Bacteria can grow in the intestine to the point where absorption of food is impaired. Conventional doctors diagnose the condition rarely, usually in diabetics and after bowel surgery.
Symptoms of bacterial overgrowth often include:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Unintentional weight loss
- An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
After abdominal surgery, you should see your doctor if you have:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rapid, unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal pain lasting more than a few days
Self Help
Damage to the small intestine may cause one to lose the ability to digest milk sugar, also known as lactose. In that case, it is important to avoid most products containing lactose, or use lactase preparations that help digest milk sugar. Some people may be able to tolerate yogurt because the bacteria used in the culturing process naturally break down lactose.
Western Treatments
Standard medical treatment is to administer antibiotics in a cyclical fashion, such as one week per month. A short course of antibiotics often significantly reduces the number of abnormal bacteria. But bacteria can return when the antibiotic is discontinued, so treatment may need to be long term.
Doctors may also switch among different drugs to help prevent bacterial resistance. Antibiotics may wipe out most bacteria, normal and abnormal. As a result, antibiotics can cause some of the very problems they are trying to cure, including diarrhea.
Correcting nutritional deficiencies is crucial in treatment, particularly in people with severe weight loss. People with bacterial overgrowth may need treatment to improve vitamin deficiencies. Intramuscular injections of vitamin B-12 as well as oral vitamin, calcium and iron supplements may be needed.
A Case in TCM Treatment
Holistic doctors diagnose this condition more commonly and administer herbal supplements and antibiotics to address their most acute symptoms. Based on the individual’s symptoms and constitution, treatment based in traditional Chinese medicine can be applied to help relieve many of the painful side effects.
- Acidophilus and bifidus supplements 3 times per day on an empty stomach
- A formula containing Bovine Colostrum Complex 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for loose stools
- A formula containing isatis extract leaf and root, echinacea root and leaf, platycodon root and other herbs or a formula containing phellodendron cortex, licorice root, cardamon fruit and other herbs 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for their antimicrobial effects
- A formula containing magnolia bark, angelica root, red citrus peel and other herbs 2 tablets twice daily to resolve gas, bloating and food stagnation