The SIBO-IBS Connection

 

Have you been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?  Have you also been told that “there is no known cause” or that “there is no known cure” for your IBS?  Did you know that for the last 12 years, clinical research has proven that Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs in at least 75% of all IBS cases?  And if you successfully and effectively treat the SIBO, all of the IBS symptoms go away permanently?  

SIBO is an extremely common condition, in which bacterial fermentation of fibers and specific sugars found within food, create excessive gas production within the small intestines – leading to abdominal bloating, abdominal pains, burping, flatulence, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation.  These symptoms are usually daily, and can be significantly debilitating for some people.  You do not need to “live with your IBS” or just “manage your IBS symptoms”.   Seek a proper assessment of your digestive problems by a qualified and experienced SIBO physician, who will provide proper testing and treatment of the root cause of your IBS symptoms.  Restore your gastrointestinal health today. 

 

What is SIBO?

Have you never heard of SIBO? Or do you have no idea what this highly prevalent but under-diagnosed condition is? Learn about the connection with IBS and other common health concerns here.

Questions?

Do you have a question? There's a good chance you are not alone! Find answers to frequent questions regarding SIBO and its associated conditions we are asked.

Find a SIBO Doctor

As trained Naturopathic Physicians, SIBO Doctors have a passion to help people regain their health, and address the root cause of chronic digestive disturbances. Using conventional and alternative medicine...

Stay Connected with Our Blog!

Featured
SIBO and Food Sensitivities

Inflammation... A complex biologic process that is initiated by damage to tissues designed to protect, heal and restore function to cells, tissues and organism. It is classically defined by its five cardinal signs: pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. So what does SIBO have to do with inflammation and food sensitivities? The short answer is that SIBO causes damage to cells of the gut wall in the small intestine.

Read More →
SIBO and Anemia

Are you always tired? Have you seen your family doctor and been diagnosed with anemia but don't know the root cause? Are you taking iron and finding that it is not making you feel any better? Did you know that bacteria in the small intestine are able to consume and deplete Iron and Vitamin B12, both of which are essential for normal red blood cell function?

Read More →
The SIBO-Concussion Connection

If you’ve had a concussion in the past, you may have noticed your digestion was affected shortly thereafter. But what do concussions have to do with your gut? The answer lies within the MMC...

Read More →
I Know Sugar is Bad, But I Thought Fibre Was Good For Me!

Many patients who have been given the non-descript diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) routinely notice that eating healthy foods such as many different types of vegetables and fruits, causes an increase in their symptoms - abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort, burping, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, and poor quality bowel movements. Whole grains, although not considered healthy for many people, also seem to cause an increase in these symptoms.

Read More →
How Does Stress Relate to SIBO?

Stress is defined as an acute threat to the homeostasis (balance) of an organism. It may be classified as real (physical, such as pain) or perceived (psychological, such as work deadline) and posed by events in the outside world or from within. Our nervous system is unable to differentiate the stress of trying to pay bills following the loss of a job, dealing with a death in the family or trying the balance the many commitments of work and family life. The physiological response for all the scenarios is the same. Stress, evokes adaptive responses that serve to defend the stability of the internal environment and ensure our survival.

Read More →
SIBO and the IBS Connection

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a relatively new diagnosis. Over the past 15 years, it has gained acceptance in the medical community and there has been a large amount of research done regarding SIBO and its associated conditions. Perhaps the most well researched condition associated with SIBO is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Research from 2003 showed that 84% of IBS patients showed an abnormal result on the lactulose breath test (LBT). That means 84% of patients diagnosed with IBS also tested positive for SIBO. 

Read More →
SIBO & Traveler's Diarrhea

 

Statistics show that 15 to 20% of North Americans have the label of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Studies have shown that up to 84% of people given the label of IBS will test positive for SIBO. When you treat the SIBO, the prototypical IBS symptoms subside long term. For over a decade now, research and clinical experience has shown SIBO to be, by far, the #1 root cause of IBS symptoms. Therefore, if 1 in 5 people in North America have an "IBS picture" then almost 1 in 5 people have SIBO.  

Read More →
shutterstock_96872488.jpg
Are the 2-hour and 3-hour SIBO Breath Tests the Same?

We are often asked by patients regarding the types of SIBO testing available, and which one is best. Different labs offer 2 and 3 hour breath test kits, but they are not equal. 

Read More →