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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health"; Splenda Alters Gut Microflora and Increases Intestinal P-Glycoprotein and Cytochrome p-450 in Male Rats; Abou-Donia, et al.; 2008
- "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health"; Splenda Alters Gut Microflora and Increases Intestinal P-Glycoprotein and Cytochrome p-450 in Male Rats; Abou-Donia, et al.; 2008
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Diet for Bacterial Overgrowth in Intestines
SIBO, also known as small intestine bacteria overgrowth, is a health condition where an overabundance of bacteria take over the environment of the small intestine. The small intestine typically has a much smaller amount of bacteria than the colon. Some bacteria present is important as bacteria assists with digestion and improves immune function. Too much causes excessive gas, bloating, abdominal pain, malabsorption and malnutrition.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Snacking
The intestines undergo what is called a "cleansing wave" every 90 to 120 minutes when fasting which removes wastes from the small intestine. When you are eating, this mechanism is turned off. This is why it is a good idea to stop snacking in between meals if you have small intestine bacteria overgrowth, explains Mark Pimentel, M.D., author of "A New IBS Solution." This allows the intestines to rest allowing the cleansing wave to remove excess bacteria and waste 4. "Today's Dietitian" recommends 3 to 5 hours between meals.
- The intestines undergo what is called a "cleansing wave" every 90 to 120 minutes when fasting which removes wastes from the small intestine.
FODMAP-low Diet
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FODMAPs stands for a group of fermentable carbohydrates known as fructans, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. "Today's Dietitian" reports that a diet low in FODMAPs is important to starve off the microbes in the small intestine 3. This includes cutting out milk, yogurt, certain cheeses, apples, pears, peaches, mangoes, watermelon; coconut milk, dried fruits, fruit juices, agave, honey, high fructose corn syrup, artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, onions, radicchio lettuce, shallots, broccoli, snow peas, wheat, rye, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans and soy products.include:
- This includes cutting out milk
- yogurt
- certain cheeses
- apples
- pears
- peaches
- mangoes
- watermelon; coconut milk
- dried fruits
- fruit juices
- agave
- honey
- high fructose corn syrup
- artichokes
- asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- broccoli
- onions
- radicchio lettuce
- shallots
- broccoli
- snow peas
- wheat
- rye
- chickpeas
- lentils
- kidney beans
- soy products
Splenda
Splenda is an artificial sweetener used to sweeten beverages and foods. Splenda is the brand name for sucralose and is derived from sugar. Splenda should be removed from your diet since it reduces beneficial gut bacteria in rats, explains a study in the 2008 "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health." Your body needs this beneficial bacteria to promote a healthy gut flora consistently and to prevent an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your gut. Sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol and isomalt should also be excluded. Sweeteners which are okay are maple syrup, glucose, asparatame and sugar, according to "Today's Dietitian."
- Splenda is an artificial sweetener used to sweeten beverages and foods.
- Splenda should be removed from your diet since it reduces beneficial gut bacteria in rats, explains a study in the 2008 "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health."
B-12 and Fat-Soluble Vitamins
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As healing occurs from small intestine bacteria overgrowth, you may need to replete your B-12 and fat-soluble vitamins. Fat malabsorption can occur due to microbes metabolizing biles salts to the point where they are unable to assist with fat digestion. Sources of B-12 and fat-soluble vitamins need to be included on a diet for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Examples of foods include:
- carrots
- squash
- pumpkin
- apricots
- dark leafy green vegetables
- vitamin-D fortified milk
- mushrooms
- cod liver oil
- vegetable oil
- wheat germ
- nuts
- breakfast
- cereals
- beef
- salmon
- As healing occurs from small intestine bacteria overgrowth, you may need to replete your B-12 and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Sources of B-12 and fat-soluble vitamins need to be included on a diet for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
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References
- "Today's Dietitian"; The FODMAPs Approach — Minimize Consumption of Fermentable Carbs to Manage Functional Gut Disorder Symptoms; Kate Scarlata, R.D., L.D.N.
- "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health"; Splenda Alters Gut Microflora and Increases Intestinal P-Glycoprotein and Cytochrome p-450 in Male Rats; Abou-Donia, et al.; 2008
- "Today's Dietitian"; Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth — What to Do When Unwelcome Microbes Invade; Kate Scarlata, R.D., L.D.N
- "A New IBS Solution"; Mark Pimentel, M.D.; 2006
Writer Bio
Andrea Johnson began writing professionally during her time as a clinical dietitian in which she was published in the "Journal of Renal Nutrition" in 2006. Johnson completed her Master of Science in nutrition from Appalachian State University in 2005.