SIFO is an acronym that stands for small intestinal fungal overgrowth. It happens when there’s an excess amount of fungi in your small intestine. You may be wondering how SIFO could

potentially affect your gut health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly SIFO is, its symptoms, risk factors, and how it may be treated. What is SIFO? SIFO is a

condition in which high levels of fungi are found in the small intestine. This overgrowth may often cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. While GI fungal overgrowth can often develop in

individuals with a weakened immune system, it can also occur in people with healthy immune systems. In fact, two studies found that about 25 percent of people with unexplained GI symptoms

infections and oral thrush. And it can also upset your gut health if there’s an overgrowth in your intestines. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of SIFO are very similar to other

conditions that cause chronic or recurring GI symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include: * abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness * gas * belching * abdominal pain * diarrhea *

nausea SIFO may also cause more severe symptoms. For example, one case study found that SIFO was associated with malnutrition and weight loss. Are there any risk factors for SIFO?

Overgrowth of fungi, particularly _Candida_ species, is often more prevalent in specific groups of individuals, such as: * older adults * young children * people with a weakened immune

system However, people with a healthy immune system can also develop SIFO. How or why this occurs is poorly understood, but some possible risk factors have been identified: * INTESTINAL

DYSMOTILITY. This happens when contractions of the intestinal smooth muscle are impaired. It can be inherited or caused by other health conditions like diabetes, lupus, or scleroderma. *

PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIS). These medications work to lower the levels of acid in your stomach. PPIs are often given to relieve the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

SIFO can also occur along with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The two conditions share similar symptoms. Like SIFO, many aspects of SIBO are still poorly understood. Can SIFO

lead to other health issues? The potential effects that SIFO may have on gut health are still unclear. Further research is needed to determine if people with fungal overgrowth in their small

intestines are at risk for other health issues. It’s worth noting that, according to research from 2011, colonization of the GI tract with _Candida_ species has been associated with the

following health issues: * gastric ulcers * Crohn’s disease * ulcerative colitis Intestinal fungi also may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, additional research into

this topic is needed as well. How is it diagnosed? Currently, the only way to definitively diagnose SIFO is to collect a sample of fluid from your small intestine. This is known as a small

bowel aspirate. In order to collect the sample, an instrument, called an endoscope, is passed through your esophagus and stomach and into your small intestine. A sample of fluid is collected

and then sent to a laboratory for testing. At the laboratory, the sample is tested for the presence of fungi. If fungal growth is found in the sample, the species of fungus as well as its

sensitivity to antifungal drugs can be determined. How is SIFO treated? Because SIFO isn’t well understood, the most effective treatment methods have yet to be determined. If high amounts of

fungi are identified from your fluid sample, you may be prescribed a course of an antifungal drug. An example of one such drug that you may be given is fluconazole. However, antifungal

drugs may not completely eliminate GI symptoms. One small study found that individuals who were prescribed antifungal drugs for SIFO reported limited improvement. What should you eat if you

have SIFO? Studies into how diet can affect SIFO are very limited. Many studies into fungi and diet don’t specifically focus on the small intestine. You may have heard that the _Candida

_diet may help with _Candida _overgrowth, which is the type of fungus often found in the small intestine of people with SIFO. The diet focuses on AVOIDING: * grains that contain gluten, such

as wheat, rye, barley, and spelt * high-sugar fruits, like bananas, mangos, and grapes * sugar, sugar substitutes, and sugary beverages * some dairy products, like cheese, milk, and cream *

refined oils, like canola oil, soybean oil, and margarine * deli meats * caffeine and alcohol However, at this point in time, there isn’t much clinical evidence of the effectiveness of this

diet for reducing SIFO symptoms. There are some more general studies that have been performed on diet and GI fungi. For example: * According to a 2017 study, the types of fungi that

colonize your GI tract can vary depending on if you’re vegetarian or if you consume a more conventional diet. * A 2013 study found that _Candida_ colonization was more prevalent in

individuals who consumed a lot of carbohydrates, and less likely among individuals whose diets were high in amino acids, protein, and fatty acids. * According to a 2019 study, individuals

with GI samples that were negative for _Candida_ consumed less refined wheat flour products (like white bread and white pasta) and more healthy wheat flour substitutes, yellow cheese, and

quark (a mild creamy dairy product similar to cottage cheese or yogurt). If, and how, these findings relate to SIFO is yet to be determined by research. The bottom line         SIFO is a

condition that happens when there’s an excess amount of fungi present in your small intestine. It can cause various GI symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Many aspects

of SIFO, such as what causes it and its effect on your gut health, are still poorly understood. Research is still ongoing in these areas. Although SIFO may be treated with antifungal drugs,

GI symptoms may not be completely alleviated. If you’re having unexplained GI symptoms that are recurring or chronic, be sure to visit your doctor to get a diagnosis.