Episode 136: SIBO and Homeopathy Rebalancing with Gitanjali Goel

Why can bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea continue even when you have already changed your diet? In this episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith speaks with Gitanjali Goel about SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and the different digestive symptoms people may experience. They explore gut motility, stress, food, breath testing and how Gitanjali approaches digestive cases within her homeopathic practice. What Is SIBO? Gitanjali uses the example of an organised kitchen to explain what happens when microorganisms are present where they would not normally be expected in large numbers. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Fatigue and other less specific symptoms may also occur. Because these symptoms can have many causes, testing and medical assessment can be important before assuming SIBO is responsible. Gut Motility and Eating Patterns The conversation explores the migrating motor complex, a normal pattern of movement through the digestive tract that occurs between meals. Gitanjali discusses meal spacing and frequent snacking as part of the wider digestive picture. She also talks about stress and how changes in the nervous system can affect digestion and gut motility. Constipation or Diarrhea? Different gas patterns found during breath testing may be associated with different bowel symptoms. Gitanjali discusses hydrogen in relation to diarrhea and methane in relation to constipation. Methane related intestinal overgrowth is often discussed alongside SIBO, although it is more accurately described as intestinal methanogen overgrowth. Acute Symptoms vs the Wider Case Within her homeopathic approach, Gitanjali distinguishes between considering a remedy for a symptom happening now and taking a much wider look at someone's long term digestive history. She may ask about previous illnesses, medications, stress, diet, work, childhood experiences and when the digestive problems first began. Homeopathy has not been shown to eradicate bacterial overgrowth or treat SIBO. Diet, Probiotics and SIBO The episode also discusses probiotics and a low FODMAP style diet. Responses to probiotics can vary, and they are not automatically appropriate for every person with digestive symptoms. A low FODMAP diet can sometimes help manage symptoms for a limited period, but it is restrictive and is best used with appropriate professional guidance rather than followed unnecessarily long term. Gitanjali's Case Example Gitanjali shares the story of a 35 year old woman experiencing persistent bloating, constipation, sluggish digestion and fatigue. She describes using the person's health history, breath test results, dietary changes and individualized homeopathic prescribing as part of her approach. The improvements described are an individual case experience and do not establish that homeopathy treated the underlying overgrowth. Key Takeaways SIBO can be associated with bloating, gas and bowel changes. Digestive symptoms have many possible causes. Breath testing is one tool used when SIBO is suspected. Methane is commonly associated with constipation. Diet and meal patterns may influence digestive symptoms. A low FODMAP diet is usually intended as a temporary strategy. Long term or recurring gut symptoms deserve proper assessment. Homeopathy has not been established as an effective treatment for SIBO. The remedy Gitanjali mentioned was poly bowel nosode which is the homeopathic version of a mix of pro and pre-biotics. For more information please contact Gitanjali here: Visit Gitanjali's website: https://pcosandfertilityhomeopath.com/ Follow Gitanjali on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Homeohealthcenter/ Join the Managing PCOS Naturally Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ManagingPCOSNaturally Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247 You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/