If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS, there’s a strong likelihood that you’ll be suffering from SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, as it is a leading underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

Normally, bacteria are found in the trillions in the LARGE INTESTINE, where they perform various symbiotic functions for the human body. 

However, if SIBO is present, bacterial overgrowth and fermentation occurs in the digestive and absorptive area of the body, the SMALL INTESTINE.  

SIBO can be defined as the presence of an increased number and/or abnormal type of bacteria in the small bowel.

It leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, cramping, reflux, flatulence, belching, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea. 

It can reduce your ability to digest and absorb the nutrients in your food. Vitamins and minerals such as B12, zinc and iron can be found to be low in people with SIBO. I often hear people say they are or have been anaemic but aren’t sure why.

Weight gain or weight loss is common due to poor nutrient deficiency - the small intestine is the primary site of digestion and absorption, altered gut transit time (constipation or diarrhoea) and changes in hormones that affect metabolism.

Such symptoms, often non-specific and indistinguishable from those seen in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional digestive disorders, can often get missed but using a simple, non-invasive breath test, I can establish if SIBO is causing your gut health issues, and we can work together to set out a holistic treatment plan that will rebalance your gut biome and relieve your symptoms. 

Risk factors for SIBO include achlorhydria (low stomach acid), use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pancreatitis, diabetic neuropathy, migrating motor complex (MMC) impairment, gastroenteritis, motility disorders, Crohn's Disease, IBS, poor oral health such as periodontitis and non-responsive Coeliac Disease. 

Other related conditions found to have a strong correlation with SIBO are fibromyalgia, non-alcoholic liver disease, some autoimmune conditions, hypothyroidism, Rosacea, mycotoxins and (mould toxicity).

Please get in touch to find out how to work with me to test for and treat SIBO.