SIBO and bloating: a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective

This video is meant to expand your general knowledge about living a healthy life and is NOT a substitute for seeking medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making changes in your health practices, diet and self-care.

In this video, licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine physician, Dr. Alex Heyne explains the commonly occurring phenomenon of SIBO, and which can wreak intestinal havoc from the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine – particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract.

Typical SIBO symptoms include:

• indigestion and bloating
• food sensitivities
• changes in bowel movements

Viewed through the TCM perspective, explains Dr. Heyne, SIBO indicates a vulnerability to the ‘cold’ state, and so the formulas used for healing would be to raise ‘heat’ through pungent herbal remedies, and to eliminate/avoid foodstuffs (such as raw juices) that would otherwise exacerbate the ‘cold’ factor.

The vulnerability can be either due to a constitutional predisposition, or may develop through stress and overwork, he adds. Fortunately, it is possible to heal SIBO with correct identification, elimination of stressors and adherence to correct nutrition.

View the original video here.

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