Could SIBO be the reason for my bloating and stomach problems?
The question, asked by a man aged 30 to 44
My stomach has been a mess for several months. I get very bloated and gassy after meals even when the portions are normal. Sometimes I feel so full and uneasy that I do not want to eat. I have tried to avoid foods but nothing seems to help. I read about SIBO online. I wonder if SIBO could explain these symptoms. How would I know if I actually have SIBO?
These are some of the classic symptoms of SIBO. Therefore, it is an interesting question. To start with, what is SIBO? SIBO is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The number of bacteria should be low in your small intestine. When the bacteria that normally reside in the large intestine migrate to your small intestine, where they reproduce, they cause fermentation of undigested foods. In addition, you will experience gas and bloating, most likely within an hour of feeding, even when taking small quantities. What are the common causes of SIBO? Antacids, when used for an extended period of time, reduce stomach acid, which normally controls the bacteria. Slow movement of the gut, an underactive thyroid, stress, or diabetes A history of infections in the gut or food poisoning. Past abdominal surgeries. It can look the same as H. pylori, coeliac disease, or a problem with the gallbladder. Therefore, correct diagnostics are important. A breath test is one of the easiest methods to diagnose SIBO. Measurement of hydrogen and methane is the method used to confirm whether it is SIBO.
Suggested Tests
Lactulose or glucose breath test measuring hydrogen and methane. H. pylori urea breath test. Coeliac screen with tTG-IgA and total IgA TSH, as an underactive thyroid slows gut movement and raises SIBO risk HbA1c, as raised blood sugar can slow stomach emptying Vitamin B12 and ferritin, as SIBO can reduce how well these are absorbed Ultrasound of the abdomen, to check the gallbladder and pancreas A review of medications, particularly long-term antacid use, which increases the risk of SIBO Gastric emptying study, only where early fullness continues after initial tests
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP, we regularly treat patients with SIBO. It is one of the common treatments we offer. It can be easily misdiagnosed, so we make sure we get the right answer and make a plan that stops it from occurring. We do a proper diagnosis, which includes a hydrogen and methane breath test, H. pylori, coeliac disease, thyroid, and gallbladder, if required. Now, based on your results, the doctor may recommend antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials, or a combination of these two, along with ozone therapy if needed. A properly planned and guided low FODMAP phase, which our nutritionist coach does through a structured diet and slowly reintroduces foods that were previously restricted. Now SIBO often returns if the root cause is not addressed. So we work on gut movement, stomach acid, stress, or any medication that may trigger it. Rebuilding the gut through the right and suitable probiotics after treatment and IV nutrition in case B12 or iron are low.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
Eat more home-cooked food in smaller, consistent portions. Follow the FODMAP diet if bloating and uneasiness are constant. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables , meaning a gradual increase in fiber to support more of the gut microbiome. Don’t follow any restrictive diet or take any gut-cleansing medicine when the symptoms are active.
What to Do Next
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