Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, commonly referred to as SIBO, has become an epidemic within the US. While its causes differ significantly from COVID-19 pandemic infections such as HIV or SIV-19 pandemic infections, its nature remains similar – similar to obesity issues now impacting three out of every four American adults and not an infectious virus infection. I had assumed SIBO was uncommon until calculating how many individuals have been identified as having it from evidence in existence today.
Here is some evidence to give us an understanding of just how prevalent and common SIBO is, taken from my new book on Great Gut:
Taken as an aggregate, SIBO has become increasingly prevalent and in America. By reviewing evidence about SIBO prevalence across various health conditions and gathering numbers of those suffering with each one – we can deduce:
Weight Issues–SIBO has been documented in 23 to 88% of obese individuals. This suggests a potentially massive number of SIBO cases as some 70 Million People are considered obese; between 16-62.5 Million of these may also suffer from SIBO; not including another 60 Million Individuals who may also be classified as fat but don’t meet this threshold!
Diabetes–The risk of SIBO among type 1 and 2 diabetics ranges between 11 percent to 60 percent; with 34 million Americans having type 2 diabetes and 1.3 million individuals suffering from type 1, we’re likely looking at at least several million with the condition who also possess SIBO.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)–Estimates vary, yet typically between 35% to 84% of people diagnosed with IBS are positive for SIBO, or Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth. Thirty to 35 million People have been officially recognized with IBS while an equal amount are thought to suffer without proper diagnoses – out of an estimated 60-70 Million who live with this disorder, this adds 21-50 Million with SIBO to that count!
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder–22% of three million patients suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s illness also have SIBO.
Fatty Liver –Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver disease affects an estimated 50-70% of US residents today and poses a 40-60% chance for SIBO infection; consequently an estimated 75 million American adults who also have nonalcoholic fatty liver illness also possess SIBO bacteria in their gut.
Autoimmune Illnesses–Autoimmune illnesses encompass an assortment of conditions including systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and type 1 diabetes that have different relationships to SIBO. According to preliminary analysis estimates that up to 40% of those affected with an autoimmune disorder also possess SIBO.
Skin Rashes–Rosacea, Psoriasis and Eczema have all been linked with SIBO; roughly 40%-50% of people diagnosed with these conditions also have SIBO; that equates to at least 6 million Americans currently having this disorder; those suffering with Rosacea stand ten-times greater chances of SIBO than other populations.
Parkinson’s illness: Of the one million American’s living with this incapacitating neurodegenerative condition, 25% to 67% also have SIBO. Alzheimer’s dementia–While evidence is limited at present, studies indicate a fivefold increased likelihood of having both Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s dementia being simultaneously exposed to SIBO bacteria.
Pressured leg syndrome-This affliction interferes with deep sleep, leading to detrimental impacts on psychological, emotional, and metabolic wellbeing – often accompanying SIBO symptoms in as many as 100 percent of cases.
Melancholy and Anxiety–Evidence suggests that many of the 60 million People currently suffering from these psychological factors possess significantly elevated LPS blood levels as well as intestinal permeability measures that point towards SIBO.
No one has even counted the 45-50 million People living with food intolerances that may be related to SIBO–histamine intolerance, FODMAPS sensitivity, nightshades allergy, legume allergy fructose or sorbitol etc.
Unfortunately for her, however, the former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion never quite lived up to expectation when she returned. However, that does not stop the British sensationalist William Golding from providing us with some stellar entertainment throughout his many tours across Europe – one which sees his name on every billboard along the roadside, or indeed anywhere else! No exact estimate can be given as to how many individuals could potentially be affected by SIBO due to various estimation methods used and possible overlap amongst groups: for instance, some overweight people also suffer from type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and psoriasis. But from these figures alone, I think you will recognize that SIBO is no rare condition. Simply adding up all the numbers shows over 100 Million People affected with this autoimmune condition; and given what I’ve observed testing with AIRE system users – 150 Million or 1 in 2 of all people globally could potentially have SIBO!
Contrasting with viral pandemics, SIBO epidemics require exceptional management from all of us; even if your doctor remains unaware. Furthermore, uncorrected SIBO has the potential to create all manner of long-term well-being issues: depression to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to colon cancer if left uncorrected; give my recipe for SIBO Yogurt a try- it has helped most of those who’ve tried it so far!
