In a now-deleted TikTok video, Gomez takes a closer look at her body, commenting: “It makes me sick. I’ve [SIBO] In my small intestine. It burns. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story. No, I’m not a victim. I’m just one person. TMZ A screenshot of the comments was taken before the video was removed.
Gomez has been candid about her health issues over the years, opening up about her journey with lupus since 2013, a kidney transplant in 2017, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She even shared how treatment for these health conditions may affect her ability to have children one day. But this is the first time Gomez is talking about how to deal with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)—a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that can cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Learn more about SIBO, including its symptoms, causes, diagnostic process, and treatment options.
What is SIBO?
We all have a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in our gut, called the microbiome. But SIBO is a condition in which abnormal numbers of harmful bacteria grow in the small intestine, the long tube-like organ that helps the body digest food. This type of bacteria is not usually found in this part of the digestive tract. According to the Mayo Clinic, SIBO usually occurs due to complications from surgery (to treat peptic ulcers or stomach cancer), structural problems in or around the small intestine, or certain medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ) caused by.
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SIBO slows the passage of food through the digestive tract, causing a variety of symptoms such as:
- abdominal bloating
- Loss of appetite
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- diarrhea
- constipate
- nausea and vomiting
- gas
- Feeling too full during or after eating
- fatigue
- unintentional weight loss
SIBO is difficult to diagnose
Many people with SIBO have trouble getting a diagnosis. That’s because the symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are very similar to those of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or indigestion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, experts agree that IBS tends to be dominated by pain, while SIBO is dominated by bloating, according to Yale University Medical Center.
Once your doctor understands your symptoms, they can further narrow down the diagnosis by ordering a culture of small intestinal bacteria or imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI. In some cases, your doctor may use a breath test, but that’s not always the most accurate method, according to Yale Medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated SIBO often results in certain vitamin deficiencies or fat malabsorption (i.e., the inability to absorb fat), so your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check for any abnormalities.
Treatment involves clearing the bacteria
Treatment for SIBO usually depends on the underlying cause. For example, if your SIBO is the result of gastrointestinal surgery, your doctor may need to perform surgery to repair any internal complications. Otherwise, it’s mainly about taking antibiotics to eliminate harmful bacteria, trying supplements like vitamin B12, calcium and iron to reverse any deficiencies, and avoiding trigger foods that can make symptoms worse, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Healing from SIBO is not a one-size-fits-all journey. However, being patient with your body, tracking your symptoms during treatment, and checking in with your doctor regularly about your health can support your recovery.
