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What Is SIBO?
SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, occurs when excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine—an area that normally has relatively low microbial activity. This overgrowth disrupts digestion, damages the intestinal lining, and triggers gas, bloating, and nutrient malabsorption. While the microbiome is essential for health, its proper location and balance are key; in SIBO, bacteria ferment food too early in the digestive tract, producing excess gas and inflammation that can mimic or worsen IBS symptoms.
Common Symptoms of SIBO
Main Symptoms
- Bloating and abdominal distension, often worse after meals
- Excessive gas or burping
- Abdominal discomfort or pain that improves temporarily after passing gas or a bowel movement
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns (depending on the bacterial species involved)
Other Common Symptoms
- Fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes due to nutrient deficiencies and toxin absorption
- Food sensitivities, especially to carbohydrates, dairy, and high-fiber foods
- Unexplained weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
Less Common but Related Symptoms
- SIBO can contribute to systemic issues such as joint pain, skin conditions, or hormonal imbalance. These occur because bacterial byproducts can enter the bloodstream and trigger widespread inflammation—a key reason SIBO is often part of a broader root-cause picture rather than a standalone diagnosis.
What Causes SIBO?
SIBO is not caused by “bad bacteria,” but rather by bacteria being in the wrong place. Multiple factors can impair the natural cleansing waves of the small intestine or alter gut motility, leading to bacterial buildup. Common root causes include:
- Prior food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections
- Chronic stress or nervous-system dysregulation affecting gut motility
- Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (acid blockers) or antibiotics
- Structural issues such as adhesions or partial obstructions
- Hormonal or thyroid imbalances
- Underlying conditions such as IBS, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders
Standard treatments that simply kill bacteria often provide temporary relief but fail to correct the underlying dysfunction. Without addressing why the bacteria overgrew, recurrence is common.
How Clarity Health Approaches SIBO
At Clarity Health, we treat SIBO as a symptom of deeper imbalance—whether microbial, neurological, or structural. Our goal is not just to reduce bacterial load but to restore proper gut function so the condition doesn’t return. We use advanced testing and individualized care to pinpoint the specific type of SIBO (hydrogen-, methane-, or hydrogen-sulfide–dominant) and tailor therapy accordingly.
Our Approach Includes
- Precision Gut Testing – Breath testing and advanced stool analysis to identify bacterial species and fermentation patterns.
- Robust Biomarker Panels – Assess digestion, nutrient status, and inflammatory activity to identify contributing factors.
- Expert Clinicians & Dietitians – A collaborative team that guides you through dietary transitions and reintroduction phases.
- Root-Cause AI Agents – Integrate biomarker data to reveal connections between SIBO, motility, and systemic imbalances.
Clarity Health Treatment Tools for SIBO
Personalized Treatment Protocols may include:
- Targeted herbal or pharmaceutical antimicrobials
- Motility-supporting therapies (prokinetics, vagal activation, nervous-system retraining)
- Therapeutic diet interventions (low-FODMAP, elemental, or anti-inflammatory protocols)
- Gut-lining repair and nutrient restoration
- Gradual reintroduction of foods and probiotics once motility normalizes
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with bloating, discomfort, or recurrent SIBO symptoms that keep coming back despite treatment, Clarity Health can help you uncover the true cause and restore long-term balance.
- Join our waitlist to begin your personalized program.
- Not sure? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help.
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