Do you struggle with bloating, irregular bowel habits or unexplained gut discomfort? You’re not alone. Sometimes these symptoms point to a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), and testing could be the key to finding relief.
What is SIBO — and Why Does It Matter?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in bacteria in the small intestine, an area that typically has far fewer bacteria compared to the large intestine. This imbalance can cause excessive gas production, inflammation, and impaired digestion, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort and pain,flatulence, belching, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation or a combination of these.
There are two common types of SIBO, based on the gases produced:
- Hydrogen SIBO – often linked with diarrhoea and rapid transit
- Methane SIBO (sometimes called IMO/SIMO) – usually associated with constipation and slower transit
Both can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated, and are often linked with broader digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Signs You Might Have SIBO
Not everyone with bloating or digestive upset has SIBO, but some common clues include:
- Bloating or distension that occurs soon after eating and can last for hours
- Reflux, flatulence, belching
- A gradual increase in abdominal swelling throughout the day – often linked with methane-producing bacteria
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating bowel patterns with no clear cause
- Sensitivity to fibre-rich or fermentable foods like onions, garlic, beans, or cruciferous vegetables
- Other system symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, acne rosacea, or low iron that don’t improve with usual treatments
There are also several conditions that are associated with the risk of SIBO including IBS, IBD, Celiac Disease, H .pylori, Diabetes, Abdominal surgery, restless leg syndrome, fructose and lactose intolerance, MCAS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic pancreatitis and the list goes on.
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to look deeper.
When Testing Can Be Helpful
Testing for SIBO is especially useful if you:
- Have persistent gut symptoms despite diet changes, probiotics or other general gut support
- Experience classic symptoms such as bloating after meals that settles within an hour (often hydrogen SIBO), or worsening distension that builds all day (often methane SIBO)
- Want to avoid unnecessary or overly restrictive diets and supplements without a clear diagnosis
- Need clarity to guide a personalised treatment plan that targets the specific bacteria causing your symptoms
Breath testing is the standard method for SIBO diagnosis. It’s a simple, non-invasive, at-home test that measures hydrogen and methane gases produced after drinking a sugar solution. The results help identify which bacteria are overgrowing, so treatment can be tailored accordingly.
What Happens After Testing?
If your test shows signs of SIBO, your practitioner will work with you on a targeted plan. This may include:
- Dietary adjustments to reduce fermentable foods that feed the overgrowth
- Herbal or prescription antimicrobials designed to reduce excess bacteria
- Prokinetic agents to improve gut motility and prevent recurrence
- Supportive therapies for gut healing and microbiome balance
Testing is not just about finding a label – it’s about empowering you with clear answers and a roadmap to better gut health.
Not Everyone Needs to Test – But It Can Be a Game Changer
While SIBO testing isn’t necessary for everyone with digestive symptoms, it can be a game changer for those who have been struggling with unexplained bloating or bowel changes. Instead of guessing, testing provides clarity and guides personalised treatment that addresses the root cause – not just the symptoms.
If you’re tired of the constant discomfort and want to understand what’s really going on in your gut, SIBO testing might be the next best step on your healing journey.
Ready to Explore Testing?
If you’re wondering whether SIBO testing is right for you, book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths. All our naturopaths are highly experienced in treating gut disorders. . We’ll review your symptoms, health history, and help decide if testing is appropriate – then guide you through the process with care and expertise. If you already know what you want you can purchase your test as a testing package – explore our testing and consult packages here.
Written by Naturopath Chae
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