SIBO: Everything You Need to Know to Take Back Control of Your Gut
Do you feel bloated after meals, struggle with constant gas, or find yourself stuck in a cycle of diarrhea and constipation? If so, you might be dealing with SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The majority of bacteria are supposed to live in your large intestine, where they break down fiber and support digestion. When they migrate into your small intestine, they ferment food too early, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. It’s a condition that can make even the simplest meals feel like a burden—but understanding SIBO is the first step toward feeling better.
Let’s dive into what SIBO is, why it happens, and how you can finally start addressing the root causes.
What is SIBO?
SIBO happens when bacteria that normally live in your large intestine migrate into your small intestine, where they don’t belong. While bacteria are essential for gut health, their job is to work in the large intestine, breaking down fiber and supporting digestion.
When bacteria settle in the small intestine, they ferment food too early in the digestion process. This fermentation leads to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Common Symptoms of SIBO
SIBO can cause a wide range of symptoms that often overlap with other gut issues, making it hard to pinpoint. Some of the most common signs include:
Persistent bloating: Feeling full or swollen even after small meals.
Excessive gas: Gas that’s difficult to pass or has a foul odor.
Diarrhea or constipation: Or sometimes a mix of both.
Nutritional deficiencies: Fatigue, brain fog, or weakness from poor nutrient absorption.
Unexplained weight changes: Difficulty maintaining or losing weight.
If these sound familiar, it’s worth considering whether SIBO could be the underlying issue.
What Causes SIBO?
SIBO doesn’t happen out of nowhere. There are several factors that can lead to bacteria migrating into the small intestine:
Food poisoning: One of the most common triggers for SIBO is food poisoning. When harmful bacteria from contaminated food enter your digestive system, they can disrupt the natural balance of your gut microbiome. This dysbiosis can lead to the small intestine being seeded with the wrong bacteria, setting the stage for overgrowth.
Poor gut motility: When food and bacteria move too slowly through the digestive system, it allows bacteria to overgrow where they shouldn’t.
Low stomach acid: Stomach acid helps control bacteria levels, and low acid allows bacteria to thrive.
Structural issues: Conditions like adhesions from surgery, scar tissue, or other physical blockages can disrupt normal digestion.
High-sugar or high-carb diets: These diets feed bacteria, encouraging overgrowth.
Chronic stress: Stress disrupts digestion and slows down gut motility, creating the perfect environment for SIBO.
How do you know if it is SIBO?
The most common way to know if it is SIBO is through a breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane levels produced by bacteria in your small intestine. These gases are byproducts of the bacterial fermentation process. ( Reach out for Testing Details)
Having the right information is essential because it helps guide treatment. If you suspect SIBO, working with a gut health expert can make all the difference.
How is SIBO Treated?
Treating SIBO isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It often requires a combination of approaches:
Dietary changes: A Low FODMAP diet or a SIBO-specific diet can help starve the bacteria by reducing fermentable carbohydrates.
Antimicrobials: I use herbal antimicrobials to target the overgrown bacteria. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which are not part of my practice, herbal methods are effective and gentler on the gut, helping to clear the bacterial overgrowth while supporting overall gut health.
Prokinetics: These medications or supplements improve gut motility, helping food and bacteria move properly through the digestive tract.
Addressing root causes: Resolving low stomach acid, stress, or structural issues is essential to prevent recurrence.
Supplements: Digestive enzymes, gut-healing nutrients like L-glutamine, and probiotics (after treatment) can support recovery.
Why Does SIBO Keep Coming Back?
One of the most frustrating parts of SIBO is its tendency to return. This often happens because the underlying cause isn’t addressed. For example:
Gut motility isn’t improved with prokinetics.
Low stomach acid remains untreated.
High-stress lifestyles or poor diet choices continue to disrupt digestion.
This is why a comprehensive approach to SIBO treatment is essential. It’s not just about clearing the bacteria but creating an environment where SIBO can’t thrive again.
How I Can Help
Dealing with SIBO can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Many doctors have not even heard of SIBO, let alone know how to work with it effectively. That’s where I come in. I specialize in gut health and have helped countless clients tackle SIBO through personalized plans that address root causes.
Here’s how we can work together:
Book a FREE 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and find out if SIBO could be the issue.
Explore my targeted gut health programs, designed to guide you through dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments to finally feel better.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
SIBO doesn’t have to control your life. By understanding what’s happening in your gut and addressing the root causes, you can take back control of your health and feel like yourself again.
If you’re ready to get started, book your free consultation today and let’s create a plan to help you thrive!
MK