Methane SIBO or Intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO) refers to an excessive build up of methanogenic archaea in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can either reside in the small or large intestines. (1)
Methanogens are microorganisms that produce methane gas as a byproduct of their metabolism. While they are normally present in the gut in small quantities, an overgrowth, can lead to slowered gut motility and many unwanted symptoms. (1,2)
To fully understand the impact of methane SIBO, one must first grasp the image of a normal bowel.
Under normal circumstances, the lower GI tract (large intestines), hosts a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. This diverse community, known as the gut microbiome, performs essential functions such as aiding in digestion, synthesizing vitamins, and supporting the immune system.
A healthy gut microbiome is characterized by a balanced composition, with beneficial bacteria outnumbering potentially harmful ones. The presence of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and suppresses the growth of pathogenic organisms. (2)
While the small intestine is not completely devoid of bacteria, the bacterial population is relatively low and considered sterile compared to the colon.
When SIBO and/or methane SIBO (IMO) is present however, there is a significant increase in the number and diversity of bacteria and archaea, repectively, exceeding the normal levels. This overgrowth of bacteria and archaea are fermented, with the byproduct being gases as opposed to the beneficial byproducts of the large intestine. (1)
There are three variations of intestinal overgrowth: Hydrogen dominant SIBO, Methane dominant SIBO (IMO), and Hydrogen Sulfide dominant SIBO. (1,2) These three gases present differently but do not act independently.
Methane SIBO (Intestinal methanogen overgrowth) disrupts the delicate microbiome balance, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, abdominal discomfort, and altered bowel habits. Understanding the differences and connections of hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide in gut health, along with proper testing, can help properly diagnose intestinal overgrowth.
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If you are bloated everyday and cannot pinpoint why, take this quiz to get more insight on what could be happening!
I was positive for hydrogen and methane
Unfortunately that is very common! The Hydrogen feeds off of the bacteria and then archaea feeds of the Hydrogen.