IBD, SIBO and Severe Constipation at 15: Mantej Bir Singh

At just 15 years old, Mantej Bir Singh, a student of G.D. Goenka School, was facing a daily battle with severe stomach pain and constipation. The problem had been troubling him for over a year. His parents tried different treatments, but nothing worked. Gradually, his condition worsened—pain became constant, digestion weakened, and his growth slowed down.

Further examination revealed multiple underlying issues:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – long-term inflammation in the intestines
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – excess harmful bacteria in the small intestine
• Severe constipation and swelling in the anal area, making bowel movements painful
• Poor nutrient absorption leading to weakness and stunted growth

The Ayurvedic Approach to Healing

Under the care of Acharya Raghav Thukral Ji, Mantej began a 1.5 to 2-year Ayurvedic treatment plan. The focus was not on temporary relief, but on treating the root cause of his condition.

Natural herbs were used to calm intestinal inflammation, restore healthy digestion, and balance gut bacteria—without the use of antibiotics. Special attention was given to a child-friendly Ayurvedic diet, completely avoiding outside, processed, fried, or spicy foods. Over time, his body regained the strength to heal itself.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

SIBO happens when there is an abnormal increase in the number or type of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine has very few bacteria compared to the large intestine. But in SIBO, these bacteria multiply excessively, disturbing digestion and nutrient absorption.

Types of SIBO

SIBO is usually classified based on the dominant gas produced by the bacteria:

1. Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO

• Caused by bacteria that mainly produce hydrogen gas.
• Often linked with diarrhea (loose stools).

2. Methane-Dominant SIBO (also called IMO – Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth)

• Caused by microorganisms that produce methane gas (methanogens).
• Commonly leads to constipation.

3. Hydrogen Sulfide-Dominant SIBO

• Caused by bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Can cause foul-smelling diarrhea, bloating, and sometimes black-colored stools.

Recovery and Transformation

With months of consistent care and dietary discipline, Mantej’s health improved dramatically. His stomach pain vanished, constipation was resolved, and the swelling in the anal area healed completely. His digestion became strong, energy levels rose, and his natural growth resumed.

A Message for Parents

According to Acharya Raghav Thukral Ji, many children suffer from stomach issues that are often dismissed as minor. However, these can be early signs of deeper conditions like IBD or severe gut imbalance. Addressing them early with the right diet, lifestyle, and natural treatment can prevent long-term health problems and protect a child’s growth.