possible causes of SIBO
worsened digestion
Content
1. Worsened Digestion
2. Causes for Worsened Digestion
1. Worsened Digestion
Impaired digestive function is often the result of enzyme deficiencies, microbial imbalances, or bile flow issues. Common causes include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, low stomach acid, brush border enzyme deficiency, and gallbladder dysfunction. These issues can also be worsened by chronic stress and microbiome disturbances, which are commonly seen in SIBO, IBS, and other gastrointestinal conditions. If you are experiencing chronic gut symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or malabsorption, it’s essential to find a clinic that specializes in functional gastroenterology or digestive health for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
2. Causes for Worsened Digestion
Let’s start anatomically from the top:
Healthy stomach acid is crucial for several functions. Its acidic pH helps sterilize ingested food by killing harmful microbes and begins enzymatic digestion (e.g., protein via pepsin, fat via gastric lipase). A lack of stomach acid may lead to poor food breakdown and increased microbial overgrowth, including SIBO.
In exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, the pancreas fails to secrete adequate enzymes. These include:
Peptidases for protein digestion, Amylases for carbohydrates and Lipases for fats.
This deficiency can lead to undigested food, stomach discomfort, and symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea. If you live near a major center like Cleveland, look for clinics with experience in enzyme testing and gut restoration.
Unlike the previously described enzymes, brush border enzymes are not released into the lumen but are found on the surface of the intestinal cells. One example of a brush border enzyme is lactase. Lactase breaks down the disaccharide lactose into the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. A lactase deficiency leads to lactose intolerance, where the undigested lactose is fermented by gut bacteria, which can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotics may help support intestinal function in cases of brush border enzyme depletion, but proper diagnosis through breath or stool tests is recommended.
Disrupted bile flow—due to gallstones, tumors, or parasites—can significantly impair fat digestion. Bile acids emulsify fats, making them accessible to lipases. Without sufficient bile, fat remains unabsorbed, often leading to greasy stools and digestive discomfort.
Digestion relies not only on enzymes but also on beneficial gut bacteria, which actively assist in the digestive process. When dysbiosis or microbiome dysfunction occurs, this natural support is weakened—compromising digestion and nutrient absorption. In such cases, probiotics may offer additional support, especially when supervised by a clinic specializing in gastroenterology.
Beyond organic causes, digestion is also affected by psychological factors—particularly stress. Chronic stress is known to disrupt gut function, impair stomach acid production, and delay motility, all of which can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. If you suffer from IBS, diarrhea, or irregular digestion, mental health may be an important part of your overall treatment plan..
When food isn’t properly broken down—due to low enzymes, bile deficiency, or poor motility—it lingers in the small intestine. These undigested compounds act as a fuel source for gut bacteria, contributing to bacterial overgrowth and the development of SIBO.
