SIBO
Description
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which microbes that typically reside in the large intestine proliferate in the small intestine, disrupting digestion and nutrient absorption. SIBO is often an underlying cause of IBS-like symptoms and may follow food poisoning, abdominal surgery, or chronic stress. It can present as diarrhea (SIBO-D), constipation (SIBO-C), or a mix of both. Functional medicine addresses the root causes of SIBO—motility disorders, low stomach acid, poor bile flow, or past antibiotic use—while using targeted antimicrobials, dietary changes, and gut-repair protocols to help prevent recurrence and heal the digestive system.
Symptoms
Bloating that worsens throughout the day
Excessive gas and belching
Abdominal pain or pressure
Constipation, diarrhea, or both
Undigested food in stool
Food sensitivities (especially FODMAPs)
Fatigue or brain fog
Nutrient deficiencies (B12, iron, fat-soluble vitamins)
Unintentional weight loss
Labs/Tests
SIBO breath test (lactulose or glucose, hydrogen & methane gases)
GI-MAP or comprehensive stool test (for co-infections)
Organic acids test
Serum B12, folate, iron panel
Intestinal permeability markers
Betaine HCl challenge (for low stomach acid)
Pancreatic elastase (enzyme output)
Imaging for anatomical abnormalities (if indicated)
Treatment Options
Herbal antimicrobials (berberine, oregano oil, allicin, neem)
Elemental or low-FODMAP diet during treatment
Prescription antibiotics (rifaximin +/- neomycin)
Biofilm disruptors (Interfase Plus, NAC)
Motility support (ginger, prokinetics, Iberogast)
Post-treatment gut restoration with probiotics and nutrients
Addressing root causes: acid, bile, enzymes, stress
Periodic retesting and maintenance protocols
Bloating and digestive pain aren’t normal—schedule a SIBO breath test and take the first step toward relief.