COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 633
SIBO often perpetuates itself through several self-reinforcing
mechanisms:
Motility Disruption
Bacterial metabolites and inflammation impair the migrating
motor complex that normally sweeps bacteria from the small
intestine [14].
Bile Acid Disruption
Certain bacteria deconjugate bile acids, reducing their
antimicrobial effects and further promoting bacterial overgrowth
[15].
Enzyme Insufficiency
Inflammation impairs digestive enzyme production, leaving more
undigested food for bacterial fermentation [16].
Continued Barrier Damage
Bacterial toxins maintain intestinal permeability, allowing ongoing
immune activation [17].
Breaking this cycle often requires multi-faceted intervention
guided by understanding the specific immune aspects identified
on Array 22.
Conditions Where Array 22 is Especially Valuable
Primary Gut Disorders
● Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Research indicates that up to
78% of IBS patients may have underlying SIBO [18]. Array 22
helps identify cases driven by bacterial overgrowth and
immune activation rather than purely functional motility
issues.
● Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): While breath
testing identifies bacterial metabolites, Array 22 reveals
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