Do I Have SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) might be an unfamiliar term but in fact is one of the most prevalent digestive conditions, but is very common to be missed or misdiagnosed.

At Wellness we very often work with clients whose gut health challenges go far deeper than they initially realised, which is why general fixes either don’t help or only help initially only to have the problem continue to persist.

In this post, we’ll explore what SIBO is, its symptoms, how it connects to broader gut health problems like leaky gut, and how we at Wellness approach treating it naturally to restore healthy digestive function and therefore improved overall health.

What is SIBO?

SIBO occurs when bacteria that are normally confined to the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they don’t belong in large quantities. Unlike the large intestine, which thrives on fermentation by healthy bacteria, the small intestine is designed for nutrient absorption. When bacteria overgrow in this region, they ferment food particles prematurely, causing a cascade of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of SIBO

The symptoms of SIBO can vary from person to person but often include:

• Bloating: Persistent bloating, especially after meals, is a hallmark of SIBO.
• Gas: Excessive flatulence or belching can occur due to fermentation in the small intestine.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort: This can feel crampy, sharp, or just like a persistent "full" sensation.
• Diarrhoea or constipation: SIBO can present as either, or alternation between the two.
• Food intolerances: Many people with SIBO find they react poorly to certain foods, especially carbohydrates, sugars, and fibre.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Since the small intestine is where much of our nutrient absorption happens, SIBO can interfere with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, such as B12, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins.
• Brain fog and fatigue: The gut-brain connection means SIBO can affect energy levels and mental clarity.

SIBO and Leaky Gut

SIBO can also create or worsen intestinal permeability also called leaky gut , where the lining of the gut becomes more permeable than it should be.

In a healthy gut, the cells of the intestinal lining are tightly packed together, forming a barrier that only lets beneficial nutrients through. But the inflammation and irritation caused by bacterial overgrowth in SIBO can weaken this barrier. As a result, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria can "leak" into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and contributing to systemic conditions.

The Link Between SIBO, Insulin Resistance, and Weight Gain

There’s also a fascinating connection between SIBO and metabolic issues like insulin resistance and weight gain. As explained SIBO can worsen or create leaky gut and this in turn drives chronic inflammation which can disrupt how the body regulates blood sugar, potentially leading to insulin resistance over time. Additionally, the bacterial overgrowth in SIBO can alter how the body metabolises carbohydrates, sometimes promoting fat storage and contributing to weight gain. Many people with SIBO find themselves gaining weight or struggling to lose it despite eating healthily, often because the underlying metabolic imbalances aren’t being addressed. By treating SIBO and restoring gut health, these weight-related issues can often improve as well.

What Causes SIBO?

So how does SIBO happen? There are many reasons why this bacteria can overgrow and finding the reason why is a huge help in treating it for the good. Most common reasons for SIBO include:

• Low gut motility: The small intestine relies on wave-like muscle contractions (called the migrating motor complex) to sweep bacteria and food particles down into the large intestine. If this motility slows down, bacteria have the opportunity to linger and grow.
• Food poisoning or gastroenteritis: Past infections can damage the gut's motility and immune defences, setting the stage for SIBO.
• Low stomach acid: Without sufficient acid, bacteria that would normally be killed in the stomach can survive and enter the small intestine.
• Medications: Certain medications, like antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (used for acid reflux), can disrupt the gut’s natural balance and allow SIBO to develop.
• Structural issues: Scar tissue, adhesions from surgery, or conditions like endometriosis can interfere with the movement of food and bacteria through the gut.

Testing for SIBO

Symptoms of SIBO are pretty clear, and so when you are talking to your naturopath about what you're experiencing often this is enough to understand that SIBO is at play, and treat it accordingly. However if symptoms are more ambiguous and you or your practitioner are wanting more accurate diagnoses testing is available. 

The most common test I use is a SIBO breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine after consuming a sugar solution (such as glucose or lactulose).

How we address SIBO and treat it for good

SIBO is a condition we see being mismanaged and mistreated so often. The problem is a bacterial overgrowth in the gut, especially in the small intestine needs to be treated delicately because if not, it can very quickly worsen symptoms. Also what I see very often is SIBO being treated short term through intense dietary changes only to have it return easily and repeatedly. This is usually because the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed.

Why Work with a Naturopath?

SIBO can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms persist despite your best efforts. That’s where working with a naturopath can make all the difference. My goal is to help you understand your body, uncover the root cause of your symptoms, and create a personalised plan to restore your health.

If you’re struggling with digestive issues and suspect SIBO may be the culprit, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll navigate your journey to better health, step by step.