When SIBO, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, a condition where bacteria from the colon migrate and multiply in the small intestine. Also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, it disrupts digestion, steals nutrients, and triggers symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and constant gas. Unlike normal gut bacteria that live in the colon, these microbes in the small intestine interfere with digestion and absorption — turning food into fuel for fermentation instead of energy for your body.
SIBO doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s often tied to gut motility, the movement of food through the digestive tract. If your gut doesn’t clear out properly — maybe due to past infections, surgery, or nerve damage — bacteria settle where they shouldn’t. It also connects deeply with digestive disorders, conditions like IBS, celiac disease, and gastroparesis that alter how the gut functions. Many people diagnosed with IBS are actually dealing with undiagnosed SIBO. And because SIBO damages the intestinal lining, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies — especially in vitamin B12, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
What you eat matters, but not always in the way you think. Low-FODMAP diets are commonly recommended to starve the overgrown bacteria, but they’re not a cure — just a way to manage symptoms. Antibiotics like rifaximin are often used, but recurrence is common. That’s why probiotics, live microorganisms that can help restore balance in the gut microbiome are being studied more closely. Not all probiotics help — some can make SIBO worse. The right strains, timing, and dosage make all the difference.
SIBO can be frustrating because symptoms overlap with so many other conditions. It’s not just about belly discomfort — it’s linked to brain fog, fatigue, skin issues, and even mood changes. The good news? It’s testable. A breath test can detect excess hydrogen or methane gas from bacterial fermentation. And once you know it’s SIBO, there are clear steps to take: treat the overgrowth, fix the root cause, and rebuild gut health without just masking symptoms.
Below, you’ll find practical guides on how SIBO interacts with medications, supplements, and everyday habits. From how antispasmodics might mask symptoms to why certain probiotics can backfire, these posts cut through the noise and give you what actually works — no fluff, no guesswork, just real insights from people who’ve been there.
SIBO causes bloating, gas, and digestive issues. Breath tests are the most common way to diagnose it, but they’re not perfect. Learn how testing works, why results can be misleading, and what treatments actually help-plus how to prevent it from coming back.
