Abnormal gut bacteria related to RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME
GASTROENTEROLOGY NERD ALERT:
Abnormal gut bacteria related to RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME
Check out this article in Science Daily that highlights a possible connection between gut bacteria and the frustrating condition of RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME, a disease that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them.
“Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be more prevalent among patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS), according to preliminary findings from a small, new study.
Results show that SIBO was found in all seven participants who have RLS. In contrast, the prevalence of SIBO in the general population is estimated to be no more than 15%.
“We’ve observed extremely high rates of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in the RLS group,” said lead author Daniel Jin Blum, Ph.D., D.B.S.M., an adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine in Redwood City, California. “Exploring the relationship between RLS and gut microbial health has the potential to open novel avenues for possible detection, prevention and treatment for RLS and other sleep disorders.”
SIBO is a condition in which rare gut-residing bacteria are over-represented in the gut….Low iron in the brain is a key risk factor for RLS. According to the authors, this brain iron deficiency may be secondary to dietary iron deficiency or, potentially, gut inflammation [related to SIBO].
Additional study participants continue to be recruited at the Stanford Sleep Center. Further analyses will examine fecal microbial composition, subtypes of RLS iron deficiency, and comparisons with insomnia.”
Although more research is needed, this study highlights the critical role that gut bacteria play not only in gut function, mood, and metabolism, but also many other disorders both within and outside of the intestinal tract. Our team can help you learn more about optimizing your gut microbiome, nutrition, and overall gastrointestinal health and wellness. Please call us at 224.407.4400 or email us at [email protected] for an appointment!