If you test positive for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, (SIBO), it means you may have bacteria in the small intestine which may be addressed medically (with antibiotics) or naturally (with anti-microbial supplements).

A SIBO friendly diet should also be introduced (more on that to come) and steps taken to support your general gut health. SIBO can be chronic in some people which suggests it may not be the root cause and further support and gut healing may be necessary. 

If you test negative for SIBO, other causes of excessive bloating and gas could be food intolerance, digestive enzyme deficiency, bile insufficiency and/or bacterial imbalance in the large intestine. A comprehensive stool test may be helpful as it includes many of these markers. You may also enjoy reading my top five tips to prevent bloating. 

Find out more about how we can work together to find the best approach for you here. If you'd like to arrange a time to chat we can discuss the best way forward for you here.

No one really knows for definite (yet) what causes small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Some theories include:

1. ​A malfunctioning migrating motor complex (MMC). This is the wave-like motion your oesophagus makes when it pushes food through your digestive tract. In some people this gets damaged during a trauma e.g. an accident or post-surgery.
2. Another theory is a weak sphincter muscle between the large and small intestine which means bacteria are more likely to get displaced.
3. Lastly, low stomach acid. One of the roles of stomach acid is to protect the body from microbial infections. Low stomach acid has therefore been linked to SIBO.

Could this be you? Find out more about what SIBO is and how to get tested for SIBO in the UK.

If you've tested positive for SIBO find out what to do about it here.

​Further information on SIBO testing, including prices can be found here.

 I’d love to know if you are incorporating any of my tips on how to reduce the risk of bloating? But, if you feel you have already tried absolutely EVERYTHING, and you have been given the all-clear by your GP but you are STILL struggling with excessive bloating, belching or gas, it might be time to consider Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or “SIBO”. 

What is SIBO?
SIBO is when normal bacteria get moved from the large intestine into the small intestine where they can cause digestion problems, including excessive bloating and/or belching. SIBO is thought to be behind about 60% of IBS cases.​

Why test for SIBO?
Firstly, it’s helpful to get tested for SIBO so we know what we’re dealing with and so that once we have followed a nutritional programme we can retest to see how your levels are changing.

What is the SIBO test?
​A SIBO test is a breath test where you collect multiple samples of breath over a three hour period. It measures levels of hydrogen and methane gases which will be produced if bacteria are present in the small intestine.

How can I get tested for SIBO?
To test for SIBO in the UK, you can try requesting a SIBO breath test from a GI consultant (requires referral by a GP) or, you can order one from me, a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist.

I've saved a story to my Instagram stories here to show you how the SIBO breath test works. It is very simple to complete at home. You can find a list of all the clinical test options I provide, including prices here. Full instructions on how to prepare for your SIBO test and complete the test are provided.

If you suspect SIBO, book a free call and we can chat further and make sure SIBO testing is the right test for you. You may also enjoy reading 'What Causes SIBO' and what to do if you test positive for SIBO here.

Nutritional Therapy helps identify the underlying causes of IBS symptoms and personalises a gut-healing plan that addresses: 

• Diet.
• Lifestyle.
• Suspected food intolerances.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Leaky gut.
• Optimal absorption by supporting enzyme levels, bile and stomach acidity.
• Balancing gut bacteria: parasites, worms, dysbiotic (bad) bacteria, and yeasts as well as normal bacteria.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

Comprehensive clinical tests are available which may offer further guidance.
You can also find out more about IBS here. I think you'll find it refreshing! 

​Nutritional Therapy works alongside medical treatment and should not be misconstrued as a replacement for medicine. I always work with your GP to ensure you get the best support and results.  I can also write to your GP if necessary and/or advise you of tests  available on the NHS so you can discuss further with your GP (if you are in the UK). 

Please be aware that IBS must be diagnosed by a medical doctor so that serious disease can be ruled out. And if you experience any of the following please consult your doctor urgently:

• Very dark stools or blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anaemia
• A family history of ovarian or colon cancer
• A sudden change in bowel movements
• Are over the age of 50.