An increasing number of studies show links between a leaky gut – often caused by SIBO – and conditions such as IBS, chronic inflammation, eczema, fatigue, brain fog, low mood, headaches, sleep disturbances, food intolerances, and metabolic issues.
Since leaky gut and SIBO are well-established risk factors that may contribute to future health problems, it can be valuable to detect and address them as early as possible.
Research has shown that up to 40% of the population may have SIBO without knowing it, and studies link leaky gut to a range of chronic diseases, including:
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and ALS
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Various forms of autoimmunity.
Another important factor is TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide), a substance produced when gut bacteria break down certain foods. Elevated TMAO levels may reflect changes in the gut microbial balance and have been linked in research to low-grade inflammation and various long-term health factors, such as cardiometabolic health, blood sugar regulation, and immune function.