SIBO: The hidden cause of IBS your doctor won't tell you about

Have you heard of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)?

Often overlooked in conventional medicine, SIBO is a huge factor when it comes to IBS. It is estimated that SIBO causes 60-80% of IBS.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine. This can lead to signs and symptoms such as:

  • Bloating and/or gas

  • Indigestion

  • Incomfortable fullness after eating

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Acid reflux

Constipation

There may also be less obvious symptoms such as fatigue, low or anxious mood, brain fog, joint pain or even low libido.

SIBO can be picked up via a breath test, but often can be suspected via symptoms alone, together with a health history assessment and/or stool test.

If SIBO is present, the next step is to address the triggers contributing to SIBO and contributing to symptoms.

This varies from client to client but generally follows 3 phases to rebalance, repair and restore the gut.

1. REBALANCE and soothe the gut with an easy to digest and anti-inflammatory diet, and herbal supplements to target bacterial overgrowth. Certain foods that help reduce inflammation and/or are antimicrobial may also be recommended. Foods that feed the bacteria in the small intestine would be limited in this phase.

2. REPAIR the gut lining and improve digestive function with nutritional and plant-based supplementation, along with holistic lifestyle practices.

3. RESTORE your gut bacteria with a balance of pre and probiotics tailored for you. Specific strains of bacteria can be helpful for certain symptoms such as eczema, low mood, bloating or reflux, for example.

Once the gut is restored, people often find they can once again start to tolerate the foods they love - all in balance of course!

For my free 4 step guide to heal your gut, click here.

Want help with putting these tips into practice? Through clinical testing, gut-friendly nutrition and targeted supplementation, I help clients feel well again from the inside out with a complete personalised protocol. View my Gut Health Practitioner Services page for more information.

gut health solutionsSofia PotenteFODMAPS, IBS, FODMAP, microbiome