As a nutritional therapist, I often see clients who struggle with persistent digestive issues, and one common culprit behind these problems is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). SIBO occurs when bacteria that typically belong in the large intestine begin to overgrow in the small intestine, leading to disruptions in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health. It’s a condition that can be easy to overlook, as the symptoms often mimic other digestive disorders.
What Causes SIBO?
SIBO can develop for a variety of reasons, and it’s rarely the result of just one factor. One of the more common causes is poor gut motility. Normally, your digestive system functions like a conveyor belt, moving food and bacteria smoothly through the small intestine into the large intestine. When this process slows down, due to conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), chronic stress, or even surgeries, bacteria can linger in the small intestine longer than they should, leading to overgrowth.
Low stomach acid is another frequent contributor. Though we often hear about reducing stomach acid, it’s actually a key defense mechanism in preventing bacteria from growing in the small intestine. When stomach acid is low—whether from medications like antacids or simply as a result of aging—bacteria can thrive where they don’t belong, causing an imbalance.
Other potential causes include chronic illness, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, which can interfere with gut function, or long-term antibiotic use, which disrupts the balance of gut bacteria and creates an environment where harmful bacteria can overgrow.
SIBO and Gut Symptoms: What to Watch For
The symptoms of SIBO can vary widely, but they typically involve significant digestive discomfort. The most common complaint I hear is chronic bloating, often severe enough to cause visible abdominal distension. Clients also frequently report excessive gas, cramping, and abdominal pain, especially after meals. These symptoms are often mistaken for food intolerances or other digestive disorders, which is why SIBO can go undiagnosed for so long.
SIBO can also cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, or in some cases, one or the other predominates. Another issue that arises is nutrient malabsorption. Because bacteria in the small intestine interfere with nutrient absorption, people with SIBO often experience deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals like B12 and iron, which can lead to fatigue and other related symptoms.
Interestingly, SIBO is also often linked to chronic candidiasis. Candida, a type of yeast, tends to overgrow when the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted. Many clients struggling with recurring candida infections have an underlying case of SIBO that hasn’t been addressed, and it’s only by tackling both that they find relief.
Why It’s Essential to Address SIBO with Professional Guidance
Adressing SIBO is a complex process that requires more than just eliminating the symptoms—it’s about getting to the root cause of the imbalance. This is where working closely with a therapist becomes essential. Simply managing symptoms without understanding the underlying issues can lead to repeated flare-ups and long-term digestive health problems.
A thorough assessment by a qualified therapist helps determine what’s really causing the bacterial overgrowth, whether it’s poor motility, low stomach acid, or an underlying condition like IBS or hypothyroidism. Without this close monitoring and guidance, treatment efforts may only scratch the surface, leaving the root causes unaddressed.
If you're experiencing chronic bloating, digestive discomfort, or recurrent issues like candidiasis, it may be time to consider whether SIBO is contributing to your symptoms. Addressing SIBO with the support of a therapist can ensure that all underlying factors are properly explored and treated, leading to more sustainable, long-term gut health.
AO. Wellness, Adriana Osipian