SIBO occurs when there is too much bacteria in the small intestine. The bacteria essentially ‘eat’ your food and produce gases that can lead to symptoms.

Some people may experience one symptom (bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal distension, fatigue, mixed bowel habit, loose stools, flatulence, belching, reflux, joint pain, acne rosacea, brain fog, cramps, intestinal gurgling, weight loss/weight gain, slow intestinal transit) or can be affected by a combination of symptoms e.g. bloating and fatigue.

As SIBO can result in the inability of the intestine to function properly, this may significantly affect the absorption of nutrients and damage the lining of the small intestine which may lead to leaky gut. Leaky gut is associated with immune reactions, autoimmune diseases, and generalised inflammation.

There is a strong association between SIBO and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Acne Rosacea, Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Diabetes. Studies have shown that in over 70% of IBS diagnosis, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is present.