Symptoms of SIBO
People with SIBO often experience one or more of the following symptoms:
How common is SIBO?
The presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is very common. It has been estimated that up to 80% or more people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also have this issue. The prevalence being unknown among healthy individuals.
Doctors assume that it’s often under-diagnosed because mild cases may be symptomless while moderate ones feature many non-specific symptoms which overlap other conditions.
SIBO sufferers may also suffer at least one of these symptoms:
From this list you’ll see that the symptoms affect more than just our digestive system, and they can affect just about any organ.
If you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth you’ll notice a worsening of symptoms when you eat sugary and starchy foods like bread, pasta, potatoes etc. The longer SIBO has been present the more likely you are to become intolerant to more and more foods for example gluten containing foods, dairy and fructose in fruit.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) has been associated with several health conditions.
These include:
Keep in mind that while there are associations between these conditions and SIBO, having one of these conditions does not necessarily mean you will develop small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
It is also important to note that the above list is not exhaustive. SIBO can be associated with other health conditions not mentioned in the list.
What causes SIBO?
A single cause of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth hasn’t been identified, but there are some known triggers and contributing factors. For many it’s a combination of factors. These are:
Is SIBO Contagious?
One of the most common questions about Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is whether it is contagious. Simply put, SIBO is not contagious. It cannot be passed from one person to another through physical contact, sharing food, or other forms of direct exposure. Unlike certain bacterial infections, SIBO arises from an imbalance within the body rather than an external infection caused by a specific microorganism.
SIBO occurs due to a complex interplay of factors, such as poor gut motility, low stomach acid, or structural abnormalities in the digestive tract. These conditions create an environment where bacteria, normally confined to the large intestine, multiply excessively in the small intestine. This internal overgrowth is unique to each individual and depends on factors like their gut health, diet, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
Why Is SIBO Not Contagious?
The bacteria involved in SIBO are not foreign invaders but rather naturally occurring gut bacteria. The issue lies in their location and quantity, not their presence. For this reason, SIBO cannot spread like a viral or bacterial infection, such as the flu or food poisoning. Instead, SIBO develops due to internal disruptions like slow gut motility, surgeries, or long-term use of certain medications.
If you’re dealing with SIBO or worried about others catching it, rest assured that SIBO is not contagious. However, it’s crucial to address the underlying causes to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence. If you suspect SIBO, testing and professional guidance can help you achieve lasting relief.
For more information on SIBO symptoms, testing, and treatment options, book a free Gut Fix Strategy Session or call us at 1300 16 75 72 to get started on your path to better gut health.
What foods trigger SIBO symptoms?
While foods aren’t the original cause of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, certain foods do encourage the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. If you’re feeding them their favourite foods, they’re going to grow more, and that will trigger more of your SIBO symptoms.
You can also help reduce the overgrowth by starving the problematic bacteria of their favourite foods. This strategy has led to a number of proposed SIBO diet plans. The diets vary, and so do individual results. These include:
Explore Gut Health with IBS Specialist Lisa Snowdon
Currently, there are no blood tests for identifying SIBO but blood results play an important role in identifying vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can lead to malnutrition. For example, there may be a risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency that can be checked. Thyroid issues can also be tested for.
Finding a SIBO Nutritionist
My 7 step process to restore your gut health was developed to address SIBO as the most common cause of IBS.
- Stop putting fuel on the fire and remove dietary triggers with either an elimination diet or elemental diet
- Testing where necessary to confirm it’s SIBO, where the overgrowth occurs and which gas is being produced
- Use the correct antimicrobial herbs to treat your SIBO (specific to your results and situation)
- Address stress and lifestyle factors that influence your symptoms
- Heal up leaky gut, reduce inflammation and reintroduce foods
- Rebalance your microbiome and reduce risk factors for SIBO relapse
- Get professional support and guidance so you follow the right steps in the right order
To further understand my 7-step process to restore your gut health see my Gut Fix Program.
For further information on treating SIBO see my SIBO Treatment page. For further information on functional medicine tests see my Lab Tests page.
Book a Free Strategy Session
If you’d like to find out more about the SIBO testing and natural treatment options for SIBO, IBS or other digestive symptoms then please book in for a Free Gut Fix Strategy Session so I can go over your options.
Or simply call 1300 16 75 72.