Tag: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Approximately 15% of the general population may be affected by Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition that causes confusion about whether you **should not take probiotics if I have SIBO**. The answer is nuanced, as some strains can help, while others may exacerbate symptoms like bloating and gas.

The prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) in the general population is estimated to be between 2.5% and 22% [1.7.2, 1.7.5]. For those with SIBO, understanding **which probiotics can make SIBO worse** is crucial for managing symptoms.

A large-scale study involving over 1,800 individuals found that omeprazole use is associated with a decrease in overall gut microbial diversity. This medication fundamentally alters the gastrointestinal environment, prompting the crucial question: does omeprazole affect gut bacteria and overall gut health?