Latest news with #SIBO
Medscape
5 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Hypothyroidism Linked to Gut Microbiome Disturbances
People with hypothyroidism show significantly higher levels of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and key bacterial distinctions than those without the thyroid condition, according to results of a study. '[The research] supports the idea that improving gut health could have far-reaching effects beyond digestion, possibly even helping to prevent autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto thyroiditis,' said senior author Ruchi Mathur, MD, director of the Diabetes Outpatient Treatment and Education Center and director of Clinical Operations of Medically Associated Science and Technology, at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, in a press statement for the study, which was presented at ENDO 2025: The Endocrine Society Annual Meeting. 'These findings open the door to new screening and prevention strategies,' Mathur added. 'For example, doctors may begin to monitor thyroid health more closely in patients with SIBO, and vice versa.' With some small studies previously suggesting an association between the gut microbiome and hypothyroidism, Mathur and colleagues further explored the relationship in two analyses. Assessing the Role of the Small Bowel For the first, they evaluated data on 49 patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and 323 controls without the condition from their REIMAGINE trial, which included small bowel fluid samples from upper endoscopies and DNA sequencing. In the study, all patients with HT were treated with thyroid replacement (levothyroxine), hence, there were notably no significant differences between the two groups in terms of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Despite the lack of those differences, patients with HT had a prevalence of SIBO more than twice that of the control group, independent of gender (33% vs 15%; odds ratio, 2.71; P = .005). When the two groups were further subdivided into two groups each — those with and without SIBO — significant further variations of microbial diversity were observed between those with and without HT, Mathur told Medscape Medical News . 'Interestingly, we saw the small bowel microbiome was not only different in SIBO-positive patients, including higher gram negatives, which is to be expected, but that the presence or absence of hypothyroidism itself was associated with specific patterns of these gram-negative bacteria,' she explained. 'In addition, when we looked at hypothyroidism without SIBO present, there were also changes between groups, such as higher Neisseria in the hypothyroid group.' 'All these findings are novel as this is the first paper to look specifically at the small bowel,' she added, noting that previous smaller studies have focused more on evaluation of stool samples. 'We believe the small bowel is the most metabolically active area of the intestine and plays an important role in metabolism,' Mathur noted. 'Thus, the microbial changes here are likely more physiologically significant than the patterns seen in stool.' Further Findings from a Large Population In a separate analysis, the team evaluated data from the TriNetX database on the 10-year incidence of developing SIBO among 1.1 million subjects with hypothyroidism in the US compared with 1 million controls. They found that people with hypothyroidism were approximately twice as likely to develop SIBO compared with those without hypothyroidism (relative risk [RR], 2.20). Furthermore, those with HT, in particular, had an even higher risk, at 2.4 times the controls (RR, 2.40). Treatment with levothyroxine decreased the risk of developing SIBO in hypothyroidism (RR, 0.33) and HT (RR, 0.78) vs those who did not receive treatment. Mechanisms? However, the fact that differences in SIBO were observed even between people who were treated for HT and those without the condition in the first analysis, and hence had similar TSH levels, was notable, Mathur. 'This suggests that perhaps there are other factors aside from TSH levels and free T4 that are at play here,' she said. 'Some people have theorized that perhaps delayed gut motility in hypothyroidism promotes the development of SIBO; however, there are many other factors within this complex interplay between the microbiome and the thyroid that could also be playing a role.' 'For example, SIBO leads to inflammation and weakening of the gut barrier,' Mathur explained. Furthermore, 'levothyroxine absorption and cycling of the thyroid hormone occurs predominantly in the small bowel, [while the] microbiome plays a key role in the absorption of iron, selenium, iodine, and zinc, which are critical for thyroid function.' Overall, 'further research is needed to understand how the mechanisms are affected during the development of SIBO and hypothyroidism,' Mathur said. Assessment of Changes Over Time Anticipated Commenting on the research, Gregory A. Brent, MD, senior executive academic vice-chair of the Department of Medicine and professor of medicine and physiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles said the study is indeed novel. 'This, to my knowledge, is the first investigation to link characteristics of the small bowel microbiome with hypothyroidism,' Brent told Medscape Medical News . While any clinical significance has yet to be determined, 'the association of these small bowel microbiome changes with hypothyroidism may have implications for contributing to the onset of autoimmune hypothyroidism in susceptible populations as well as influences on levothyroxine absorption in hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine therapy,' Brent said. With the SIBO differences observed even among treated patients with vs without HT, 'it seems less likely that the microbiome changes are the result of reduced thyroid hormone signaling,' Brent noted. Furthermore, a key piece of the puzzle will be to observe the microbiome changes over time, he added. 'These studies were at a single time point [and] longitudinal studies will be especially important to see how the association changes over time and are influenced by the treatment of hypothyroidism and of SIBO,' Brent said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
What is a low FODMAP diet and can it really fix your gut issues?
A quiet revolution seems to be happening at the dinner table, not marked by exotic fruits or vegetables or flashy labels, but by what's being taken off the plate. In recent years, the low-FODMAP diet has surged in popularity. Especially among people desperate to solve their ongoing digestive woes. But is this elimination-based diet any good? Can it actually help heal an inflamed, uncooperative gut? Science behind the diet isn't new, but it's becoming more mainstream. FODMAPs are short for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. These are a group of carbohydrates that ferment in your digestive tract. In plain terms, these are types of sugars and fibers that don't always break down well in the small intestine, especially for people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). They pass through partially digested, drawing water with them, and eventually land in your colon where the resident microbes feast, producing gas, acids, and for some people, misery. The result is bloating, cramping, and frequent bathroom visits. According to researchers at Monash University, the team that developed the low-FODMAP framework, removing these fermentable carbs can reduce symptoms in roughly 3 out of 4 people with IBS. Their studies have shown significant relief in bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular stool patterns when patients followed the diet under supervision. Deeper look at FODMAPs To understand why this diet is gaining traction, it helps to know what's actually being restricted. FODMAPs include: Oligosaccharides: Found in wheat, garlic, onions, legumes—essentially prebiotics that feed gut bacteria. Disaccharides: Mainly lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy. Monosaccharides: Fructose, the simple sugar in certain fruits. Polyols: Sugar alcohols found both naturally (in apples, stone fruits) and artificially (in sugar-free gum or mints). Each of these groups can cause a unique reaction in sensitive guts, which is why this isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, someone might tolerate dairy fine but react violently to a lentil stew or a slice of garlic bread. Who needs it? Not everyone needs to go on this diet. For a healthy digestive system, fermentable carbs are a good thing. Feeding gut bacteria isn't just natural; it's vital for immunity and long-term health. However, for individuals with sensitive or inflamed intestines, the normal fermentation process can lead to the overproduction of gas and water. This, in turn, can stretch the gut wall and trigger pain receptors. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, a low-FODMAP diet is particularly helpful in managing IBS and SIBO. It's typically done in three phases: elimination, reintroduction, and personalization. However, experts emphasize that the idea is not to ban these foods completely but to identify personal triggers and expand your diet as much as possible without symptoms. What can you eat? Low-FODMAP doesn't mean low variety. In fact, many common and enjoyable foods remain on the menu. Some safe bets include: Proteins: Eggs, tofu, firm cheeses, plain meats. Fruits: Grapes, oranges, kiwi, unripe bananas. Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, spinach, bell peppers. Grains: Rice, oats, quinoa, gluten-free breads made without high-FODMAP flours. But there are nuances too. For example, a ripe banana is high in fructose, but a slightly green one may be fine in moderate amounts. Similarly, avocado is only low-FODMAP if you stick to a tablespoon or two. Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any diet, including low-FODMAP.
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star details nightmare turbulence on flight after travel hell while battling with chronic illness symptoms
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star Melissa Suffield has revealed her nightmare journey home from a family holiday while battling her chronic illness. The actress - who used to play Lucy Beale in the BBC soap - was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) after experiencing "horrible nausea" in 2023. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Melissa has opened up about her journey from hell Credit: Instagram 2 The actress played Lucy Beale in EastEnders Credit: BBC And it has had a huge impact in her life - which makes her family holidays and quality time all the more precious. But today she has revealed that she had the journey from hell home - undoing the good the holiday did. Taking to Instagram, Melissa wrote: 'I've been a bit quiet because life has been a LOT. The trip away was so restorative but honestly the act of getting home undid it 'The ship didn't make it into the final port of my trip due to very bad weather, but obviously my flight was booked from there! 'So booked a flight home from the next available port very last minute, which was a midnight flight, which was delayed by 2 hours because of weather again, and then the ENTIRE 3 hour flight was mad turbulence and lightning out the window I s*** you not. 'I'm not a nervous flyer but I was on that flight. 'Honestly, not a fun experience, followed by only 4 hours of sleep and then a 3 hour train journey home with River and all my luggage. 'On the list of things I simply do not need in my life, this experience was a high ranking one.' Melissa added: 'Not aided by the fact that towards the end of the trip, my symptoms started getting worse. 'I think the combination of not eating anything other than steak and potatoes, as well as the stress of making a new very last minute plan and the childcare and everything that went along with that is probably what did it. Former EastEnders star has had '40 doctors appointments' and spent 'over five figures' amid gruelling health condition 'Also my period always makes everything worse- I've actually just had a test arrive that looks at your DNA and hormones to see if I can pin point anything I'm missing. 'But anyway, I am home now safe and sound, I have done all the washing, I've got full control over my diet again, and I've got my boy back. But I am feeling rough in a way that I haven't in a while, so l'm focusing all my energy on resting. What is SIBO? SIBO is also known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. 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." 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. 'I've got a really busy week next week too, so I've really got to try and get back on top of things quickly tbh. But when your nervous system is frazzled, that time limit way of thinking is completely counter productive.'
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders star details nightmare turbulence on flight after travel hell while battling with chronic illness symptoms
EASTENDERS star Melissa Suffield has revealed her nightmare journey home from a family holiday while battling her chronic illness. The actress - who used to play Lucy Beale in the BBC soap - was Advertisement 2 Melissa has opened up about her journey from hell Credit: Instagram 2 The actress played Lucy Beale in EastEnders Credit: BBC And it has had a huge impact in her life - which makes her family holidays and quality time all the more precious. But today she has revealed that she had the journey from hell home - undoing the good the holiday did. Taking to Instagram, Melissa wrote: 'I've been a bit quiet because life has been a LOT. The trip away was so restorative but honestly the act of getting home undid it 'The ship didn't make it into the final port of my trip due to very bad weather , but obviously my flight was booked from there! Advertisement Read more on EastEnders 'So booked a flight home from the next available port very last minute, which was a midnight flight, which was delayed by 2 hours because of weather again, and then the ENTIRE 3 hour flight was mad turbulence and lightning out the window I s*** you not. 'I'm not a nervous flyer but I was on that flight. 'Honestly, not a fun experience, followed by only 4 hours of sleep and then a 3 hour train journey home with River and all my luggage. 'On the list of things I simply do not need in my life, this experience was a high ranking one.' Advertisement Most read in Soaps Exclusive Exclusive Melissa added: 'Not aided by the fact that towards the end of the trip, my symptoms started getting worse. 'I think the combination of not eating anything other than steak and potatoes, as well as the stress of making a new very last minute plan and the childcare and everything that went along with that is probably what did it. Former EastEnders star has had '40 doctors appointments' and spent 'over five figures' amid gruelling health condition 'Also my period always makes everything worse- I've actually just had a test arrive that looks at your DNA and hormones to see if I can pin point anything I'm missing. 'But anyway, I am home now safe and sound, I have done all the washing, I've got full control over my diet again, and I've got my boy back. But I am feeling rough in a way that I haven't in a while, so l'm focusing all my energy on resting. Advertisement What is SIBO? SIBO is also known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. 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. 'I've got a really busy week next week too, so I've really got to try and get back on top of things quickly tbh. But when your nervous system is frazzled, that time limit way of thinking is completely counter productive.'
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star details nightmare turbulence on flight after travel hell while battling with chronic illness symptoms
EASTENDERS star Melissa Suffield has revealed her nightmare journey home from a family holiday while battling her chronic illness. The actress - who used to play Lucy Beale in the BBC soap - was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) after experiencing "horrible nausea" in 2023. 2 2 And it has had a huge impact in her life - which makes her family holidays and quality time all the more precious. But today she has revealed that she had the journey from hell home - undoing the good the holiday did. Taking to Instagram, Melissa wrote: 'I've been a bit quiet because life has been a LOT. The trip away was so restorative but honestly the act of getting home undid it 'The ship didn't make it into the final port of my trip due to very bad weather, but obviously my flight was booked from there! 'So booked a flight home from the next available port very last minute, which was a midnight flight, which was delayed by 2 hours because of weather again, and then the ENTIRE 3 hour flight was mad turbulence and lightning out the window I s*** you not. 'I'm not a nervous flyer but I was on that flight. 'Honestly, not a fun experience, followed by only 4 hours of sleep and then a 3 hour train journey home with River and all my luggage. 'On the list of things I simply do not need in my life, this experience was a high ranking one.' Melissa added: 'Not aided by the fact that towards the end of the trip, my symptoms started getting worse. 'I think the combination of not eating anything other than steak and potatoes, as well as the stress of making a new very last minute plan and the childcare and everything that went along with that is probably what did it. Former EastEnders star has had '40 doctors appointments' and spent 'over five figures' amid gruelling health condition 'Also my period always makes everything worse- I've actually just had a test arrive that looks at your DNA and hormones to see if I can pin point anything I'm missing. 'But anyway, I am home now safe and sound, I have done all the washing, I've got full control over my diet again, and I've got my boy back. But I am feeling rough in a way that I haven't in a while, so l'm focusing all my energy on resting. What is SIBO? SIBO is also known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. 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." 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. 'I've got a really busy week next week too, so I've really got to try and get back on top of things quickly tbh. But when your nervous system is frazzled, that time limit way of thinking is completely counter productive.'
