So… You’ve Got SIBO. What Now?

If you’ve recently been told you have SIBO - or you suspect it - you’re probably feeling a mix of relief and overwhelm.

Relief, because you finally have a name for what’s been going on.

Overwhelm, because now you’re wondering… what do I actually do about it?

Let’s walk through it together.

Why SIBO Is Often Missed (or Mislabelled as IBS)

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is one of the most common root causes behind IBS-type symptoms.

Things like:

• Bloating (especially after eating)

• Gas and distension

• Alternating constipation and diarrhoea

• Food sensitivities

• Abdominal discomfort

  
  

Sound familiar?

Many people are told they have IBS, which essentially means: “Your gut is irritated, but we’re not entirely sure why.” IBS is a label, not a root cause.

SIBO, on the other hand, is a specific condition where bacteria that should live in the large intestine start overgrowing in the small intestine - where they don’t belong.

If we don’t identify that underlying overgrowth, we end up:

• Managing symptoms instead of resolving them

• Avoiding more and more foods

• Feeling stuck in cycles of flare-ups

What Actually Is SIBO?

SIBO occurs when bacteria ferment food in the small intestine, instead of further down in the colon.

This leads to:

• Excess gas (hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulphide)

• Pressure and bloating

• Disrupted digestion and nutrient absorption

  
  

But here’s the important part…SIBO doesn’t just happen randomly.

It usually develops when something disrupts the normal flow and balance of the gut.

Why Does SIBO Happen?

From a naturopathic perspective, we’re always asking: Why did the environment allow this to happen?

Common underlying drivers include:

1. Impaired Motility

Your gut has a natural “cleaning wave” (the migrating motor complex) that sweeps bacteria through.

If this slows down → bacteria hang around and overgrow.

Often linked to:

• Chronic stress

• Irregular eating patterns

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Post-infection changes

  
  

2. Low Stomach Acid

Stomach acid is one of your first lines of defence.

If it’s low:

• Bacteria aren’t properly broken down

• They can survive and move into the small intestine

• 
  

3. Previous Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of the microbiome, allowing opportunistic bacteria to thrive.

4. Gut Inflammation or Damage

Things like:

• Coeliac disease

• Food intolerances

• Chronic inflammation

…can alter the gut environment and make it easier for SIBO to develop.

5. Nervous System Dysregulation

Your gut and nervous system are deeply connected.

Chronic “fight or flight” = impaired digestion, reduced motility, and a higher likelihood of overgrowth.

So… How Do We Treat SIBO Naturally?

This is where a lot of people go wrong. They focus only on killing the bacteria.

But if we don’t address the why, it often comes back. A naturopathic approach is layered and supportive.

1. Diet - Reduce the Fuel (Temporarily)

We don’t need to restrict forever.

But in the short term, we reduce highly fermentable foods to calm symptoms.

This may look like:

• A modified low FODMAP approach

• Reducing excess sugars and refined carbs

• Prioritising simple, whole foods

Important: This is not about long-term restriction - it’s about creating a calmer environment while healing.

2. Herbal Antimicrobials

Instead of (or alongside) antibiotics, we often use targeted herbal support such as:

• Oregano

• Berberine

• Garlic (allicin)

• Thyme

• Clove

These help reduce bacterial overgrowth while being gentler on the microbiome when used correctly.

3. Support Digestion

We want your body doing the work again.

This may include:

• Bitters to stimulate digestion

• Digestive enzymes

• Supporting stomach acid where needed

  
  

4. Repair the Gut Lining

SIBO often coexists with irritation of the gut lining.

Support may include:

• Zinc

• Glutamine

• Anti-inflammatory herbs

  
  

5. Restore Motility

This is one of the most important (and often missed) steps.

We support the natural movement of the gut with:

• Herbal prokinetics (e.g. ginger)

• Structured meal spacing (allowing the gut to “clean”)

• Nervous system regulation

  
  

6. Nervous System & Lifestyle

This is the piece many people underestimate.

Healing SIBO isn’t just about the gut - it’s about the environment your gut lives in.

We look at:

• Stress levels

• Eating slowly and mindfully

• Adequate sleep

• Not rushing meals or eating on the go

• 
  

A Gentle Reality Check

SIBO can be stubborn. It’s not usually a quick fix - but it is very treatable with the right approach.

If you’ve:

• Tried low FODMAP and felt stuck

• Taken probiotics and felt worse

• Been told “it’s just IBS”

There is likely more going on beneath the surface.

The Goal Isn’t Just Symptom Relief

It’s:

• Eating without fear

• Reducing bloating

• Restoring normal digestion

• Supporting long-term gut resilience

• 
  

Ready to Get to the Root Cause?

If you suspect SIBO - or you’ve been dealing with ongoing IBS symptoms - a personalised approach makes all the difference.

In clinic, we look at:

• Your full health timeline

• Underlying drivers (not just symptoms)

• Targeted treatment that evolves with you

  
  

Book a naturopathic consultation to explore your gut health properly and create a plan that actually works.