Studies show that over 50% of patients diagnosed with IBS actually have an underlying imbalance called SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. While bacteria are an essential part of a healthy small bowel and perform important functions, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can lead to leaky gut and a number of other symptoms. In the case with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO bacteria migrate backwards into the small bowel and take up residence.
If you haven’t seen my SIBO video series You can watch it here “Everything You Want to Know About SIBO”
Eight signs you might have SIBO
- You notice that fiber worsens your constipation
- You notice an improvement in IBS symptoms when taking antibiotics
- You feel more gas and bloating when you take probiotics that contain prebiotics ie Inulin, Chicory, FOS, GOS
- You are celiac or gluten intolerant and do not have 100% resolution of symptoms on a gluten-free diet
- You develop chronic symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea after taking pain medications, like opiates.
- Your blood work shows chronically low iron or ferritin.
- You have low B12 levels as seen on Methylmalonic Acid Testing, Or Blood (serum B12 levels must get really low before a deficiency can be felt.)
- You Have Trouble Digesting fats-
Top 6 Symptoms of SIBO
- Abdominal bloating and distension
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Excessive gas or belching
Could it be a Leaky Gut?
Its very common to have both SIBO and a leaky gut. While SIBO usually manifests with local GI symptoms, a leaky gut will manifest with systemic complaints that affect the immune system and the GI system. Many patients I work with have both. I encourage all patients to be tested for SIBO, Leaky Gut, Food Sensitivities and parasites when dealing with bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea. If you have suffered with a leaky gut for any period of time, It is very likely you are also dealing with SIBO.
Other Disease Often Associated with SIBO
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Scleroderma
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Rosacea
- Restless leg syndrome
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Diverticulosis
How to Diagnose SIBO
You will want Doctor Hagmeyer to order the Lactulose Breath Test (preferred over glucose as it will test the entire small bowel vs. just duodenum) Learn more about SIBO breath testing
How Can A Natural Approach To SIBO Help put an end to Bloating, Gas, Constipation, Diarrhea, Fatigue and Nutritional Mal-absorption?
Unlike conventional medical treatments whose main goal is to kill the infection, Functional and Holistic Medicine approach is to get to the underlying cause of your GI Problems and Understand why they developed in the first place.
While the conventional approach to SIBO is antibiotics, this may not be the best course of action in every case. Most cases have reinfection rates as high as 90% within a years period of time. Our Goal is to detect the “why” behind SIBO and truly correct the many causes.
Get Our Free Guide That Shows You What Foods You Should Start Eliminating Today.
For more information on how a natural SIBO treatment approach might be able to help you, I recommend getting the white paper guide that you can download absolutely free.
You can obtain your free guide simply by filling out your name and email address on the right side of this page.
Have Questions? Dr Hagmeyer offers a limited number of Free 15 minute phone consults for SIBO sufferers who are interested in becoming a patient.
