SIBO: What It Is, How It Affects You, and What You Can Do

When your small intestine gets too many bacteria that belong in the colon, you might have SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a condition where bacteria multiply where they shouldn’t, disrupting digestion and nutrient absorption. Also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, it’s not just gas or bloating—it’s a root cause behind many unexplained digestive problems. Unlike regular indigestion, SIBO doesn’t go away with antacids or dietary tweaks alone. It messes with how your body pulls in vitamins, breaks down food, and even signals fullness. People often mistake it for IBS, but the triggers and treatments are different.

SIBO links directly to your gut microbiome, the community of microbes living in your digestive tract that control everything from immunity to mood. When the balance shifts—because of antibiotics, slow digestion, low stomach acid, or past food poisoning—bacteria start hanging out where they don’t belong. This leads to fermentation of carbs, excess gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. It also damages the gut lining, making it harder to absorb iron, B12, and fat-soluble vitamins. Over time, that can mean fatigue, weak bones, or unexplained weight loss. And yes, it can be tied to other conditions like rosacea, fibromyalgia, or even autoimmune flare-ups.

Your digestive disorders, a broad category including conditions like IBS, Crohn’s, and gastroparesis that interfere with normal digestion often overlap with SIBO. Many people with IBS test positive for SIBO, and treating the bacterial overgrowth can clear up symptoms that drugs never touched. The good news? SIBO responds well to targeted antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials, and a structured diet like the low FODMAP plan. But it’s not a one-time fix—recurrence is common if the root cause isn’t addressed. That’s why understanding your triggers matters more than just chasing symptom relief.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides on how SIBO connects to other health issues, what treatments actually work, and how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll see how it plays into immune function, nutrient deficiencies, and even mental health through the gut-brain axis. No fluff. No guesses. Just clear info from posts that dive into testing, diet tweaks, medication options, and long-term management strategies. If you’ve been told it’s "just stress" or "you’re sensitive to everything," this is where you start getting answers.