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The Health Review
Hi!
I hope you’ve had a great week!
Coming up in this week’s newsletter:
Why your IBS might actually be SIBO – and how to treat it
AI model detects 99% of endometrial cancer cases
HPV linked to significantly higher risk of heart disease
This week’s double podcast episode release
Hope you enjoy!
Emily x
Top Health News
Here’s what’s been trending in the health world:
🧠 WHO urges overhaul of global mental health policies
The World Health Organization has issued new guidance urging countries to urgently reform outdated mental health systems. In some regions, up to 90% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care at all. Many existing services rely on institutional models that fall short of modern human rights standards. The WHO identifies five key areas for reform: leadership, workforce development, how services are structured, the need for person-centred approaches, and tackling the social factors that influence mental health.
🤖 AI model detects 99% of endometrial cancer cases
A powerful new AI tool has demonstrated 99% accuracy in identifying endometrial cancer — a notoriously hard-to-detect cancer — in a major breakthrough for early diagnosis. The model filters visual data, strips out noise, and highlights warning signs, allowing for faster, more accurate detection. It has also shown strong potential in spotting other cancers, including colorectal, breast, and oral.
❤️ HPV linked to significantly higher risk of heart disease
New research presented at this week’s American College of Cardiology Scientific Session reveals that HPV may do more harm than previously thought. Data from seven studies tracking nearly 250,000 people over 17 years shows those with HPV infections have a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, compared with those without the virus.
🩸 Aldi becomes first UK supermarket to offer free period products
Aldi is leading the way in tackling period poverty, becoming the first UK supermarket to provide free pads and tampons in both customer and employee toilets. The move comes after research showed 2.8 million people in the UK are unable to afford essential menstrual products. Aldi has also teamed up with Bloody Good Period to donate an extra 1 million products to those in need.
🚭 Experts push for second-hand smoke ban in homes with children
Leading public health experts are calling for urgent action to protect children from second-hand smoke at home. In a commentary published in the BMJ's Tobacco Control, researchers from the University of Stirling argue that current policies aren’t enough - and that it’s time to consider laws that would ban smoking inside homes where children are present.
🧬 23andMe files for bankruptcy after data breach and falling demand
Genetic testing firm 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US following a sharp drop in demand for its popular ancestry kits - and a major 2023 data breach that shook customer trust. Shares in the company plummeted by 50% this week. Co-founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO after failed attempts to save the business. Privacy advocates are now raising urgent questions about the fate of users’ genetic data.
Guest Article:
Why Your IBS Might Actually Be SIBO -
And How to Treat It
Rob Staunton, Director at The London Centre for Functional Medicine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widely diagnosed gastrointestinal condition that affects millions globally. Symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort can greatly disrupt daily life. Traditionally considered a functional disorder with no definitive cause, research clearly indicates that many IBS cases may be linked to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Recognizing this connection and pursuing the right treatment approach could be essential for long-term symptom relief.
What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that normally reside in the large intestine begin to multiply in the small intestine. This overgrowth disrupts digestion because these bacteria, along with certain archaea (single-celled organisms), ferment sugars and produce gases.
The accumulation of gases—primarily hydrogen and methane—can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms
Reflux (Heartburn-Like Symptoms) – Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux can lower stomach acidity, allowing bacteria to survive and reach the small intestine.
Flatulence (Gas/Wind) – While passing gas is normal, SIBO-related flatulence tends to be excessive, persistent, and foul-smelling.
Diarrhea or Constipation – SIBO can mimic Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), causing alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
Bloating – A feeling of fullness and discomfort, especially 1-2 hours after consuming carbohydrate-rich meals (since sugars are a type of carbohydrate).
Abdominal Pain – As gases build up in the small intestine, they stretch the intestinal walls, leading to pain that can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping that interferes with daily activities.
Excessive Belching – While some belching after eating or drinking is normal, SIBO can cause persistent and excessive belching.
Studies show that up to 60-80% of IBS patients may actually have SIBO. This strong correlation suggests that many people who have been diagnosed with IBS might benefit from being tested for SIBO.
Causes and Risk Factors for SIBO
Several factors can contribute to the development of SIBO, including:
Slow gut motility: The migrating motor complex (MMC), which cleans out bacteria from the small intestine, may be impaired.
Low stomach acid: Acid plays a crucial role in controlling bacterial growth. Conditions like hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) or long-term use of acid-reducing medications (PPIs) can create an environment for bacterial overgrowth.
Intestinal surgery -Adhesions, strictures, or diverticula can cause bacterial buildup in the small intestine.
Food poisoning and gut infections: This can damage the nerves regulating gut motility, leading to bacterial overgrowth.
Chronic stress: Stress can impact gut motility and immune function, making the intestines more susceptible to overgrowth.
How to Test for SIBO
Since SIBO and IBS share many symptoms, accurate testing is essential for a proper diagnosis. The most widely used test for SIBO is the breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane gases in exhaled breath after consuming a sugar solution (glucose or lactulose). Elevated levels of these gases within a specific timeframe indicate bacterial fermentation occurring in the small intestine, confirming the presence of SIBO.
Other tests that may help in the evaluation of gut health include:
Comprehensive stool analysis: This can help assess microbial imbalances and digestion markers
Organic acids test: Measures byproducts of bacterial metabolism.
As good as these tests are, they do not diagnose SIBO and are only an indication of gut health and should be run alongside the breath test to see if there are other infections present which can further direct the approach for the patient.
Treatment Options for SIBO
Once diagnosed, treating SIBO involves a multi-faceted approach that includes antimicrobial treatment, dietary modifications, and supportive therapies to prevent recurrence.
1. Antibiotic or Herbal Antimicrobial Therapy
Rifaximin (Xifaxan): The most commonly prescribed antibiotic for hydrogen-dominant SIBO, effective at reducing bacterial overgrowth while having minimal systemic effects.
Neomycin or Metronidazole: Often combined with Rifaximin for methane-dominant SIBO.
Herbal alternatives: For those preferring natural options, herbal antimicrobials like oregano oil, berberine, neem, and allicin have been shown to be effective in targeting bacterial overgrowth and have been shown in studies to be slighly more effective. They are also going to be less side effects and are going to less detrimental than Neomycin or Metronidazole on the microbiome.
2. Dietary Strategies
Diet plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and preventing relapse. The most common dietary approaches for SIBO include:
Low-FODMAP diet: Reduces fermentable carbohydrates that feed bacteria.
SIBO-specific diet: A more restrictive approach combining elements of the Low-FODMAP and Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD).
Elemental diet: A liquid diet that starves bacteria while providing essential nutrients; often used for severe cases.
Semi Elemental diet: This is using the elemental diet but for not as long and then using 1 or 2 shakes daily along with normal meals
3. Prokinetics to Prevent Recurrence
Prokinetic agents help stimulate the migrating motor complex (MMC), ensuring proper intestinal cleansing between meals. Options include:
Prescription medications like prucalopride
Natural prokinetics such as ginger, artichoke and 5 HTP
4. Addressing Underlying Causes
To prevent SIBO from recurring, it’s important to address root causes such as:
Improving gut motility through dietary timing (spacing meals 4-5 hours apart)
Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or therapy
Restoring stomach acid and enzyme levels with betaine HCl and digestive enzymes if needed
Correcting nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins
Regularly reassessing gut health through testing if symptoms return
Healing the Gut Lining After Natural SIBO Treatment
Restoring the gut lining is a crucial step following natural SIBO treatment, as leaky gut (intestinal permeability) often develops due to bacterial overgrowth.
Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in this phase by:
✔ Replenishing beneficial bacteria in the small intestine
✔ Reducing overgrown or harmful bacteria
✔ Inhibiting yeast overgrowth
✔ Improving gut motility
A strong gut lining is essential for preventing future SIBO relapses and maintaining long-term digestive health.
Conclusion
If you have been struggling with IBS symptoms and conventional treatments haven’t provided lasting relief, it may be time to consider SIBO as an underlying cause. Getting tested and following an appropriate treatment plan can help resolve symptoms, restore gut health, and improve overall well-being. Unfortunately, this condition is poorly understood by traditional medicine. For a personalized approach that addresses the root cause of your gut issues, working with a functional medicine practitioner, naturopath, or gut-focused nutritional therapist is the best option. These experts can create a targeted plan to restore gut balance and support long-term digestive health.
Healf x The Health Review
We’ve teamed up with Healf to bring you 10% off some of our favorite wellness must-haves! Healf is known for stocking only high-quality, science-backed products—so you know you’re getting the good stuff.
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We earn a small commission when you purchase through the links below, which helps support our work at The Health Review.
Emily’s Top Healf Picks
Symprove: My go-to probiotic for gut health
I’ve been taking Symprove for years, and the difference has been pretty amazing. It’s scientifically designed to survive stomach acid and actually reach your gut (unlike many other probiotics). If you’re looking for a serious gut health upgrade, this is the one!
TheraFace Mask – A skin game-changer
I’ve been using this mask daily for nearly a year, and the results are impressive. It combines red and blue light therapy—so it helps with anti-aging and acne. My skin is clearer, smoother, and my pigmentation has disappeared.
Bare Biology Omega Oil – High-quality omega-3 for inflammation
If you're looking to level up your omega intake, Bare Biology is a great bet. I've been using their Omega Oil for several months after being recommended by a practitioner, as part of my gut-healing journey, and it's honestly the best I've tried—delivering a massive 3500mg omega-3 per teaspoon. Amazing for inflammation, gut health, and skin glow.
Enjoy exploring these and let me know what you think!
The Health Review Podcast
Have You Checked Out The Health Review Podcast?
This week we were fortunate to release two new episodes of The Health Review - to keep you busy with your listening 😊
🎧 Victoria Causley – Founder of Empower Periods
To mark the end of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we welcomed Victoria Causley, founder of Empower Periods - a brilliant online platform acting as the ‘big sister’ we all wish we had when it comes to period health. Victoria opened up about her deeply personal journey of living with painful, often debilitating periods - and being dismissed by doctors for over a decade. We talk about the emotional and physical toll that takes, and the wider need to validate women’s health experiences
🎧 Vanessa Sturman – Nutrition and Health Coach
Next, we had a hugely engaging conversation with Vanessa Sturman, a health transformation coach, speaker, and expert in sustainable nutrition. Vanessa helps people perform at their best through practical, delicious strategies that focus on long-term health - without restrictive dieting or cutting out the foods you love. With two Cambridge degrees in Anthropology and a background as a Sustainability and Behaviour Change Consultant, Vanessa brings a unique and science-backed approach to creating real, lasting change.
If you love the episodes, please do subscribe and give the show a rating! 😊