The second part of the article focuses on the diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), continuing the discussion of essential topics not covered in Part One. In that part, we reviewed the core symptoms and causes of SIBO. Now we focus on diagnostic tools that help identify this condition and guide optimal therapy. Distinguishing between the different types of SIBO — hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide — requires accurate diagnostic methods to select the correct treatment. Importantly, diagnosing SIBO not only confirms the condition but helps rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition where bacteria that are normally present in small amounts in the small intestine—or that typically reside in the large intestine—begin to proliferate in the small intestine. SIBO disrupts normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. However, it’s not just discomfort—SIBO can significantly impact quality of life, leading to chronic fatigue, skin issues, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The underlying cause of SIBO is often another condition, and SIBO is a dysfunction of the gut that results from this primary issue.

Mycoplasmas are unique bacteria characterized by the absence of a cell wall. Instead, they have a cytoplasmic membrane, which makes them distinct from microorganisms. This feature complicates their detection by the immune system and renders antibiotics targeting the cell wall ineffective.

However, drugs such as tetracyclines and macrolides, which act on other mechanisms like protein synthesis, remain effective against these microorganisms. Mycoplasmas can cause many diseases, including respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpesvirus group, most commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis. In the acute phase of the disease, EBV can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, which significantly reduce the quality of life.

Effective treatment at this stage is important not only for alleviating symptoms but also for preventing complications and the progression of the infection into a chronic form. This article discusses approaches to symptomatic treatment of the acute phase of EBV infection, as well as other herpesvirus infections, taking into account their characteristics and factors influencing the success of therapy.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a type 4 herpesvirus and one of eight known viruses in the Herpesviridae family. It is primarily transmitted through saliva and other bodily fluids, earning it the nickname &“kissing virus”.

EBV can affect various organs and systems in the body. For instance, it may influence the central nervous system (linked to multiple sclerosis) and the thyroid gland (as seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Additionally, EBV is associated with certain types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Scurvy is a disease known since the days of long sea voyages when sailors suffered from the lack of fresh food. The disease manifested itself in fatigue, anemia, bleeding gums, bruising, and swollen joints. The link between the disease and a deficiency of something found in “acidic fruits” was established by Scottish doctor James Lind in 1747. His research showed that including citrus fruits in the diet effectively prevented and treated this condition, saving the lives of many sailors.

At conferences dedicated to the treatment of neurological diseases, I have often heard presentations about what can affect brain function—both positively and negatively. Almost every one of these meetings raised the issue of dental problems, which initially seemed unusual to me. However, over time, I became seriously interested in this topic. There is no consensus among specialists yet, but in this article, I will share the information I know about the connection between chronic diseases and filled root canals, as well as my personal experience.

The art of tattooing, once associated with subcultures and informal groups, has now firmly entered the daily lives of millions of people. Body artwork has become a vibrant expression of individuality, and social media has turned tattoos into a real trend. However, despite their aesthetic appeal, tattoos carry certain health risks. Heavy metals contained in tattoo inks can accumulate in the body and cause allergic reactions, while non-compliance with sanitary norms during the application of tattoos increases the risk of infectious diseases. Additionally, the long-term effects on the immune and lymphatic systems are still not fully understood.

Folate, or vitamin B9, plays a vital role in the functioning of the body. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, regulates methylation, and supports normal cell growth and development. A deficiency of folate in the brain can lead to serious consequences, including cognitive and neurological disorders.

Upon consumption, folates are absorbed in the intestine and transported to various organs via the folate receptor alpha (FRα). Under normal conditions, the folate level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) should be 2-3 times higher than in blood. However, in some individuals, blood folate levels may remain within the normal range while the delivery of folate to the brain is inadequate.

Iron deficiency is a condition in which the level of iron in the body decreases, leading to insufficient amounts for normal hemoglobin synthesis. Although iron deficiency itself is not anemia, it can cause various unpleasant symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and cognitive decline. If iron deficiency progresses, it can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia, which poses a serious health risk. Iron deficiency anemia can develop not only due to a lack of iron but also as a result of other factors that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or utilize iron.