Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) is another form of SIBO or cause of IBS and is characterized by the excessive growth of archaea, a group of microorganisms, throughout the intestines. Unlike small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which involves an overgrowth of bacteria limited to the small intestine, intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth refers explicitly to an overgrowth of archaea. Methanobrevibacter smithii, is a major one, and it’s associated to a type of irritable bowel syndrome that leads to constipation and having lots of methane gas.

Many people having IBS has SIBO as compared to healthy ones. Elevated levels of bacteria in the small intestine or high methane levels in the gut in the small or large intestine can contribute to heightened gut symptoms in specific individuals. We diagnose an overgrowth based on a combination of symptoms and the presence of elevated hydrogen levels (in the case of SIBO) or methane (in the case of IMO).

 How SIBO IMO Affects an Individual’s Life 

This sibo IMO (methane SIBO) can significantly affect your life by impairing digestion, reducing energy levels, interfering with work performance, and contributing to overall discomfort and fatigue. Seeking appropriate treatment and adopting lifestyle modifications can help alleviate symptoms and restore a better quality of life. The symptoms associated with IMO, such as bloating, chronic constipation, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue, can interfere with your daily activities and overall well-being.

• Dealing with the chronic symptoms of IMO, such as fatigue and brain fog, can impact energy levels and cognitive functioning. This can make it challenging for you to maintain the focus, concentration, and mental clarity required for your work responsibilities.
• You are leading to unexpected flare-ups or discomfort during professional commitments such as meetings, negotiations, or presentations. This may require you to manage symptoms discreetly or make necessary accommodations to ensure you can fulfill your professional obligations effectively.
• You already facing high levels of work-related stress may find it challenging to cope with the additional burden of managing your health condition. IMO can induce stress, anxiety, and frustration.

What intestinal methanogen overgrowth do to the colon? 

Malabsorption refers to a condition in which the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from consumed food. High levels of archaea (produced by Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth) in the intestines can result in malabsorption, leading to inadequate utilization of nutrients by the body. Due to improper breakdown of food in the digestive tract, various digestion issues may arise as a consequence. 

These issues can range from food decomposition in the stomach to food stagnation within the body, among others. Similar to bacteria, archaea thrive on carbohydrates. When there is an excess of unabsorbed carbohydrates in the intestines, these microorganisms consume them, leading to fermentation.

SIBO vs IMO

SIBO means too many bacteria are in the small intestine, while IMO means there’s an excess of methane-producing bacteria in the gut. Both can cause similar problems and are treated with medicine, changes in diet, and other therapies. If you think you have either of these conditions, book a free call with Dr.Kaylee for the correct diagnosis and treatment is essential.

IMO Symptoms	SIBO Symptoms
Caused by archaea	Caused by bacteria
Abdominal pain/discomfort	Abdominal pain/discomfort
Bloating & Belching	Bloating & Belching
Constipation	Diarrhea
Skin conditions	Constipation less often
Leaky Gut/ Malnutrition	Weight loss
Nausea	Nausea
Heartburn	Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Anxiety & Fatigue	Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Muscle pain and joint	Malnutrition

How is methane produced in the human body?

The fermentation of these carbohydrates can cause damage to the cells of the intestinal tract, resulting in a condition known as “leaky gut” or malabsorption syndrome. One of the primary organisms responsible for Intestinal methane overgrowth (IMO) in the human body is Methanobrevibacter smithii. 

This organism utilizes hydrogen gas (H2) from other organisms like Ruminococcus and Christensenella to produce methane gas (CH4) as a byproduct. The methane gas generated by IMO organisms can damage certain nerves in the intestines, further impairing transit time and motility, thereby exacerbating the symptoms and causing additional damage. 

Methane sibo symptoms

A notable distinction between Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) from hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide-generating bacteria, lies in the way digestive symptoms manifest in the body. While both conditions can result in symptoms like belching, flatulence, stomach pain, heartburn, anxiety, fatigue, and gas, IMO commonly leads to constipation, whereas SIBO typically causes diarrhea. 

However, since both conditions are rooted in specific bacteria or archaea, they can evoke diverse symptoms in different individuals. Additional gut symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or occasional loose stools may also be observed in certain cases. IMO increases the risk of a wide range of digestive symptoms,

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle pain
• Skin conditions

Tips for IMO treatment 

• Maintain proper hydration by ensuring an adequate fluid intake. This helps to soften the stool and facilitate easier passage. Aim to sip slowly and consume 2-3 liters of fluids per day.
• Gradually increase the consumption of gentle and non-fermentable dietary fibers. It is important to note that fermentable fibers may worsen symptoms associated with Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth. Consider incorporating two kiwi fruits per day or gradually introducing chia/flaxseeds into your diet.
• Distribute your fiber intake evenly throughout the day for optimal digestion and bowel regularity.
• Stay physically active as exercise can help stimulate the bowel, providing relief from and preventing constipation.

Naturopathic treatment for IMO 

At MakeCareHealth our team of naturopathic doctors and healthcare practitioners closely monitors your progress and adjusts the treatment protocols as needed. They may recommend follow-up visits to assess your response to the treatment and make any necessary modifications. 

Antimicrobial herbs or enzymes aid in breaking down food and improving overall digestive function. Treating intestinal methanogen overgrowth with supplements, intermittent fasting, or a specific intestinal methanogen overgrowth diet can help balance the gut microbiota and reduce the overgrowth of archaea. Also, the Confident Harmone Club helps to decrease methane production.

An elemental diet for 2-3 weeks to starve bacteria and then slowly reintroduce foods; here’s a sample diet plan to consider. This plan emphasizes minimal consumption and nutrient replacement during the elemental diet phase. Before making significant dietary changes, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Elemental diet for methane sibo

Elemental Diet Plan (2-3 Weeks):

Note: This plan is restrictive and is meant for short-term use under medical supervision.

• For the next 2-3 weeks, no food just have water and nutrient replacement sachets to get energy and nourishment. We’re avoiding any additional substances that bacteria might use as food (like supplements).
• You’ll follow an elemental diet for 2-3 weeks. This helps by starving the bacteria so they decrease in number, leading to fewer symptoms and giving the gut a chance to heal. After that, we’ll gradually start bringing back different foods.
• Try to limit taking supplements too often because many of them have cellulose, which is something that bacteria can eat and use for sustenance.
• Sip on herbal tea (ginger, chamomile, peppermint, etc.) without additives. Avoid all high-demulcent teas, such as marshmallow root.

Daily Guidelines:

• Drink water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Consume nutrient replacement sachets as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid high-demulcent teas like marshmallow root.
• Limit physical activity during this phase, as your energy intake is minimal.

Reintroduction Phase:

After 2-3 weeks, when you’re ready to reintroduce foods, work closely with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. The reintroduction phase is critical to identify which foods trigger symptoms and should be done methodically.

General Guidelines:

• Pay attention to bloating, gas, discomfort, or changes in digestion.
• If a reintroduced food triggers symptoms, remove it again and wait until your symptoms subside before trying another food.

Higher Fat Intake:

To meet your energy needs during the elemental diet, you can incorporate healthy fats like:

• Avocado
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil (if tolerated)
• Nut butter (if tolerated)

Remember that working with a healthcare professional throughout this process is essential to ensure your health’s safety. Please note that the above plan is a general guideline and should be personalized based on your needs, preferences, and medical conditions. Consult with our naturopathic doctor before making significant dietary changes.

How to kill archaea in the gut?

Probiotic-rich foods and prebiotic fiber can indirectly influence archaea populations. Certain herbs like garlic, oregano, and berberine have potential antimicrobial properties, but their specific impact on gut archaea needs to be well-established. Dietary changes, such as reducing fermentable carbohydrates, may also help. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing archaea in the gut.

How to reduce methane in the gut naturally?

One probiotic called Bifidobacterium lactis has been used to make stool move through the body more quickly. Another probiotic, Bifidobacterium infantis, can help lower high levels of methane gas, which can be linked to constipation. Lactobacillus reuteri is another probiotic that helps with chronic constipation by reducing the amount of methane gas produced in the gut.