Latest news with #SIBO
New York Post
4 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
How many days a month the average person is tired, has headaches or deals with tummy issues
Feeling off more often than on? You're not alone. Most of us are running on empty, clutching our stomachs or popping pain relievers more often than we'd care to admit — and a fresh study has the data to prove it. 3 A new survey shows Americans feel tired an average of 12.9 days per month. Antonioguillem – A new survey — conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Doctor's Best — has revealed that only 28% of us feel completely healthy, with the remaining 72% living in chronic discomfort. Respondents said they feel tired 12.9 days, experience mood changes 10.1 days, suffer from tummy issues 9.8 days and deal with headaches 7.5 days — per month. The research also found that the average American only feels truly healthy for 19 days out of the month — meaning nearly two weeks are spent in a fog of fatigue, headaches or digestive distress. And those aches and pains may be taking more than a physical toll. 3 Around 32% of men admit to having trouble performing sexually as a result of their health issues. fizkes – Roughly 65% of Americans say their health issues make it more difficult to function optimally at their job — and 40% report they make it harder to exercise, potentially creating a negative cycle of wellbeing. Another 15% complain they take away from their ability to enjoy quality time with family and 32% of men admit to having trouble performing sexually as a result. Of the maladies, gut issues appear to have the biggest impact on our personal lives — as one in three Americans regularly deal with stomach problems, with almost half (48%) confessing these tummy troubles make them more reluctant to have sex. 'When your gut is unbalanced, everything else begins to suffer: work, sleep, intimacy and even the simple joy of being with family,' Katie Lucas, CMO of Doctor's Best, said in a press release. 3 'When your gut is unbalanced, everything else begins to suffer: work, sleep, intimacy and even the simple joy of being with family,' Katie Lucas said. leszekglasner – 'We often try to convince ourselves that health is a private issue, but the statistics show otherwise. When we don't feel well, it affects every aspect of our lives. Healing the gut isn't just about improving digestion; it's about reclaiming the parts of life we're gradually losing.' Perhaps surprisingly, the data indicates that — of all of the generations — Gen Z is the one most likely to suffer from upset stomach. This is troubling, as bloating, gas and discomfort are often dismissed as harmless digestive issues, but they can sometimes signal more serious health problems — such as colon cancer, which has been on the rise among younger adults. 'Normalizing chronic symptoms like bloating, discomfort or irregular bowel habits can delay diagnosis of underlying conditions such as SIBO, IBS, celiac disease or even inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer,' gastroenterologist Dr. Ali Rezaie previously told The Post.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex EastEnders star shows off ‘loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after health battle
She shared a string of images which prompted praise from fans CANDID POST Ex EastEnders star shows off 'loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after health battle AN ex EastEnders star has shown off her 'loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after her health battle. Former EastEnders star turned body confidence advocate Melissa Suffield took to social media to share an update with her 153,000 followers. Advertisement 6 An ex EastEnders star has shown off her 'loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after her health battle Credit: Instagram 6 Former EastEnders star Melissa Suffield , , Credit: Instagram/@ 6 Melissa shared various unedited pictures, and revealed her 'stretch marks' and 'bloating' among other things Credit: Instagram 6 Melissa was praised by fans Credit: Instagram Sitting in a pink bikini, Melissa shared various unedited pictures, and revealed her 'stretch marks' and 'bloating' among other things. She captioned the candid post: 'Want a bikini body this summer? Just put a bikini on- there you have it! A perfect bikini body, full of beautiful imperfections. 'Because imperfections are gorgeous, unique, and interesting- just like YOU. That body you're always trying to hide? Way more normal than you think. That woman over there probably feels the same way about hers. In fact she's probably too busy worrying about her own to even glance your way. 'Get that bikini, put it on, slam your body down and wind it all around- and truly, a zig a zig ah.' Advertisement Melissa was praised by fans for being so honest and body confident, as one person wrote:' Yay to celebrating the bikini body... Great post.' And a second added: ' Fantastic how you show up as you are! X' She shared a photo of her bikini top and wrote over it 'empty post baby tatas,' as well as sharing a photo of her 'belly overhang' while sitting upright. Other images included the star revealing her 'thighs that tough,' and 'silver stretch marks.' Advertisement Melissa, 31, was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) after experiencing "horrible nausea" on December 16 2023, with her having felt nauseous "ever since". Former EastEnders star has had '40 doctors appointments' and spent 'over five figures' amid gruelling health condition After around 40 appointments with her GP and spending more than five figures on tests and other medical costs, Melissa has a diagnosis of SIBO, B12 deficiency, and is still yet to work out the root cause of it all. Melissa experiences nausea, reflux, constipation, and other symptoms like her hair falling out and suffering from dry skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition occurs "when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract." Advertisement Symptoms are listed as a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, and malnutrition. The former soap star who played Lucy Beale from 2004 until 2010 has opened up about how SIBO impacts her and how she is now less healthy than she was a year ago, despite being slimmer now, with her keen to raise awareness of the chronic illness. Melissa told us in our exclusive chat that her health condition is "very frustrating", but noted a silver lining of sorts. "Obviously, I've lost quite a lot of weight this year," Melissa began, adding: "But absolutely none of that has been through choice. None of it. Like I'm back in my pre-pregnancy jeans." Advertisement She added: "But there's no joy," noting: "I don't enjoy the fact that that's happened at all in the way that you know, that's like a goal for a lot of people. "A) It was never a goal for me. But B) this is the complete antithesis of whatever I've ever wanted with my body. "So that's been tricky for sure. And then also, just on top of that, like my skin and my hair has been like affected. "Now I'm dealing with feelings of, you know, not enjoying the way that I look, which is frustrating because I've done such a lot of work to get me to a place where." Advertisement Revealing the silver lining of sorts, Melissa revealed that her weight loss proves that being slim does not equate to being healthy. 6 The former soap star played Lucy Beale from 2004 until 2010 Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ex EastEnders star shows off ‘loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after health battle
AN ex EastEnders star has shown off her 'loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after her health battle. Former EastEnders star turned body confidence advocate 6 An ex EastEnders star has shown off her 'loose skin, belly overhang and saggy breasts' after her health battle Credit: Instagram 6 Former EastEnders star Melissa Suffield , , Credit: Instagram/@ 6 Melissa shared various unedited pictures, and revealed her 'stretch marks' and 'bloating' among other things Credit: Instagram 6 Melissa was praised by fans Credit: Instagram Sitting in a pink bikini, Melissa shared various unedited pictures, and revealed her 'stretch marks' and 'bloating' among other things. She captioned the candid post: 'Want a bikini body this summer ? Just put a bikini on- there you have it! A perfect bikini body, full of beautiful imperfections. 'Because imperfections are gorgeous, unique, and interesting- just like YOU. That body you're always trying to hide? Way more normal than you think. That woman over there probably feels the same way about hers. In fact she's probably too busy worrying about her own to even glance your way. 'Get that bikini, put it on, slam your body down and wind it all around- and truly, a zig a zig ah.' Read More on Melissa Suffield Melissa was praised by fans for being so honest and body confident, as one person wrote:' Yay to celebrating the bikini body... Great post.' And a second added: ' Fantastic how you show up as you are! X' She shared a photo of her bikini top and wrote over it 'empty post baby tatas,' as well as sharing a photo of her 'belly overhang' while sitting upright. Other images included the star revealing her 'thighs that tough,' and 'silver stretch marks.' Most read in News TV Former EastEnders star has had '40 doctors appointments' and spent 'over five figures' amid gruelling health condition After around 40 appointments with her GP and spending more than five figures on tests and other medical costs, Melissa has a diagnosis of SIBO, B12 deficiency, and is still yet to work out the root cause of it all. Melissa experiences nausea, reflux, constipation, and other symptoms like her hair falling out and suffering from dry skin. According to the Symptoms are listed as a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, and malnutrition. The former soap star who played Lucy Beale from 2004 until 2010 has opened up about how SIBO impacts her and how she is now less healthy than she was a year ago, despite being slimmer now, with her keen to raise awareness of the chronic illness. Melissa told us in our exclusive chat that her health condition is "very frustrating", but noted a silver lining of sorts. "Obviously, I've lost quite a lot of weight this year," Melissa began, adding: "But absolutely none of that has been through choice. None of it. Like I'm back in my pre-pregnancy jeans." She added: "But there's no joy," noting: "I don't enjoy the fact that that's happened at all in the way that you know, that's like a goal for a lot of people. "A) It was never a goal for me. But B) this is the complete antithesis of whatever I've ever wanted with my body. "So that's been tricky for sure. And then also, just on top of that, like my skin and my hair has been like affected. "Now I'm dealing with feelings of, you know, not enjoying the way that I look, which is frustrating because I've done such a lot of work to get me to a place where." Revealing the silver lining of sorts, Melissa revealed that her weight loss proves that being slim does not equate to being healthy. 6 The former soap star played Lucy Beale from 2004 until 2010 Credit: Instagram 6 Melissa was diagnosed with small intestine bacterial growth Credit: Instagram/@
Los Angeles Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): What You Need to Know
When everything's working right, your small intestine is like a clean, well-organized hallway; nutrients pass through, digestion goes smoothly, and there's not much clutter. But sometimes, bacteria that usually hang out in the colon sneak in and start multiplying where they don't belong: the small intestine. That's where small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, comes into play. It's more than just bloating or discomfort; it's a condition that's increasingly being recognized as a driver behind chronic digestive issues and interconnected digestive diseases, but it remains tricky to pin down and even harder to diagnose definitively. One of the challenges in diagnosing SIBO is the range of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and bloating, that it can cause. At its core, SIBO happens when there's either: Traditionally, the diagnosis hinges on a test called the jejunal aspirate, which involves extracting fluid from the small intestine and checking for bacteria. A count of over 100,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter has been the benchmark. But more recent studies suggest that even 1,000 to 10,000 CFU/mL might indicate a problem [3], [10]. This variation reveals a big issue: there's no one-size-fits-all definition. The bacterial population in the small intestine plays a crucial role in diagnosing SIBO, as an abnormal increase can lead to symptoms like diarrhea and malnutrition. This is very different from Meckel's Diverticulum as well. People with SIBO often show up in primary care complaining of everyday symptoms like: These symptoms are easy to misattribute to other common issues like food intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [4]. In fact, SIBO may actually cause or worsen IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. That's because the excessive bacteria can disrupt digestion, produce gas, and interfere with nutrient absorption [5]. Weight loss can also occur due to the malabsorption of nutrients. Here's what's happening behind the scenes: Despite its potential impact, SIBO often flies under the radar due to its overlapping symptoms and the challenges involved in making a clear diagnosis. While the jejunal aspirate remains the most direct method, it's invasive and not widely available [7]. More commonly, doctors use breath testing to measure hydrogen or methane gases produced by bacteria. But these tests have limitations—they can be inaccurate or yield inconsistent results. Because different clinics use different criteria to define and test for SIBO, it's hard to say how many people actually have it [3]. This lack of standardization makes it tough to collect reliable prevalence data. Understanding the risk factors associated with SIBO is crucial for identifying specific populations at risk and improving diagnostic accuracy. Exciting developments are on the horizon. Future tests may rely on metagenomics (studying bacterial DNA) and metabolomics (analyzing the chemical products of metabolism) to detect imbalances more precisely [9]. These techniques could provide a clearer picture of what's going on in the gut—and help reduce misdiagnoses. [8] Additionally, understanding the role of intestinal immunity in maintaining gut health could lead to more accurate diagnostic methods in the future. SIBO and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO) are often lumped together, but they're not the same thing. IMO involves an overgrowth of methane-producing microorganisms—mainly Methanobrevibacter smithii—which can cause different symptoms, especially constipation [10]. Though the symptoms overlap with SIBO, the organisms and gases involved are different. That's why IMO requires distinct tests and treatments [6]. SIBO is still a bit of a puzzle. There's growing awareness, but many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. As science sharpens its tools, we're likely to see: Researchers are starting to think beyond just the number of bacteria in the small intestine and instead looking at the types of bacteria, how they interact with the body, and what chemicals they produce. All of this may eventually help tailor care to each person's gut microbiome. Nutritional support will also be a crucial element in future SIBO management, addressing deficiencies in vitamins and minerals to improve patient outcomes. SIBO is more than a minor gut nuisance—it's a real condition that can significantly affect daily life. But because it mimics other gastrointestinal issues, and because diagnostic methods aren't always consistent or reliable, it often remains overlooked. Recognizing and addressing the underlying cause of SIBO is crucial for effective management and prevention of recurrence. Fortunately, we're entering a new phase of understanding thanks to better research, advanced testing, and a deeper appreciation for how our gut bacteria influence health. As clinicians gain more clarity on what SIBO is—and isn't—patients with chronic GI symptoms may finally get the answers and relief they've been searching for. In severe cases, individuals may experience significant health issues such as night blindness due to vitamin A deficiency, osteomalacia linked to vitamin D deficiency, and various neurological impairments resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency. [1] Pimentel, M., Saad, R. J., Long, M. D., & Rao, S. S. C. (2020). ACG Clinical Guideline: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The American journal of gastroenterology, 115(2), 165–178. [2] Zafar, H., Jimenez, B., & Schneider, A. (2023). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: current update. Current opinion in gastroenterology, 39(6), 522–528. [3] Rao, S. S. C., & Bhagatwala, J. (2019). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Clinical Features and Therapeutic Management. Clinical and translational gastroenterology, 10(10), e00078. [4] Krajicek, E. J., & Hansel, S. L. (2016). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Primary Care Review. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 91(12), 1828–1833. [5] Skrzydło-Radomańska, B., & Cukrowska, B. (2022). How to Recognize and Treat Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth?. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(20), 6017. [6] Rezaie, A., Pimentel, M., & Rao, S. S. (2016). How to Test and Treat Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: an Evidence-Based Approach. Current gastroenterology reports, 18(2), 8. [7] Quigley E. M. (2014). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: what it is and what it is not. Current opinion in gastroenterology, 30(2), 141–146. [8] Bushyhead, D., & Quigley, E. M. (2021). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Gastroenterology clinics of North America, 50(2), 463–474. [9] Ponziani, F. R., Gerardi, V., & Gasbarrini, A. (2016). Diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology, 10(2), 215–227. [10] Takakura, W., & Pimentel, M. (2020). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome - An Update. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 664.
New York Post
30-04-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Is it really IBS? This lesser-known stomach issue is often misdiagnosed and can cause nausea and toilet problems
You shouldn't have to stomach a constantly upset stomach. Bloating, gas and discomfort are often dismissed as harmless digestive issues, but they can sometimes signal more serious health problems. 'Normalizing chronic symptoms like bloating, discomfort or irregular bowel habits can delay diagnosis of underlying conditions such as SIBO, IBS, celiac disease or even inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer,' Dr. Ali Rezaie, medical director of the GI Motility Program at Cedars-Sinai in LA, told The Post. 3 More than half (51%) of Americans think stomach issues such as bloating, gas and discomfort are 'normal.' Daniel – If you're wondering what Rezaie means when he says 'SIBO,' you're not alone. A recent survey revealed that three out of four Americans have never heard of SIBO, and — of those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — 41% said their healthcare provider never mentioned SIBO as a possible cause of their symptoms. The gut disorder is often misdiagnosed as IBS. 'SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a condition where excess or misplaced bacteria in the small intestine lead to GI symptoms including post-prandial bloating, distention, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation,' Rezaie explained. 'People with IBS, diabetes, prior abdominal surgery or conditions that slow gut motility — like scleroderma — are at higher risk' of SIBO. SIBO has been historically underrecognized, Rezaie said, due to limitations in medical training and diagnostic tools. 'Until recently, symptoms like bloating were often lumped into general IBS without exploring microbial causes. As research grows, awareness is increasing — but gaps still persist,' he said. A similar condition, intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), involves methane-producing bugs and causes many of the same miserable symptoms. 3 Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. methaphum – For those diagnosed with SIBO, one promising treatment option is the elemental diet — a bland but scientifically-backed protocol that nourishes you while starving the unruly bacteria to reduce overgrowth. 'It's a liquid nutrition plan with pre-digested nutrients that are absorbed in the upper small intestine,' Rezaie said. You may be tempted to pop some popular probiotics, but he cautions they may do more harm than good. Probiotics can worsen SIBO or IMO symptoms by adding more bacteria to an already overpopulated intestine, Rezaie said. 'Some experience more bloating or brain fog,' he continued. 'Probiotics should be personalized — not assumed safe for everyone.' 3 'SIBO has historically been underrecognized due to limited training in medical education and a lack of widespread diagnostic tools,' Dr. Ali Rezaie said. Witoon – So, why are gut issues blooming in the first place? Blame the 21st-century lifestyle. 'Highly processed diets, food additives, sedentary lifestyles and increased gut infections contribute to reduced microbial diversity and gut dysfunction,' Rezaie said. 'Our modern habits have outpaced what the microbiome evolved to handle.' His prescription for prevention is refreshingly old-school. 'Eat a diverse, whole-foods diet, minimize processed foods, stay active, sleep well and don't ignore chronic symptoms — early care can make a big difference,' he advised. Unfortunately, the new survey found that 27% of patients feel dismissed when they raise concerns about chronic gut issues to their doctor. 'Providers need to listen more carefully and avoid labeling symptoms as 'just stress' or 'normal,'' Rezaie said. 'Validating patient concerns, asking detailed questions and staying updated on research is key,' he added. 'When patients feel heard, they're more likely to engage in effective treatment.'
