What is SIBO? Most people haven’t heard of it – until they find out they’ve got it! SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, and many common digestive issues are caused, at least in part, by this condition.
And what about IBS? Well, IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and is a common ‘diagnosis’ given to patients with bowel issues by doctors who have no idea what’s going on with their patients’ bowel. The ‘IBS’ label can be given to anyone with changeable bowel habits, chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation where there’s no obvious cause.
If you’ve been diagnosed with either SIBO or IBS, finding solutions that actually work can be challenging.
Living with Chronic Diarrhea
I lived with digestive issues all my life, and as an adult, I lived with chronic diarrhea off and on for decades. Anyone who’s suffered from chronic, ongoing diarrhea knows it’s not only challenging, but it can be very stressful. IBS diarrhea can reduce life to a mere existence where working, socialising, or even going shopping can be challenging.
Every… single… day…
I doubt that there’s a much more stressful existence than being fearful daily that you’re going to shit your pants in public!
And throughout all those decades, when I often had twenty-plus trips to the bathroom each day, I thought my large bowel (colon) was the problem.
So What Causes IBS Diarrhea?
Assuming that the colon is the problem is understandable. Who wouldn’t come to that conclusion? Hell, most doctors do! All that watery, revolting mess is coming from the large bowel, so it’s natural to assume it’s the problem.
But if you have IBS diarrhea, what I’m going to say next may surprise you.
Your chronic diarrhea (or even chronic constipation) may be caused by what’s going on in your small intestine, and there’s a really good chance that you’re going to have to learn more about SIBO than your doctor will ever know, and basically, how to cure it yourself!
