At BionwoRx, we’ll work with you to address the root cause of your SIBO.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

A natural approach to SIBO.

Are you searching for natural small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) treatment? Do you want to learn how to test for and treat SIBO? This page has the information you need.

Understanding your condition

What is SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?

SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, occurs when there’s an abnormal increase of microbial species in the small intestine. These bacteria typically reside in the colon, but when they migrate to the small intestine, it can disrupt digestive function, cause significant discomfort, and lead to nutritional deficiencies.

SIBO can also contribute to intestinal hyperpermeability, which may trigger food intolerances and sensitivities. In fact, many health conditions are associated with the presence of SIBO.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

A natural treatment for SIBO.

SIBO is a common condition, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed and misunderstood by conventional healthcare providers. Left untreated, SIBO can lead to chronic inflammation and other long-term health issues.

At BionwoRx, our functional medicine SIBO expert uses a comprehensive, personalized natural approach to get to the root cause of SIBO. This effective SIBO treatment helps restore digestive health and wellness for the long-term.

Functional medicine approach to treating SIBO.

Common SIBO symptoms.

SIBO is caused by certain types of bacteria that take up residence in the small intestine. These bacteria can produce excess methane, hydrogen, or even sulfur, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms. While SIBO can affect people differently, some of the most common symptoms include:

Methane-dominant small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is often associated with constipation, while hydrogen-dominant SIBO can cause diarrhea or loose stools. Less common sulfur-reducing bacteria may produce a foul, rotten egg-like odor.

SIBO symptoms can mask or exacerbate the signs of other digestive conditions, such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, up to 60% of people diagnosed with IBS also have SIBO, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause (learn more in our article on the SIBO-IBS connection). Additionally, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are 9.5 times more likely to develop SIBO.

SIBO can disrupt the digestive lining, causing systemic inflammation and “leaky gut.” By breaking down the junctions between cells, SIBO allows large proteins to cross into the bloodstream. The immune system detects these proteins, which can trigger new food reactions. This vicious cycle exacerbates SIBO symptoms, as food reactions cause further inflammation.

Additionally, all SIBO types can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Poor absorption of vitamins B12, D, A, and E, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, often occur with SIBO.

What causes SIBO?

Healthy digestion relies on a well-orchestrated sequence of events. First, chewing and saliva in the mouth break down food. Then, hydrochloric acid in the stomach further breaks it down before it moves to the small intestines, where most nutrients are absorbed. This timely movement of food occurs through a wave-like muscular constriction called ‘peristalsis’, allowing for proper nutrient absorption.

Additionally, the migrating motor complex (MMC) is a stronger, recurring wave-like constriction that acts as a necessary ‘cleaning cycle’ for the digestive system, occurring around every 90 minutes. Disruption of any of these crucial processes can lead to SIBO.

Many factors can contribute to digestive issues, including:

  • Low stomach acid
  • Acid-reducing medications like proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Nexium)
  • Celiac disease
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
  • Diverticulitis
  • Slow digestion/peristalsis
  • Chronic constipation
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Food poisoning, infections, or parasites (e.g., Enterococcus, Klebsiella, H. pylori, E. coli)
  • Chronic stress
  • Poor diet (high sugar, alcohol, processed carbs)
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Traumatic brain injury or concussions
  • Side effects of medications like opiates, antispasmodics, or proton pump inhibitors
  • Scarring or adhesions in the small intestines
  • Pancreatitis
  • Endometriosis
  • Gastroparesis
  • Scleroderma
  • Diabetes
  • Mold toxicity
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Ileocecal valve dysfunction

3 main types of SIBO.

There are 3 main types of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), each involving an overgrowth of different aerobic and anaerobic microbial species.

Hydrogen producing bacteria.

The abnormal presence of colonic bacteria in the small intestines means that digestion is happening much higher up in the digestive system than it should. This excessive fermentation produces a lot of hydrogen gas, which the sensitive small intestines struggle to handle. The result is abdominal bloating and diarrhea.

Some of the key culprits are Bacteroidetes bacteria, which thrive in this environment and generate lots of hydrogen. Other microbes like Streptococcus, E. coli, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides also contribute to the problem by producing hydrogen in this low-oxygen setting.

Methane producing archaea .

Constipation can be linked to certain methane-producing microbes called archaea. Species like Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanospaera stadmagnae feed on hydrogen produced by bacteria, creating methane gas as a byproduct. This methane buildup is responsible for abdominal bloating and can slow down the natural movement of the digestive system, leading to constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Hydrogen sulphide producing bacteria‍.

The third type of SIBO is caused by hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria, often Desulfovibrio spp or Fusobacterium spp. This SIBO variant is less prevalent and doesn’t show up on standard breath tests, which only detect hydrogen and methane – the gases these species don’t produce.

Instead, these bacteria generate hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct. This gas is highly toxic to the cells lining the intestinal walls, and has a characteristic rotten egg odor. While hydrogen sulfide production is normal in the cecum and colon, it can be problematic when occurring in the small intestine. These sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRBs) convert sulfate into hydrogen sulfide, and high concentrations of this gas are linked to gut inflammation.

Request a personal consultation.

Call us today at (317) 797-9139

We will be in touch shortly to schedule your visit.

SIBO treatment – the conventional approach.

Diagnosing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is challenging. While hydrogen and methane breath tests are commonly used, they aren’t perfect. The gold standard is actually a jejunal aspirate test, which involves extracting a small fluid sample from the middle part of the digestive system using an endoscope.

However, this test has some important limitations. It can be quite costly and invasive for the patient. There’s also a risk of false negatives if the lab has trouble growing the bacterial cultures from the sample.

The typical SIBO treatment approach using antibiotics like rifaximin can be problematic. While these medications may kill off the undesirable bacterial species, they are indiscriminate and also wipe out beneficial gut bacteria. This creates an opportunity for opportunistic microbes to overgrow, much like weeds that spring up when a garden bed is cleared. Furthermore, research indicates that rifaximin is not particularly effective at relieving SIBO symptoms long-term.

Recovering from SIBO often takes considerable time and requires a more holistic plan. This involves carefully uncovering the underlying factors contributing to or exacerbating the SIBO, then supporting the patient through a thoughtful, staged treatment process. A comprehensive, personalized approach is key for restoring gut health in a sustainable way.

Functional testing – SIBO.

Accurately diagnosing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is essential for effective treatment. The most common diagnostic tool is a specialized breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas levels. These gases indicate the presence of certain bacteria and archaea in the small intestine.

Unlike a Helicobacter pylori test that detects the bacteria in the stomach, the SIBO breath test is specifically designed to identify bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. For this test, you’ll provide breath samples after drinking a specific sugar solution, like lactulose or glucose. The samples are then analyzed over time to check for gas production – a telltale sign of SIBO.

Our functional medicine approach goes beyond just the SIBO breath test to develop a comprehensive understanding of your condition. In addition to the breath test, we may also recommend:

  • Food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity testing
  • Gut microbiome analysis
  • Assessments of your digestive function and nutrient absorption
  • Stool testing for bacteria like Enterococcus, Klebsiella, H. pylori, and E. coli
  • Other tailored functional tests based on your specific symptoms

Our comprehensive SIBO tests pinpoint the root causes – from antibiotic use to genetic factors and lifestyle – so we can craft a personalized treatment plan just for you. By combining test results with your detailed health history, our practitioners take a holistic approach, considering every aspect of your wellbeing. This ensures you get effective, lasting relief from SIBO symptoms.

The BionwoRx functional medicine approach.

Natural treatment for SIBO.

Our functional medicine SIBO expert will identify the root causes of your SIBO and develop a personalized treatment plan to address those underlying issues. With a holistic understanding of SIBO and access to the latest scientific insights, our SIBO specialist will work closely with you.

After analyzing your SIBO breath test results and other functional assessments, your practitioner will create a tailored treatment approach to alleviate your symptoms. Our friendly, integrative approach focuses on identifying and resolving the root causes of your SIBO, not just managing the symptoms.

Your personalized natural SIBO treatment plan may include:

  • Probiotics to alter your gut environment and support beneficial species
  • Prebiotics to feed those beneficial species and increase production of helpful short-chain fatty acids
  • Nutritional supplements like zinc, vitamin A, and magnesium to reduce inflammation, improve your gut lining, and enhance digestion
  • Tailored dietary modifications and a SIBO-friendly diet
  • Herbal medicines that act as microbial modulators, such as pomegranate husk, codonopsis pilosa, garlic, and Korean ginseng, as well as herbs for symptom relief like aloe vera, turmeric, gentian, and ginger
  • Identifying and addressing any food intolerances or sensitivities to prevent relapse or recurrence of symptoms
  • Supporting your digestion through enzymes, improving transit time, or targeted probiotic supplements to prevent dysbiosis from recurring
  • Lifestyle modifications to enhance your stress resilience

The benefits of herbal medicine for treating SIBO include their ability to precisely target problematic microbes. This ensures that beneficial species are supported while the harmful “pathobiont” species (those that become problematic in the wrong location or quantity) are suppressed. Optimizing digestive function is a key part of a holistic SIBO treatment approach. It’s also important to address any other health conditions you may have, alongside the SIBO.

FAQs.

What are the symptoms of SIBO vs IBS?

SIBO can occur independently or alongside IBS, and both conditions share similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis challenging.

The most common SIBO symptoms include bloating, abdominal distension/pain, loose stools/diarrhea, constipation, excessive and/or foul-smelling flatulence, belching/burping, nausea, reflux, and heartburn.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies from poor nutrient absorption can cause seemingly unrelated symptoms such as skin issues, mood disorders, joint pain, and brain fog/memory problems.

Functional testing and detailed case history can help determine whether symptoms are due to SIBO, IBS, or a combination of both. This is the foundation of the functional medicine approach to SIBO.

What is SIBO and what causes SIBO?

SIBO is a type of gut imbalance where certain microbial species that normally live in the large intestine instead thrive in the small intestine. This leads to excessive fermentation of carbohydrates earlier in the digestive process than normal, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms like pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

If left untreated, SIBO can lead to more serious issues like poor nutrient absorption, vitamin/mineral depletion, and leaky gut syndrome.

SIBO can be triggered by various factors, from stress and medications to poor diet, surgery, and other health conditions. Working with a SIBO specialist can help identify and address the root cause.

How long does it take to heal SIBO?

Depending on the root cause, any other conditions, and the duration of your SIBO symptoms, it may take some time to fully heal.

SIBO can lead to malabsorption and maldigestion, which may then cause other issues like intestinal hyperpermeability. This can trigger new food intolerances and sensitivities.

Addressing any nutritional deficiencies is crucial, as your body needs the right cofactors to restore healthy digestive function.

Our SIBO specialist takes a functional medicine approach, methodically addressing each underlying issue with the latest science-backed treatments to support your optimal recovery.

Can SIBO cause acne or other skin conditions?

Poor digestion can contribute to various skin issues, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. This is often due to gut inflammation and the body’s inability to properly absorb nutrients essential for healthy skin maintenance and renewal.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause increased intestinal permeability, which may affect the skin’s surface cells through food allergies or sensitivities.

Furthermore, an imbalance in the gut microbiome can disrupt the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon. This can impair the body’s ability to repair damage to the skin and other epithelial cells, both on the outside and inside of the body.

Can SIBO be diagnosed from a stool test?

The diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) cannot be confirmed through stool testing. This is because stool testing only provides information about the large intestine, and does not give any insights into the small intestine environment where SIBO occurs.

Can SIBO cause weight gain?

When someone has small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), their digestive processes can become compromised. This includes reduced insulin sensitivity and impaired nutrient absorption.

SIBO can also damage the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to increased intestinal permeability. This allows more endotoxins to enter the body, triggering inflammatory responses. Additionally, bacteria from the colon may translocate to the small intestine.

These changes in the gastrointestinal tract can impact the body’s ability to manage inflammation and obesity. In fact, SIBO may contribute to either weight gain or weight loss, depending on the individual case.

Request a personal consultation.