There are normally a few different ways that your body prevents the extra growth of bacteria in the small intestine. It is also more common in the elderly and people who are overweight. Several disorders are linked such as short bowel syndrome, motility disorders (these can be associated with diabetes, scleroderma, previous radiation, CrohnвЂ™s disease), chronic pancreatitis, connections between near and far parts of the intestines (fistulas), a weakened immune system, low levels of stomach acid, or liver disease such as cirrhosis. Patients who have had bowel surgeries are also at increased risk. The types of bacterial that live in your GI tract is impacted by the foods you eat, the region you live in, your stress, and the medications you use. This causes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and weight loss. In this condition, there is an overgrowth of bacteria, both вЂњgoodвЂќ and вЂњbadвЂќ, in the small intestine leading to increased breakdown of food, inflammation, and trouble absorbing nutrients. The small intestine has less because of the constant motion pushing food along and from the acid that enters from the stomach.

Typically, quite a few bacteria live in your colon, but not too many that live in your small intestine. Actually, there are 10 times more bacterial cells in your body than your actual cells! There are about 500 different bacteria types that live in the GI tract. It is normal for bacteria to live in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth