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Quality in Sport

SIFO - an insufficiently researched, but clinically significant issue. What do we know so far? Can physical activity help to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms?
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  • SIFO - an insufficiently researched, but clinically significant issue. What do we know so far? Can physical activity help to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms?
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SIFO - an insufficiently researched, but clinically significant issue. What do we know so far? Can physical activity help to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms?

Authors

  • Agata Magierska Clinical Regional Hospital No. 2 named after St. Hedwig of Anjou in Rzeszów Lwowska Street 60, 35-301 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4150-0495
  • Ksenia Kwaśniak Clinical Regional Hospital No. 2 named after St. Hedwig of Anjou in Rzeszów Lwowska Street 60, 35-301 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8826-4884
  • Angelika Foryś Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Złota Jesień 1 Street, 31-826 Kraków https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6631-8179
  • Magdalena Miłek University Clinical Hospital in Opole, 26 Wincentego Witosa Avenue, 45-401 Opole https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1355-3386
  • Mariola Banach Praski Hospital, Aleja Solidarności 67, 03-401 Warszawa https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0295-7348
  • Monika Ślusarczyk Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital, Złota Jesień 1 Street, 31-826 Kraków https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4765-7081
  • Weronika Stawska University Clinical Hospital in Opole, 26 Wincentego Witosa Avenue, 45-401 Opole https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8916-2585
  • Anna Niemczyk GMW - Center for Gynecological and Obstetrical Diagnostics Partnership M. Tomala & W. Niemczyk & G. Głąb ul. Juliana Tuwima 1, 45- 551 Opole https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3608-6112
  • Weronika Kmiotek Clinical Regional Hospital No. 2 named after St. Hedwig of Anjou in Rzeszów Lwowska Street 60, 35-301 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7699-0585
  • Zuzanna Kotowicz Voivodeship Clinical Hospital No.2 in Rzeszów St. Lwowska 60, 35-301 Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5711-3229

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.19.51400

Keywords

small intestinal fungal overgrowth, SIFO, gastrointestinal symptoms, exercising, brain-gut axis

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) presents as an excessive presence of fungi in the small intestine, often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like unexplained gas, bloating, pain, malabsorption, and irregular bowel movements, including constipation or diarrhea. The study aims to organize information regarding this condition, emphasizing the lack of specific guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment and need for treatment that are not only based on systemic drugs but also additional ways such as physical activity.

Materials and methods: We conducted a literature review utilizing the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar, retrieving articles in English using keywords such as "small intestinal fungal overgrowth," "SIFO," "gastrointestinal symptoms," "enterocolitis," " exercising," and "brain-gut axis" in various combinations. Our analysis included data from 33 scientific references published between 1931 and 2023.

Summary: Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) is more often acknowledged as a potential factor for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. More and more clinicians attach importance to this issue, as it is a serious clinical burden which significantly reduces quality of life. Nevertheless, the precise clinical impact of SIFO within the community remains uncertain as the available literature primarily consists of isolated case reports or observations from autopsies of patients undergoing cancer treatment. There still are no specific guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians use systemic antifungal drugs. There is a potential in physical activity as an additional way to treat this condition.

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Published

2024-06-05

How to Cite

1.
MAGIERSKA, Agata, KWAŚNIAK, Ksenia, FORYŚ, Angelika, MIŁEK, Magdalena, BANACH, Mariola, ŚLUSARCZYK, Monika, STAWSKA, Weronika, NIEMCZYK, Anna, KMIOTEK, Weronika and KOTOWICZ, Zuzanna. SIFO - an insufficiently researched, but clinically significant issue. What do we know so far? Can physical activity help to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms?. Quality in Sport. Online. 5 June 2024. Vol. 19, p. 51400. [Accessed 20 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2024.19.51400.
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Vol. 19 (2024)

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Copyright (c) 2024 Agata Magierska, Ksenia Kwaśniak, Angelika Foryś, Magdalena Miłek, Mariola Banach, Monika Ślusarczyk, Weronika Stawska, Anna Niemczyk, Weronika Kmiotek, Zuzanna Kotowicz

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