How to treat IBS?

The small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) is directly related to the dysfunction of the small intestine: normally, there are very few bacteria in it, but with SIBO, they actively multiply.

The body has natural defense mechanisms against such overpopulation, and one of the most important factors is bile.

When a person eats fatty food, bile is released from the gallbladder into the duodenum. This triggers several important processes.

Bactericidal action of bile. Bile contains bile acids and salts that damage bacterial membranes, disrupt their osmotic balance, and effectively act as a natural antiseptic. This is especially important for the small intestine—this is where sterility is maintained and the growth of microbes is limited.

Maintaining normal intestinal motility. Bile acids stimulate peristalsis. Good motility prevents food from stagnating, which means that bacteria do not get the conditions for excessive multiplication.

In SIBO, stagnation and slow movement of chyme are often observed—bile helps to break this vicious cycle.

Emulsification of fats and nourishment of the mucosa. Bile breaks down fats into small droplets, facilitating their absorption. Fatty acids, in turn, nourish the mucous membrane and promote the restoration of the intestinal barrier. The stronger the mucosa, the less likely bacteria are to attach and start to proliferate.

Regulation of microbiota through bile acids. Some bile acids in the intestine are transformed by bacteria into secondary acids. These compounds act as signaling molecules, regulating the composition of the microbiota and reducing the excessive growth of conditionally pathogenic species.

If the diet is low in fat, the gallbladder empties infrequently, bile stagnates, and its bactericidal function weakens. This creates ideal conditions for the development of SIBO.

Therefore, regularly including healthy fats (butter and coconut oil, lard, fatty fish, egg yolks, meat with natural fat content) supports the natural defense of the small intestine against bacterial overpopulation.