms: People with IBS or SIBO might find certain foods make their symptoms worse due to histamine content. Managing diet can help.

In Summary

• SIBO can cause IBS symptoms. Treating SIBO may help reduce IBS symptoms.

• Changes in gut bacteria and inflammation in IBS and SIBO can lead to histamine intolerance.

• Overlapping Symptoms: The symptoms of IBS, SIBO, and histamine intolerance often overlap, so it’s important to look at all possible causes and treatments.

Understanding these connections can help in finding better treatments, which may include diet changes, probiotics, antibiotics (for SIBO), and enzyme supplements (for histamine intolerance).

I really recommend that you gain more knowledge on this. What immensely helped me was the help of a professional Dietitian, AND the self-education of these conditions, because I was the one who came up with the idea of "maybe I also have SIBO which causes high histamine level, hence inflammation-related symptoms?". It turned out I was right! It gave me the understanding that I needed therefore keeping my strict diet became much easier and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.