Trying to stay healthy can seem like a full-time job sometimes, especially during a pandemic.

But I'm here to make that goal a little easier.

Welcome to the Nutrition Facts Podcast.

I'm your host, Dr. Michael Greger.

Today, an acronym that needs a little explaining.

It's called SIBO-S-I-B-O, and it stands for Small and Testinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

Here's my first story.

Gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating account for millions of

doctor visits every year.

One of the conditions that may be considered for such a non-specific presentation of symptoms

is SIBO.

Small and testinal bacterial overgrowth, a concept that has gained popularity on the internet,

in addition to certain clinical research circles, SIBO is broadly defined as the excessive

growth of bacteria in the small intestine, as typically treated with antibiotics.

But dispensing antibiotics to patients with such non-specific common symptoms is not without

risks.

You could be fostering antibiotic resistance.

There could be side effects.

And wiping out your good bacteria could set you up for an invasion of bad bugs like

C-DIF, all for a condition that may not even be real.

Then alternative medicine journals admit that SIBO is being overdiagnosed, creating confusion

and fear.

...