Do You Have SIBO? How to Know, and What to Do About It
What Is SIBO and Why Does It Matter for Gut Health?
If you constantly feel bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after meals, especially healthy ones like salads or legumes, you might be dealing with more than “just IBS.”
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition where bacteria that should be in the large intestine migrates to the small intestine, causing gas, inflammation, and digestive chaos.
Common Signs and Symptoms of SIBO
Wondering if SIBO might be behind your gut issues? Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Bloating (especially after eating)
Excess gas or burping
Diarrhoea, constipation, or both
Food intolerances (especially to FODMAPs, garlic, onion)
Nausea or abdominal pain
Fatigue, brain fog, or poor nutrient absorption
These symptoms can mimic IBS, but the root cause is different and that’s where a gut health naturopath can help.
What Causes SIBO?
SIBO often develops due to a slow moving gut or impaired gut motility. Common root causes include:
Past food poisoning or gastro
Abdominal surgery
Long-term stress or poor vagus nerve tone
Low stomach acid
Use of antibiotics and PPIs
Underlying conditions like hypothyroidism, IBD or endometriosis
At Flow Herbal, we look beyond symptoms to understand what’s driving SIBO in your body.
How Do We Test for SIBO?
SIBO can be diagnosed using a simple breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine.
We often recommend this non-invasive test to get clarity before starting treatment. It's especially important to test if you have:
Persistent or worsening IBS symptoms
Long-term bloating or gas
Difficulty tolerating different foods
How Naturopathy Supports SIBO Recovery
At Flow Herbal, we treat SIBO with a personalised, evidence-informed plan that often includes:
Antimicrobial herbs to reduce bacterial overgrowth
Dietary adjustments (such as a modified low-FODMAP or SIBO-specific diet)
Gut motility support using nutrients and nervous system balancing
Targeted probiotics (yes, some are safe for SIBO!)
Post-treatment repair using gut-healing herbs and prebiotics
It’s not just about clearing the overgrowth, we focus on healing the gut lining, improving motility, and preventing relapse.
Your Next Step: Get Personalised Support
SIBO can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to figure it out alone. As a naturopath trained in functional gut health, I help clients across Australia identify and treat SIBO using personalised, holistic strategies that get to the root of your symptoms.