SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Many patients are complaining of gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.  These symptoms have become an epidemic in our time.  We used to diagnose patients with irritable bowel syndrome.  About fifteen years ago, Dr. Pimenthal at Cedar Sinai determined that patients with chronic bloating have bacterial overgrowth in their small intestines. 

A 3-hour breath test will indicate if you have methane or hydrogen-producing bacteria in your small intestine.  Methane can cause constipation and a malodorous gas, and hydrogen can cause watery stool and cramps.  

The breath test kit is provided for you to perform at home.  The day before the test, you can only eat white rice, chicken broth, turkey, and eggs.  After fasting for 8 hours you will start collecting your breath in provided tubes every 20 minutes.  After the first breath collection, you will drink a lactulose solution.  It generally takes two weeks for us to receive your results. 

Antibiotics and strong herbs such as Xifaxan, Neomycin, and Biocidin have greatly relieved many patients with chronic intestinal issues.

A low fodmap diet will be recommended after being done with antibiotics.  

Learn more about SIBO:

Call the Health & Vitality Center at 310-477-1166 or click here to schedule an appointment. We are one of the leading centers for natural medicine in Los Angeles. Holistic doctor Shiva Lalezar not only treats SIBO, but she also employs methods that prevent them from negatively impacting your everyday life. Our practice uses an integrative approach, combining the best conventional therapies with the latest techniques and treatments in Functional Medicine for optimal results.