Link between hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Anant D Patil
Freelance Consultant, Medical Communication and Training, India
Date of Web Publication3-May-2014
Abstract
Altered gastrointestinal (GI) motility is seen in many pathological conditions. Reduced motility is one of the risk factors for development of a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Hypothyroidism is associated with altered GI motility. The aim of this article was to study the link between hypothyroidism, altered GI motility and development of SIBO. Published literature was reviewed to study the association of altered GI motility, SIBO and hypothyroidism. Altered GI motility leads to SIBO. SIBO is common in patients with hypothyroidism. Patients with chronic GI symptoms in hypothyroidism should be evaluated for the possibility of SIBO. Both antibiotics and probiotics have been studied and found to be effective in management of SIBO.
not just a theory - even the old adage 'you are what you eat' rings true - well not literally as today I would be a lobster (and it was very tasty too, even 'tho I can't taste!).
Messin' with stomach & gut causes a lot of grief - esp those PPIs, antibiotics & all that jaz..
as does not eating much at all - just my ramblings as usual J
That's really interesting. The question is, which is the cause and which the effect? Either hypo causes constipation which causes SIBO or SIBO causes hypo which also causes constipation.
I didn't have constipation - even though I've been hypo most of my life - until I was ill last year and 'they' stuffed me full of morphine, antibiotics, PPIs, beta blockers, and god knows what else (they didn't want to tell me and were surprised that I wanted to know!). All that depleted my magnesium (although my doctor denies it possible) and taking magnesium has helped a little, but I'm still not back to normal.
It makes me so mad that they prescribe you these dangerous drugs without, apparently, any idea of the damage they can do! But that's beside the point... lol I'm rambling again!
Interesting link.I was rushed to hospital with a severe bleed from an upper GI ulcer 8months ago.The doctors tried to convince me that it was from overuse of NSAIDs for my ME/CFS,even though I told them I had suffered from gastric stomach since I was about 20,I,m 49 now.And,as my GP pointed out NSAIDs weren't strong enough for my pain.TG two months later I met a very broad-minded neuroendocrinologist who sent my blood to France for tests that aren't done here.Despite being one decimal point inside the"normal range" for the usual thyroid tests my RT3 was way too high.Every other thyroid result was at the very bottom of"normal",hence my symptoms of hypothyroidism were ignored for years.My adrenal glands were severely exhausted and my morning cortisol level low.He said my ulcer was very likely caused by thyroid problem which he thinks that I have probably had for years.I have had stomach trouble and bowel problems for as long as I can remember.Thank God I met a doctor who listened to me and thinks beyond"test ranges".
Very interesting - however it doesn't seem to be availiable in the UK. Has anyone else successfully tried any probiotics for the stomach bloating? Never had much success myself, but maybe I've not found the right one. Any advice welcome
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hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy 
Is this hypothyroidism?
SIBO test what to avoid before test?
