Even celebrities suffer with digestive health issues.
Well known celebrity Selena Gomez revealed her struggles with SIBO and digestive health issues in repose to an Instagram post shared online.
This makes me sick. I have SEBO in my small intestine. It flares up. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story. No I am NOT a victim. I’m just human.
So what is SIBO? SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal upset, diarrhoea or altered bowel motions, and in some cases nutritional deficiencies.
Most of our gut bacteria are found in our large intestine and performs a variety of important roles in the body. A much lower number of bacteria are found in the small intestine. Certain conditions including autoimmune diseases, and dysregulation of intestinal motility may result in abnormally high number of bacteria in the small intestine. When this occurs, the overgrowth of bacteria can interfere with digestion and absorption and lead to digestive symptoms – often these symptoms overlap with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Although it can cause a person discomfort and stress, it can also be associated with other medical conditions. It is a treatable condition, and a lot of people can respond quite well to treatment.
Unfortunately for Selena Gomez, as she so often takes centre stage in media spotlight she feels the need to explain her ailments to online trolls who often leave a trail of hurtful comments without understanding or knowing the struggles one may be encountering. Regardless of medical conditions, distasteful and hurtful comments in any regard to anyone online, be it a celebrity or not, is insensitive and irresponsible.