SIBO: What to know about Selena Gomez’s diagnosis
Singer and Actress Selena Gomez recently shared her diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a chronic condition impacting her digestive health.
SIBO occurs when bacteria, typically found in other areas of the gut, grow excessively in the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Loose or watery stool
- Loss of appetite
- Nutrient malabsorption
The symptoms of SIBO can overlap with those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which often leads to misdiagnosis or delays in treatment. To help distinguish SIBO from other digestive health conditions, doctors typically use a breath test to measure hydrogen and methane levels, gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO can be triggered by various factors, including surgeries, structural abnormalities in the digestive tract, and even slower digestive transit. In these cases, food stays in the intestine longer than normal, creating a favorable environment for bacterial overgrowth.
SIBO treatment options
“SIBO can be complex to treat, often requiring a combination of dietary adjustments and antibiotics to control bacterial growth,” explains Dr. Andrew Albert, a gastroenterologist at Advocate Health Care. “Some patients also benefit from probiotics or other gut health supplements to help reestablish a healthy bacterial balance.”
Long-term management is often necessary, especially since SIBO can recur if the underlying causes aren’t addressed. Many gastroenterologists recommend patients with SIBO follow a diet low in carbohydrates. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct any structural issues in the intestine that could be promoting excess bacterial overgrowth.
In recent interviews, Gomez has been candid about how SIBO can impact your physical health, appearance and even emotional well-being. Her story highlights the importance of understanding “invisible” illnesses and the impact they can have on daily life.
As Dr. Albert emphasizes, “It’s not just about treating the symptoms. Proper SIBO management can improve your quality of life significantly.”
If you’re looking for healthy recipes to help combat gastrointestinal conditions, download the LiveWell app.
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About the Author
Julie Walters, health enews contributor, is manager of research communications for the public affairs department at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She also serves as production manager for the peer-reviewed Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews. Julie’s background is mostly in multimedia design and project management and has worked in health care for over 15 years. She lives in Milwaukee, Wis., and in her free time enjoys spending time with family, gardening, bargain hunting and getting organized.
