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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
The link between SIBO and acid reflux is often due to poor digestion allowing bacteria to overgrow in the small intestine and thus causing symptoms of SIBO such as acid reflux. Poor upper digestive function in the form of low stomach acid, insufficient enzyme production, and reduced bile flow can allow for bacteria to overgrow in the small intestine and contribute to the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.How does SIBO cause acid reflux?When there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, as in the case with SIBO, these bacteria produce gas, which builds up and puts pressure on the small intestine and stomach (hello bloating). When enough pressure builds up, it can push the acid from the stomach up into the esophagus, causing the common symptom of acid reflux.Fermentation from bacteria in the small intestine is how SIBO can cause acid reflux.Acid reflux is one of the symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Other common symptoms of SIBO include:a bloated stomachburpingupper abdominal bloatingdiarrheaheartburnindigestionexcessive gasbloating after eatingstomach painsintolerance to fiber and prebioticsAn intolerance to resistant starches found in bananas and potatoes or high FODMAP foods such as onion, garlic, and asparagus often indicate a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.Foods to avoid when SIBO is the cause of heartburnMany people notice that spicy or acidic foods and high histamine foods may trigger heartburn due to an inflamed gut lining or release of histamine in response to high histamine foods.What people often miss is that it is the fermentable carbohydrates, high fiber foods, and refined carbohydrates that are problematic when SIBO is the cause of heartburn.Highly fermentable carbohydrates are resistant starches found in bananas and potatoes or high FODMAP foods such as onion, garlic, and asparagus. Corn, legumes, wheat, and high fiber are also often problematic. These are foods to avoid if someone has SIBO and acid reflux or if you notice any of these highly fermentable foods as your trigger.Refined carbohydrate foods are full of sugar, which is fuel for bacteria to feed upon and grow in excess. If you notice that your acid reflux or abdominal bloating occurs, SIBO is likely the underlying cause of your acid reflux.Understanding the SIBO and acid reflux connectionWhen the terrain of the small intestine gets out of balance due to poor digestive function, bacteria that thrive in the large intestine begin to grow in excess in the small intestine causing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO.These bacteria are fed by prebiotics, which are indigestible fibers that are fermented by gut bacteria. Foods high in fiber are the fuel for our microbiome to thrive.High FODMAP foods fermentable carbohydrates become problematic when there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine that ferment upon these fibers and thus produce excessive gas that puts pressure on the stomach causing acid reflux and bloating.Following a low carbohydrate SIBO diet or low fodmap diet for some time can be
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