Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Is it Behind Your Digestive Woes?

If your tummy often feels bloated, gurgly, or just “off,” it might be more than occasional indigestion. Many people struggle with recurring digestive symptoms, and one common but often overlooked culprit is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In this article, we’ll explore eight key signs that SIBO could be affecting you, what might have caused it, and, most importantly, how you can start to feel better for good.

What is SIBO?

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It occurs when the friendly bacteria that usually live in your large intestine start migrating to your small intestine, where they don’t belong. The small intestine should host only a tiny number of bacteria, so when this overgrowth happens, your digestive system can quickly become unhappy. In fact, up to 85% of people with IBS symptoms also have SIBO.

How Does SIBO Happen?

Your gut has several natural defenses to keep bacteria in check:

• Stomach acid – highly acidic to prevent bacterial overgrowth.

• Gut motility – the waves that move food along your digestive tract prevent bacteria from lingering.

• Bile – produced by your gallbladder to keep your gut environment balanced.

But various factors can compromise these defenses:

• Medications like antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, opioids, or acid-lowering drugs.

• Age-related changes that reduce stomach acid.

• Bowel surgery or conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

• Gallbladder removal.

• Slowed gut motility, which gives bacteria time to colonize the small intestine.

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Signs You Might Have SIBO

Symptoms can overlap with other digestive issues, making SIBO tricky to detect. Look out for:

• Bloating and gas

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Mood changes like depression

• Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or menopause symptoms

A red flag is if probiotics make your digestive symptoms worse—adding more bacteria to an already crowded small intestine can stir things up.

How to Support Healing

SIBO can be challenging to treat because bacteria form a biofilm, a protective layer that shields them from treatment. Effective management usually combines:

1. Targeted treatment – antibiotics or natural antibacterial herbs.

2. Biofilm support – supplements that help break down the protective layer.

If you’re ready to finally take control of your gut health and reduce those frustrating digestive symptoms, my online program offers practical guidance and support every step of the way, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme will show you exactly how to calm your digestion, support your microbiome, and strengthen your gut health — all while eating delicious, satisfying food.