COURSE X: Small Intestine and Its Disorders

This lesson explores the inner skin of our gastrointestinal tract. We first review what has been covered in previous lessons on the microbiome, tight junctions and nervous system of the gut, detailing the understanding with insights on the enteric nervous system and the delicate absorptive surface of the small intestine. With an appreciation of what is needed for this part of the bowel to be in health, the focus is turned to disorders that affect its function, in particular Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a very common and misunderstood presentation. The systemic consequences of this condition are considered, as well as its clinical and laboratory assessment. Focus is then turned to factors contributing to this disorder, enabling learning of the pathways that may re-balance this part of our inner terrain.