SIBO and IBS: What’s Really Going On in Your Gut?
If you’ve been told you have IBS and you’re still bloated, irregular, or just plain uncomfortable — it’s time to ask: what’s actually causing it?
For a surprising number of patients, the answer is something called SIBO: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It’s not a trendy term — it’s a real condition that could be behind your bloating, brain fog, and rollercoaster digestion.
Let’s unpack how SIBO works, how it connects to IBS, and what you can actually do about it.
What Is SIBO?
SIBO happens when bacteria that belong in the large intestine start populating the small intestine instead. That shift creates a perfect storm: gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and — yep — symptoms that look a lot like IBS.
Up to 84% of IBS cases are actually linked to SIBO, according to research. So if you’ve tried every IBS remedy without relief, this might be your missing piece.
So... What Causes SIBO?
It’s not just about “bad bacteria.” These are some of the real root causes that can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the wrong place:
Low stomach acid (common with stress or PPI use)
Sluggish motility — your gut isn’t moving food through efficiently
Post-infection gut damage
Immune system dysfunction
Abdominal surgeries or scarring
Many of these same issues are also found in people with IBS — which is exactly why these two conditions are so often connected.
How I Help My Patients Treat SIBO
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to SIBO, but here’s what works when we treat it at the root:
🌿 Targeted natural antimicrobials
Using herbs like berberine, oregano oil, and garlic extract (yes, really) to kill off overgrowth — without damaging your good bacteria.
🥗 Temporary low FODMAP diet
We don’t do this forever, but short-term FODMAP restriction can relieve symptoms while treatment gets to work. The key? Pairing this with long-term repair — not staying on a limited diet indefinitely.
🧠 Nervous system + motility support
Stress and gut motility are deeply connected. We support the nervous system and digestion in tandem to prevent relapse and help your gut stay healthy long after treatment ends.
If you’re dealing with IBS symptoms and haven’t tested or treated for SIBO, it’s time. You don’t need to live in digestive limbo. There is a way forward — and it starts with a plan built around your unique gut and root causes.
In health,
Dr. Renata, ND