Can Bone Broth Help Treat SIBO? The Science and Benefits

The Potential Benefits of Bone Broth for SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase of bacteria in the small intestine. Symptoms commonly include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies, and weight loss.

Recent research has explored whether bone broth may help treat SIBO. Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period, usually over 24 hours. This releases the bone marrow, collagen, and nutrients from inside the bones into the water.

Proponents claim that bone broth contains compounds that can help heal the gut lining, combat inflammation, and improve gut motility. This makes it an appealing potential treatment for SIBO.

What Causes SIBO?

There are several potential causes of SIBO:

• Slowed motility in the small intestine
• Anatomical abnormalities like small intestinal obstruction, diverticula, or fistulas
• Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) which allows more bacteria to reach the small intestine
• Impaired immune system
• Use of medications like proton pump inhibitors or opioids

How Could Bone Broth Help treat SIBO?

Here are some of the proposed ways bone broth may help address the underlying causes of SIBO:

Supports Gut Lining Integrity

Bone broth is rich in gelatin, collagen, and amino acids like glutamine that can help maintain the gut barrier and heal a leaky gut. This may prevent bacteria and toxins from crossing into the bloodstream and triggering inflammation.

Reduces Inflammation

The collagen in bone broth has anti-inflammatory effects that may help calm intestinal inflammation associated with SIBO. Things like sulfur, silicon, glucosamine, chondroitin, and minerals in the broth may also decrease gut inflammation.

Improves Gut Motility

Glycine and collagen peptides found abundantly in bone broth can improve intestinal contractions and transit time. This may help flush out excess bacteria from the small intestine.

What Does the Research Say?

Currently, there are no human studies looking specifically at bone broth for treating SIBO. However, there are some interesting animal studies that should prompt future research:

Bone Broth and Leaky Gut in Mice

One study in mice with chemically-induced leaky gut found that bone broth repaired the intestinal lining and reduced inflammation better than plain water. It also increased antioxidant enzyme activity and protected the liver.

Chicken Soup and Gut Motility

Another study showed that traditional chicken soup made with bones accelerated gastrointestinal transit time and improved motility through the small intestine in rats. This was attributed to glycine content.

Collagen and Intestinal Permeability

Multiple studies reveal supplemental collagen peptides can improve intestinal permeability, protect gut barrier function, and reduce inflammation in animals. This indicates potential for supporting leaky gut in SIBO.

So while there is no direct clinical evidence yet, there is some promising animal data to justify studies in humans with SIBO.

How to Use Bone Broth if You Have SIBO

Drinking bone broth may be a beneficial part of an overall SIBO treatment plan. Here is how to incorporate it:

Choose High Quality Bones

Always use bones from organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised animals when making broth. Bones from conventionally raised animals are more likely to contain antibiotics, hormones, and other contaminants you dont want.

Mix Up Your Bones

For maximum nutrition, use a mix of bones in your broth - like chicken feet, chicken carcasses, beef marrow bones, oxtails, or knuckles. Each provide different compounds for gut healing.

Simmer for 24+ Hours

To extract the most gelatin, collagen, and amino acids, simmer the broth for at least 24 hours, and up to 72 hours. The longer the better for digestive benefits!

Avoid Seasonings and Vegetables

Keep the broth very simple. Avoid adding vegetables, spices, or salt which can make it harder to digest. The broth itself should have plenty of flavor when simmered long enough.

Drink Daily

For best results, drink 1-2 cups of bone broth per day. Its best consumed warm or hot to improve digestion and absorption of the nutrients.

Follow a SIBO Diet

While bone broth can complement SIBO treatment, it should not be used as a replacement for standard medical care. Make sure to work with a practitioner on appropriate antibiotics or other antimicrobials.

Other Strategies to Improve Gut Health with SIBO

In addition to bone broth, there are other evidence-based ways to help repair your gut and keep SIBO at bay:

Take a Prokinetic

Prokinetic agents like low dose naltrexone, erythromycin, or herbal prokinetics can speed up transit time to help clear SIBO. Preventing stagnation is key.

Identify and Remove Food Intolerances

Work with a dietitian to detect problem foods that might be triggering gut inflammation and permeability - like gluten, dairy, or FODMAPS. Eliminating these can calm systemic and intestinal inflammation.

Supplement with L-Glutamine

This amino acid is the preferred fuel source for intestinal cells. Supplementing with L-glutamine powders or capsules helps repair and regenerate the gut lining to prevent leaky gut.

Increase Stomach Acid Naturally

Improving low stomach acid can prevent SIBO recurrence. Take apple cider vinegar with meals, bitters, or betaine HCL supplements under professional guidance.

Consider Digestive Enzymes

For some people, adding a multi-strain digestive enzyme supplement can improve food breakdown and absorption to take the burden off the small intestine.

Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress can slow digestion and compromise gut immunity. Using stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathwork modulates the gut-brain connection.

The Takeaway

Bone broth shows early promise as a complementary therapy for healing the gut in SIBO, but more research is still needed. Its collagen, gelatin, and amino acid content help repair intestinal permeability, reduce inflammation, and improve motility - all useful in SIBO.

Drink 1-2 cups per day along with antimicrobial treatment under a practitioners care. Pair with a gut-healthy diet, prokinetics, L-glutamine, digestive enzymes, and stress management for optimal digestive health on your road to recovery from SIBO.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.