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Gut Bacteria and Hydrogen Sulfide:
Some bacteria in our gut naturally produce hydrogen sulfide. These are often called sulfate-reducing bacteria. In a healthy gut, these bacteria play a role in maintaining the balance of our gut ecosystem.
SIBO and Hydrogen Sulfide:
SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It's a condition originally coined by functional medicine to describe a condition where too many bacteria reside in the small intestine, which should normally have fewer bacteria than the large intestine.
There's a specific type of SIBO called hydrogen sulfide SIBO (H2S SIBO). In this condition, there's an overgrowth of sulfate-reducing bacteria, leading to higher production of H2S in the small and large intestine.
Traditionally, high levels of H2S in the gut have been linked to causing symptoms like:
Rotten egg-smelling gas
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Inflammation
Mitochondrial toxin
H2S also has beneficial properties and is involved in many body processes, including:
Brain and nervous system function
Breathing
Digestion
Hormone regulation
Acts as both a hydrogen donor and a sulfur donor in biological systems
Our bodies carefully control H2S levels.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and H2S:
MCAS also known as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), is a condition where mast cells are hyper activated and this can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple body systems.
Mast cells are a type of immune cell that play a big role in inflammation. They release substances that can cause allergy and inflammatory reactions. Scientists are looking at ways to control mast cells to reduce inflammation and have have found that H2S helps to stabilise mast cells. They're also working on developing drugs that can release H2S in the body, which could be a promising new treatment for MCAS.
This raises an intriguing possibility...Could the increased H2S production in H2S SIBO be the body's attempt to compensate for overactive mast cells?
Here's how this might work:
In someone with MCAS, their mast cells are overactive, causing inflammation throughout the body.
The body may try to counteract this by encouraging the growth of H2S-producing bacteria in the gut.
This leads to increased H2S production, which can help reduce mast cell activation and inflammation.
However, this also results in the symptoms associated with H2S SIBO.and potential disruption to mitochondrial function.
This theory could explain why some people with MCAS also develop SIBO and other digestive disorders, particularly H2S SIBO. It might be the body's attempt to self-regulate and reduce inflammation, albeit with its own set of side effects.
Important Notes:
The relationship between H2S levels, gut health, and MCAS is complex and likely varies from person to person.
While some H2S may be beneficial, too much can still cause problems so it is important to apply interventions with caution.
Rethinking the microbiome and disease:
It is often tempting to categorise biological phenomena into simplistic "good" or "bad" classifications and work on interventions that promote the good and eliminate the bad. However, the human body exhibits remarkable complexity and adaptability. As my understanding of the interplay between the microbiome and human health deepens, it becomes increasingly apparent that the microbiome functions as a sophisticated signalling organ, capable of compensating for various biochemical deficiencies within the body. I would go as far as to say it is a dynamic quantum structure that we still don't understand very much about.
As a result the current paradigm in functional medicine often adopts a reductionist approach, viewing disease through a primarily biological and biochemical lens. This perspective typically leads to interventions targeting specific pathways with the expectation of straightforward healing outcomes. However, in my clinical experience it is frequently demonstrated that such linear approaches rarely yield the anticipated results, particularly in cases of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition notorious for its treatment resistance and recurrence.
Given the information presented regarding the potential compensatory effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on various physiological systems, it may be counterproductive to apply antimicrobial treatments indiscriminately in these cases. The microbiome's apparent ability to modulate H2S levels could represent an adaptive response to underlying imbalances. Therefore, disrupting this potential compensatory mechanism through aggressive antimicrobial intervention may prove detrimental to the patient's overall health status.
This perspective underscores the need for a more nuanced and holistic approach to understanding and treating complex conditions like SIBO, one that considers the intricate relationships between the microbiome and host physiology.
For people dealing with these conditions, it's crucial to work with healthcare providers to find the right balance and treatment approach. This might involve addressing both the SIBO and the mast cell issues, while being mindful of the potential protective effects of H2S.
What you can do:
In any condition characterised by a hyperactive immune response, it is crucial to investigate the underlying causes rather than merely addressing the symptoms. Many individuals find themselves in a perpetual struggle against their symptoms, relying on elimination diets, supplements, and medications. While these approaches can offer some relief, they often fall short of addressing the issues that causes of the problems.
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to histamine-related issues and mast cell activation, I have developed an enhanced model, which I refer to as the "new and improved histamine bucket." This model offers a detailed overview of the various elements that can overwhelm histamine pathways and trigger mast cell activation.
The components of this model represent the key areas I have been focusing on in my work with clients. This approach has proven significantly more effective in managing symptoms compared to traditional methods. By addressing these underlying factors, we can achieve more sustainable improvements in overall health and well-being.
This holistic perspective allows us to move beyond symptom management and target the fundamental imbalances driving immune dysregulation. By doing so, we can develop more effective, personalised strategies for long-term health improvement in individuals struggling with histamine intolerance and mast cell-related issues.
Learn with me
I am excited to announce the first of my series of masterclasses to help educate clinicians and support those experience chronic health conditions. If you want to learn more about my interventions, then please do consider joining me. The Masterclass is jammed packed full of new information and will be offically released on the 1st August 2024. The subject this time is A new approach to managing histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome and more details can be found here: https://l.bttr.to/dz6Aa
Price for lifetime access: £75.00
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post.
This content does not establish a consultant-patient relationship. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures described in this post. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
The dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements, and treatments discussed in this post may interact with medications or have contraindications for certain individuals. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment regimens without first consulting your healthcare provider.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this post is solely at your own risk.
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