Treating SIBO Naturally
Sibo is a condition affecting millions of people who often don't even know they have it. Imagine your small intestine, normally a relatively sterile environment where nutrients are absorbed, suddenly becoming overrun with bacteria that belong much further down in your colon. These bacterial squatters throw a wrench into your digestive machinery, fermenting foods before your body can properly absorb them and creating a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms that can masquerade as everything from irritable bowel syndrome to food intolerances.
What makes SIBO particularly fascinating—and frustrating—is how it can be both a cause and consequence of other digestive issues. The condition has gained significant attention in recent years as researchers have begun to understand its connection to chronic digestive complaints that were previously dismissed or misdiagnosed, offering new hope for people who've spent years searching for answers to their mysterious stomach troubles.
Certified by "SiboDoctor", the international center for the treatment of Sibo by Dr. Nirla Jacobi.
This is a condition in which the microbiome (bacterial population) in the digestive system is damaged and an overgrowth of pathogenic (harmful) bacteria in the small intestine begins.
It is important to note, that this is a symptom of a deeper, multifactorial problem that occurs in the digestive tract, causing these bacteria to get out of control. It is now known that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in 4-8% of its cases is caused as a result of it SIBO.
Stasis
Our colon contains billions of bacteria. Ideally, the small intestine inhabits "Gram-positive" bacteria (such as Blautia, Rumminococcaceae, etc.), that we live with in peace, and even enjoy their beneficial effect on our health.
In a state of imbalance, a proliferation of "Gram-negative" bacteria (such as Enterobacteriaceae, escherichia coli, klebsiella, etc.) begins in the small intestine, as well as "Gram-positive" bacteria that should not be inhabited (such as the Enterococous species, Staphylococcus Streptococcus, etc.).
Some of these bacteria are naturally found in the colon as well as in our mouth, but their presence in the small intestine can certainly be detrimental to our health.
This unwanted bacteria usually finds its way from the colon and mouth to the small intestine due to stasis (intestinal immobility), a condition in which there's no normal and smooth movement of food from the small intestine to the large intestine, which naturally raises the level of bacteria in the small intestine.
This also causes the migration of bacteria from the large intestine to the small one.
Stasis can be caused by several conditions:
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Gastroparesis - a disease in which there is a slow gastric emptying process.
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Celiac disease (wheat allergy)
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High levels of LPS - which are toxins that secrete Gram-negative bacteria. These toxins penetrate the brain and impair intestinal motility through the secretion of TNF alpha pro-inflammatory protein.
Hypochlorideria
Every day trillions of bacteria flow from the mouth into the stomach through ingestion of food and saliva, but most of them are eliminated by the hydrochloric acid secreted in the stomach.
Stomach acid plays a crucial role in digestion and in controlling bacterial populations by killing or inhibiting the growth of ingested microorganisms. When stomach acid is low (hypochlorhydria), this protective barrier is weakened, allowing more bacteria to survive and potentially colonize the small intestine.
Low stomach acid impairs the breakdown of food and the activation of digestive enzymes. This incomplete digestion can leave more nutrients available in the small intestine, providing fuel for bacteria to multiply abnormally, which is the hallmark of Sibo.
Hypochlorhydria can be caused by the use of acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. Both of these factors reduce stomach acid and are associated with an increased risk of SIBO.
Other causes:
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Structural Abnormalities
Anatomical changes or abnormalities—like strictures, adhesions, small intestine diverticula, bowel obstructions, and surgically created blind loops (e.g., after gastric bypass or other abdominal surgeries)—create areas where bacteria can accumulate and overgrow
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Impaired Digestive Secretions
Pancreatic insufficiency (lack of digestive enzymes) and reduced bile flow both decrease the antibacterial effects in the small intestine, making it easier for bacteria to proliferate.
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Immune System Disorders
Immunodeficiency conditions (such as HIV, IgA deficiency, or other immune disorders) weaken the gut’s natural defenses against bacterial overgrowth
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Other Medical Conditions
Chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis, and other systemic illnesses can predispose individuals to SIBO by affecting motility, immunity, or the structure of the gut.
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Medications
Long-term use of certain medications, including opioids (which slow gut motility) and acid-suppressing drugs, can increase the risk of SIBO.
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Aging
Older adults are at greater risk due to naturally declining stomach acid and motility, as well as increased use of medications that affect these functions.
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Stress
Chronic stress can reduce stomach acid, slow gut motility, and weaken the immune system, all of which contribute to SIBO risk
Sibo Testing Kit
£150.00
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The longer SIBO remains untreated, the more it disrupts your gut microbiome—crowding out beneficial bacteria and allowing harmful species to thrive. Early detection, on the other hand, offers clear advantages: simpler treatment, prevention of long-term nutrient loss, reduced risk of autoimmune complications, and faster symptom resolution.If you experience persistent digestive issues—especially after meals—or symptoms like unexplained weight changes, acid reflux, joint pain without an obvious cause, skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, or mood changes like anxiety or depression, SIBO may be worth investigating. An effective SIBO protocol begins with proper extended breath testing to identify the specific gas types involved (hydrogen or methane) From there, treatment involves targeted antimicrobials, motility support, gut lining repair, and addressing the root imbalances that allowed SIBO to take hold.
Conventional treatment
SIBO is a very challenging phenomenon to treat. The classic conventional treatment for Sibo is antibiotic treatment.
The most common Antibiotics which are given are Rifaximin, Ciprofloxacin, and Amoxicillin.
How Can Naturopathy Help?
For SIBO, my naturopathic approach combines tailored dietary changes, natural antimicrobials, and lifestyle adjustments to address bacterial overgrowth, reduce inflammation, and support long-term gut health.
Treatment begins with a personalised, strict dietary plan, such as the low-FODMAP diet, to “starve” harmful bacteria by limiting fermentable carbs.
My plans also incorporate powerful medicinal herbs—antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-kinetic varieties—that help relieve gas, bloating, and pain while supporting immune function and motility.
I guide you in restoring balance to beneficial gut bacteria and strengthening the intestinal mucosa to prevent recurrence.
This holistic approach also includes stress reduction and regular meal spacing, which are essential for maintaining gut motility. Given SIBO’s tendency to relapse, we focus on identifying and managing personal triggers to prevent future flare-ups.
Everyone’s body and triggers are unique, which is why a personalised approach is essential to finding lasting relief and balance. If you have questions or would like to explore a tailored plan, please get in touch or book an introductory call to discuss how I can help.
FAQ
Have questions? We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common ones to help you on your wellness journey.