Chronic diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, and malabsorption are just three of the symptoms of bacterial overgrowth. 

Bacterial overgrowth was once thought of as a rare disorder but turned out to be more prevalent than we think. The rise of its detection can be partly attributed to the increasing availability of diagnostics tests. 

To this day, bacterial overgrowth remains a poorly understood disease. But one thing is certain: it poses a significant threat to your health, particularly in the small intestine and the gut. 

This article will tackle the intricacies of bacterial overgrowth, treatment, tests, and actions you can take.

What is bacterial overgrowth, and why should you care?

Bacterial overgrowth, as its name suggests, is the overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine. This happens when the normal mechanism controlling the population of bacteria in your intestine goes out of balance.

This imbalance happens because of two main reasons. One, there is a reduced portion of stomach acid, which helps keep bacterial levels in check. And two, there are problems with the movement of the small intestine, allowing the bacteria to accumulate. 

Other reasons that can lead to bacterial overgrowth are immune system issues in the gut and abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. 

When bacterial overgrowth occurs, the lining of your small intestine can inflame and worsen the existing symptoms. It can also lead to microscopic inflammation in the intestinal lining.

In elderly patients, bacterial overgrowth can cause the thinning of the intestinal lining and flattening of the villi, affecting nutrient absorption.

Understanding and knowing if you are suffering from bacterial overgrowth is very important, as it can affect your overall health and nutrition. Fortunately, there are now many ways to tell if you have bacterial overgrowth. 

Do you have bacterial overgrowth?

Since bacterial overgrowth has long been considered a rare disorder, many are unaware of its symptoms.

Check out these common symptoms if you think you are experiencing bacterial overgrowth. 

• Diarrhea: Chronic or recurrent diarrhea is a common symptom of bacterial overgrowth. Since the overgrowth of bacteria disrupts the normal digestion and absorption of food, it can result in frequent loose or watery stools.
• Malabsorption: Bacterial overgrowth interferes with the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, particularly fats and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, weakness, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Unintentional Weight Loss: Chronic bacterial overgrowth can cause weight loss due to malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies.
• Bloating: Excessive gas production in the small intestine can lead to abdominal bloating and discomfort.
• Abdominal Pain: Bacterial overgrowth can cause inflammation and irritation in the intestinal lining, leading to abdominal discomfort and pain.
• Constipation: Constipation can also be a symptom of bacterial overgrowth, occurring in some individuals alongside or instead of diarrhea. Too much bacteria in your system disrupts the normal movement of the small intestine, which can result in constipation.
• Flatulence: Increased gas production by the overgrown bacteria can result in excessive flatulence (passing gas).
• Nausea and Vomiting: Irritation of the digestive tract by bacterial overgrowth can cause feelings of nausea and, in some cases, vomiting.
• Food Sensitivities: Bacterial overgrowth can lead to food intolerances and sensitivities, particularly to carbohydrates and certain sugars, as the bacteria ferment these compounds.
• Skin Issues: The body’s response to bacterial overgrowth-related inflammation can manifest in skin conditions such as acne or eczema.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they occur frequently, the best course of action is to get tested. 

There are several methods available for testing the presence of bacterial overgrowth, such as breath tests, which can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment.

In the unfortunate event that you test positive, don’t panic because it can be treated. 

Bacterial overgrowth treatment: The herbal way

One of the most common bacterial treatments is antibiotics. Antibiotics have long been used to treat bacterial infections, and bacterial overgrowth is no different.

However, the problem with this approach lies in the effects of antibiotics on your body. Prolonged or recurrent use of antibiotics is proven to affect your gut negatively, and that is never good for your health. 

Your gut is intricately connected to almost every aspect of your body. The state of your gut is connected to your immune system, skin, brain, cardiovascular system, bones, nervous system, and more. 

So, while you may initially think you’re solving your bacterial problem, you’re also paving the way for other potential health issues to arise. 

A safe and natural way to address bacterial overgrowth is through herbal treatments, which have been tested and proven effective. 

A Johns Hopkins study revealed that herbal treatments worked as well as prescription antibiotics for treating bacterial overgrowth.

Herbal treatment for bacterial overgrowth works by using the natural antibacterial properties found in herbs to reduce the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. 

These herbal compounds can inhibit the growth of excessive bacteria, alleviate inflammation, improve intestinal motility, and restore a healthier balance in the gut microbiota. 

Bacterial overgrowth herbal treatments often go together with dietary changes and are usually guided by a gut health expert.

What’s next for you

If you suspect you’re dealing with bacterial overgrowth or have already received a diagnosis, the crucial next step is to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. 

But not just any specialist—what you need is an expert who not only understands the intricacies of intestine and gut health but also offers natural, holistic treatments to combat bacterial overgrowth effectively.

One such person is Dr. Charlie Ware, a natural medicine physician with expertise in functional medicine, herbology, microbiome, epigenetics, and epigenomics. 

His unique and personalized approach is your key to not only addressing your bacterial overgrowth concerns but also unlocking a path to overall wellness. 

Conclusion

Bacterial overgrowth, a condition that was once thought to be rare, is more common than we realized and can seriously affect your health, especially in your gut and small intestine. 

Recognizing its symptoms is important, and now there are tests available to help with diagnosis.

Your next important step is to talk to a healthcare expert who knows about gut health and offers natural treatments. Dr. Charlie Ware, who specializes in natural medicine and various techniques, can help you with bacterial overgrowth and your overall well-being. Don’t let bacterial overgrowth affect your health – reach out to Dr. Ware today and start your journey to better well-being.