What is SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is what it sounds; bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The small intestine is a relatively sterile environment with little to no bacteria present. Given the correct (and unfortunate) conditions, bacteria can get into the intestines, congregate and then multiply. You may have SIBO for a period of time without any symptoms but eventually you will start showing symptoms.

Why might I need a SIBO test?

To see if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) of course! If you have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or think you have IBS then this test needs to be considered.  Having bloating (abdominal distension), gas, constipation and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn or even skin conditions occurring after eating warrant this test. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with IBS but have these symptoms, you may want to consider this breath test.

The number one cause of SIBO is food poisoning (aka gastroenteritis)!  If you have ever had this in your life and have had digestive symptoms since around that time then there is a good chance you have SIBO. During the bout of food poisoning, a toxin is produced that can disrupt the normal pattern of muscular contraction in the gut, thus allowing bacteria to accumulate in places where they should not (i.e. in the small intestine).  So then, every time you eat, a certain amount of time passes and then you develop symptoms. 

Food poisoning is not the only cause though! Other causes include traumatic brain injury, abdominal surgery, endometriosis and even other bug infections like H. Pylori.  

Other symptoms/conditions that may be related to SIBO include:

  • Brain fog

  • Fatigue

  • Joint pain

  • Skin lesions like eczema, rosacea

  • Chronic nausea

  • Sensitivity to foods

  • Reflux and/or bad breath

Determining the need for a SIBO test is best decided by a naturopathic doctor, so consult one today!

About the SIBO breath test.

The SIBO breath test measures hydrogen and methane gases in the intestine. We also know there is another group of bacteria that produce hydrogen disulfide gas but so far we do not have the technology to assess that gas quite yet.

Prior to performing the test, there are a set of preparatory instructions that need to be followed in order to make the test as accurate as possible. The test takes about 3 hours and involves you filling glass vials full of air.  

Sounds complicated?  Don’t worry, you will have step by step instructions and a step by step video explaining everything!