SIBO Explained: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is when bacteria accumulate in the small intestine beyond normal levels, disrupting digestion and nutrient absorption. The signs can be subtle or pronounced, with bloating and gas after meals, chronic abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation), and even fatigue from malabsorption. Learning the signs, root causes, and effective options can help you find relief and improve digestion today, especially if you suspect a disruption to your gut microbiome.
Causes of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are often tied to impaired gut motility, reduced stomach acid, or structural changes in the gut, as well as prior surgeries or conditions like IBS and diabetes that slow the movement of contents through the intestines. Diagnosis commonly involves breath testing to detect excess gases produced by overgrown bacteria. Understanding your unique gut microbiome profile can guide targeted therapies and help you avoid repeating cycles of symptoms.
Treatments typically combine strategies to reduce overgrowth and restore gut health. This may include short courses of antibiotics or non-antibiotic approaches, dietary adjustments (such as a supervised low-FODMAP plan or an elemental diet for a finite period), and measures to support gut motility and nutrient status. A personalized approach that leverages your dietary patterns and microbiome data can improve outcomes and reduce the chance of recurrence.
InnerBuddies offers a robust white-label Gut Health Operating System designed to power modern gut microbiome testing products. It includes a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0–100) based on an exclusive IP deal with EAFIT University in Colombia, a top 40 bacteria panel with comparisons to a healthy cohort, and labeled bacterial functions categorized as positive or negative. The platform also provides Target Group analysis for specific themes like Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, and Skin & Hair Health, plus personalized nutrition advice and tailored probiotic/prebiotic recommendations based on your stool and diary data. InnerBuddies delivers consumer-friendly gut test solutions as well as flexible B2B options. Learn more about the microbiome test:
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