What Is SIBO? Signs, Symptoms & Support Options
Dr. Mila Kostic-Damnjanovic, Naturopathic Doctor ✨
Are You Struggling With Bloating, Gas, or Diarrhea/Constipation?
If you are dealing with ongoing bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, constipation and/or diarrhea, or feeling overly full after meals, SIBO could be one possible cause. SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which means there is an abnormal buildup of bacteria in the small intestine.
This can interfere with normal digestion and may lead to symptoms that feel a lot like IBS. Some people also notice nausea, burping, food sensitivities, fatigue, or nutrient deficiencies.
What Is SIBO?
SIBO happens when bacteria overgrow where they are not supposed to in the small intestine. These bacteria can ferment food too early, leading to gas production, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It is a common but often overlooked cause of digestive symptoms. Often FODMAPs (fermentable carbs like those in onions, garlic, apples, beans, dairy and wheat) feed the bacteria, typically worsening symptoms.
SIBO can develop when gut defences fail, allowing excess bacteria to overgrow in the small intestine - often from slowed or altered motility (diabetes, hypothyroidism, opioids, IBS), low stomach acid (PPIs, aging), structural issues (surgery, adhesions, Crohn's), or infections like food poisoning. Multiple factors frequently overlap, disrupting normal bacterial clearance.
How Do You Test for SIBO?
The most common way to test for SIBO is with a breath test. You drink a sugar solution, then breathe into a tube to measure hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria. Positive results guide targeted treatment.
Why It Matters
Because SIBO symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions, it is important to get the right diagnosis before starting treatment. If you have persistent digestive symptoms, testing can help identify whether SIBO may be part of the picture.
When To Get Checked
You may want to consider SIBO testing if you have:
Ongoing bloating.
Excess gas or belching.
Constipation, diarrhea, or both.
Belly pain or cramping.
Symptoms that seem to get worse after eating, especially high FODMAP foods (onions, garlic, apples, beans, wheat, dairy)
SIBO Testing at Oak Integrative Health: 💫
Here at Oak, we have the SIBO Canada testing kits. Talk to our naturopathic doctors about SIBO as a potential reason for your digestive discomfort and to discuss testing!