What is SIBO? Understanding the Gut Disruption No One Talks About

If you’ve been dealing with bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, or digestive discomfort that just won’t quit—Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) could be the hidden culprit. It’s more common than you think, and most people have never even heard of it until they’re deep in the trenches of gut-related misery (hi, been there 🙋‍♀️).

So let’s break it down—what is SIBO, how does it happen, and what can you do about it?

What is SIBO?

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, and it means there’s an abnormal amount of bacteria in your small intestine. These bacteria aren’t necessarily “bad” bacteria—they’re just in the wrong place.

Normally, your small intestine has a relatively low population of bacteria compared to your large intestine (where most of your gut bacteria live). But when that balance is disrupted, bacteria that should stay in the colon start migrating up into the small intestine. That’s when the problems begin.

What Causes SIBO?

There are a few common culprits behind why bacteria overgrow where they shouldn’t:

• Slow gut motility (things aren’t moving along like they should)
• Food poisoning or stomach flu
• Low stomach acid
• Chronic stress
• Structural issues or surgeries
• Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalances
• Medications like PPIs or antibiotics

In my case, it started after what I assumed was just a passing stomach bug—but I never fully bounced back. My digestion changed seemingly overnight. A few weeks later, I could barely eat without major discomfort. And as I write this, I’m still walking the healing path every single day. It’s not over—and that’s exactly why I’m sharing this.

Most Common Symptoms of SIBO

SIBO symptoms can vary based on the type you have (more on that in a second), but here are some of the biggest red flags:

• Bloating (especially after meals)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Constipation or diarrhea (or alternating between both)
• Gas or belching
• Food intolerances (especially carbs, sugars, fiber)
• Brain fog and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Nutrient deficiencies (like B12 or iron)

If you're thinking, “That’s basically my life,” you’re not alone. I felt the same way before I finally got tested—and now I’ve connected with so many others in the same boat.

The Different Types of SIBO

There are three main types of SIBO, and they’re classified based on the gases the bacteria produce in your small intestine:

1. Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO
   • Often causes diarrhea and bloating
   • Typically more responsive to treatment
2. Methane-Dominant SIBO (Now often called IMO – Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth)
   • Commonly causes constipation, bloating, and slower digestion
   • This is the type I was diagnosed with, and it’s been one of the hardest parts of my healing journey
3. Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO
   • Less common and still being researched
   • Often comes with sulfur-like smelling gas, fatigue, and brain fog

How Do You Test for SIBO?

The most common way to test for SIBO is through a SIBO breath test. You drink a sugar solution (usually lactulose or glucose), then breathe into a series of tubes over a few hours. The test measures levels of hydrogen and methane gas—produced by the bacteria—in your breath.

If those levels spike? You’ve likely got SIBO.

That’s how I got diagnosed—by trusting my gut (pun intended) and advocating for testing. When I found out it was methane-dominant SIBO, I was honestly relieved to finally have a name for what was going on. But it didn’t mean the healing journey was over—it was just the beginning.

Why It’s So Tricky

Here’s the tough truth: SIBO is rarely just “one thing.” It’s usually the result of a bunch of underlying factors—gut motility issues, nervous system dysregulation, thyroid dysfunction, trauma, stress, diet, you name it.

That’s why just taking an antibiotic or antimicrobial often isn’t enough. (Trust me, I tried the “just take this supplement” approach, and it was a very expensive lesson.)

SIBO isn’t just a condition—it’s a sign that something deeper needs healing.

Lastly (From Someone Still in the Middle of It)

Healing from SIBO takes time, patience, and a lot of self-compassion. I’m still figuring out what works for me, still fine-tuning my diet, and still dealing with symptoms on and off. Some days feel like progress. Others don’t. But slowly, I’m seeing glimmers of improvement—and I want that for you too.

I’ll be sharing more about my personal journey in next week’s blog post, including:

• What finally moved the needle in my healing
• The money I wasted before finding real support
• What I wish someone had told me from the beginning

If you’re here reading this and you’re in the thick of it, I want you to know: you are not broken. You are not alone. And you are absolutely capable of healing.

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I am not a medical professional, and the information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your skincare or wellness routine.