What Exactly Is SIBO: 10 Symptoms & How To Treat It, From Experts

Just because gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, constipation, and gas, are relatively common1, doesn’t make them any easier to deal with. To start healing, many people seek a diagnosis or a root cause—and in the process, the term SIBO may come up. 

According to board-certified internist and mbg Collective member, Vincent M. Pedre, M.D., it occurs when there is an overpopulation of bacteria in the small intestine. “This can increase fermentation of sugar in the carbohydrates you eat, and bloating often occurs from this excess gas production,” he says. 

Integrative gastroenterologist Marvin Singh, M.D., says these are the 8 most common symptoms of SIBO: 

Other symptoms might include a decrease in appetite, an increased feeling of fullness after eating, and changes in stool form.2

These are two potential causes of SIBO: 

“Several studies have demonstrated that abnormalities in the MMC may predispose to the development of SIBO3,” research published in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal states. This is because when the MMC is not working properly, bacteria that’s meant to be pushed into the large intestine might, instead, grow into the small intestine, functional medicine practitioner Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C, once wrote. 

If bacteria isn’t pushed into the small intestine by the MMC, it’s possible that the naturally occurring bacterias multiply to create SIBO. According to Singh, these are a few triggers that could lead to overgrowth: 

"There's no one diet that works for everyone with SIBO, so it's important to identify which carbohydrates you can't digest and absorb because those are the ones that end up getting fermented by your small intestine bacteria," Zibdeh says.

The tricky thing about following this type of diet is that it also eliminates healthy foods, like garlic, onions, and legumes. Always work with a physician or nutritionist to make sure you're getting the proper nutrients you need while eliminating these food groups.

Intermittent fasting is a good eating strategy that may help reduce bloating, Singh says. Whether you're fasting for 12 hours or for 16, this time between meals allows the MMC to kick in and digest food properly.

Since SIBO is due to an overgrowth of bacteria, antibiotics may help manage or treat it. If antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor, it's important to follow the designated regimen, while also paying attention to diet and stress reduction. "These are often very underestimated concepts that can be very helpful when combined with herbal or prescription therapy," Singh says.

Adding in prokinetic agents and digestive enzymes, as well as gut-rebuilding strategies, are other useful tools he recommends to patients.