Understanding SIBO: A Naturopathic Guide to Healing Your Gut
What Is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that should live in the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. For many women (and men), SIBO explains years of bloating, pain, food reactions, fatigue and IBS symptoms.
As a Naturopath and mum of three young boys, I see how disruptive gut issues can be to daily life. Many of my clients come to clinic exhausted from trying elimination diets, supplements and protocols that haven’t delivered lasting results.
Why SIBO Is So Often Missed?
SIBO is frequently misdiagnosed as IBS.
In fact, research suggests up to 60–80% of people diagnosed with IBS may have underlying SIBO.
Because conventional testing often focuses on ruling out disease rather than identifying dysfunction, many people are left managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes.
Common Symptoms of SIBO
Persistent bloating, especially after meals
Abdominal pain or pressure
Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating bowel habits
Reflux or nausea
Fatigue and brain fog
Food sensitivities
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12)
What Causes SIBO?
SIBO rarely has a single cause. In clinic, we often see contributing factors such as:
Low stomach acid, which leads to low digestive enzymes and bile
Impaired gut motility from medications or injury
Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation
Hormonal changes
Previous food poisoning or infections
Long-term use of PPIs or antibiotics
Secondary to other conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
Surgeries like gastric bypass
Diverticula in the small intestine
Infections from parasites or pathogenic bacteria
Alcoholism slowing motility
The Gut–Brain Connection
The small intestine relies on healthy nerve signalling to keep bacteria moving forward. When stress suppresses your vagal tone, motility slows, and bacteria accumulate. Secondly, when we are under stress, our ability to make digestive secretions is also reduced.
These digestive secretions are critical for destroying bacteria and ensuring the small intestine isn’t an environment in which they can flourish. This is why SIBO treatment must include nervous system support.
How SIBO Is Investigated
Functional testing may include:
Thorough case taking to understand your personal situation
Breath testing (hydrogen, methane)
Comprehensive stool analysis
Nutrient testing
Thyroid and hormone panels
A Naturopathic Approach to SIBO Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all protocol. Treatment is phased and personalised, focusing on:
Improving digestive secretions
Supporting motility
Targeted herbal relief and possible antimicrobials
Repairing the gut lining
Rebuilding tolerance to foods
Nervous system regulation
Herbal Medicine for SIBO
Herbal bitters are one of my favourite relief and treatment options.
Beyond that, there can be a time and place to use selective antimicrobials like pomegranate, nigella, garlic, ginger or stronger treatments such as oregano, berberine, neem, strategically to reduce bacterial overgrowth while supporting digestion.
Nutrition for SIBO
Rather than long-term restriction, we use short-term dietary strategies with careful reintroduction to rebuild resilience and confidence around food.
Why Results Can Happen Quickly
When the right systems are supported, many clients notice improvements in bloating, energy and bowel habits within weeks.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been told “it’s just IBS” this isn’t the end of the road in terms of treatment options.
Whether it is “just IBS” or whether SIBO is the missing piece, at New Leaf Health Clinic, we take the time to investigate and support your gut from the ground up.
Book a Free Meet Your Naturopath Call at the bottom of this page to get you on track to a calm, predicable and healthy gut.
