What's SIBO and how do you deal with it?
Are you tired of visiting doctors for digestive issues that they can't solve? Your unexplained gut problems might actually be caused by SIBO.
SIBO is often the hidden culprit behind symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhoea.
This little-known condition is the number one cause of IBS, with a staggering 84% of sufferers thought to have SIBO.
Unfortunately, many doctors and gastroenterologists are unaware of it and unwilling to investigate. That's where nutritionists like me come in.
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SIBO basics
SIBO, pronounced ‘seebo’, stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Trillions of microorganisms live in the large intestine (colon), most of which are bacteria. In the right balance, they help keep us healthy; they have a remarkable impact on every aspect of our bodies, influencing everything from how our brain works to how easily we put on weight.
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The small intestine also naturally contains microorganisms but in considerably smaller numbers. SIBO occurs when there are too many of them in this part of the digestive system. These microorganisms (bacteria and other) aren’t ‘bad’ - they have either translocated from the large intestine, or they are normal small intestinal flora that have grown out of control.
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This is a problem because, in large numbers, they produce significant volumes of nasty gases, and generally create havoc in your gut.
What are the common signs and symptoms of SIBO?
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The tell-tale signs and symptoms of SIBO are:
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Bloating after eating, especially after a carb-heavy meal (e.g. pasta and bread)
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Constipation, diarrhoea or both
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Excessive gas
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Fatigue
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Brain fog
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Joint pain
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Acne
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Symptoms subside when you take antibiotics
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Intolerance to garlic and onions (reactions include gas, bloating and/or diarrhoea)
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Nutrient deficiencies e.g. iron-deficiency anaemia and B12 deficiency
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Weight loss
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Candida (thrush)
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Lactose intolerance
If you have at least four of these symptoms, it’s very likely that you have SIBO.
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How do I know for sure if I have SIBO?
SIBO can be diagnosed using a breath test, which is non-invasive and easy to do in the comfort of your home. This test is also available to customers living outside of Australia.
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You can order a test kit from our online shop. We offer two options:
1. SIBO test plus basic report and recommendations:
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Your test results will be emailed to you along with a short report, written by me, that interprets the results and recommends (if you test positive for SIBO) which of our supplement stacks to purchase. (See section below if you test negative for SIBO.)
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Note: our supplement stacks provide all the products you need to treat the SIBO and include dosage instructions and a general SIBO diet guide. The stacks have been specially selected by me, based on my twelve years of clinical experience in effectively treating SIBO.
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2. SIBO test plus discounted full consultation:
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This includes a full 45-minute online consultation, in which you will receive an in-depth interpretation of your results, plus guidance and a diet and supplement plan. In these sessions, I will be able to gain the full picture of your health issues, and provide guidance and support that is tailored to you.
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A typical SIBO-treatment plan includes:
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A restricted diet that reduces availability of the bacteria’s favourite foods.
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High doses of natural herbal antimicrobials.
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Gut healing and detoxification support.
Importantly, a good treatment plan always addresses the underlying causes that led to SIBO in the first place, and this will help prevent any future relapses.
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What if my test is negative and I still have gut symptoms?
If your test shows you don't have SIBO, don't despair. It's just a matter of digging deeper and finding out what else is causing your issues. We can help you determine the underlying causes of your condition and guide you in treating it.
I suggest one of the following options:
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book a free, 15-minute phone consultation with me to discuss your next steps
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take a stool test, available in our online shop
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book a full online consultation with me, so that I can build a full picture of your health issues to meet your specific needs
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