Abrupt abdominal discomfort, unforeseen trips to the restroom, and intense swelling in the abdomen…

Digestive problems are incredibly prevalent and can often be a source of great anxiety in various health conditions.

Perhaps you’ve undergone unpleasant examinations, attempted every suggested diet, and tried all available supplements — yet, it seems like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) just won’t go away.

Let’s challenge that limiting belief right now: SIBO is not a lifelong affliction.

We recognize how exasperating it can be to endure gastrointestinal symptoms with limited resources and practical guidance for treatment. Since SIBO is relatively under-researched and underdiagnosed, finding the appropriate care when you’re in distress can be exceptionally challenging.

But it’s not insurmountable.

Thanks to recent advancements in science and technology, overcoming the SIBO cycle may be more attainable than you imagine.

Here’s our approach to SIBO, grounded in cellular health and microbiome research insights.

What is SIBO?

SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, occurs when harmful bacteria proliferate in the small intestine (an area typically containing little to no bacteria), disrupting the intestinal barrier and leading to unpleasant symptoms. SIBO often arises from a slow-moving gut, which allows food to linger in the small intestine for extended periods, providing ample opportunity for detrimental bacteria to ferment.

As the harmful bacterial overgrowth progresses, it may produce different types of gases—hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide—depending on the bacteria involved. These gases can influence the symptoms associated with SIBO and may also affect the chosen treatment strategy.

What Triggers SIBO?

SIBO may arise from excessive antibiotic use, certain medications like birth control or SSRIs, or even physical trauma that disrupts the nervous system. In some instances, SIBO emerges without a specific cause due to poor dietary and lifestyle choices. However, it primarily coexists with other chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, Lyme disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease.

Although SIBO research remains limited, it is estimated that up to 78% of irritable bowel syndrome patients also have SIBO. Given the overlap in symptoms with other gut-related conditions, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Fortunately, if you suspect SIBO to be the underlying cause of your symptoms, a straightforward breath test can provide an official diagnosis.

SIBO Varieties

Identifying the specific type of SIBO you have is crucial in your healing process. The predominant gas in your gut (hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide) can clarify your distinct symptoms and guide you toward a personalized treatment plan.

Hydrogen Dominant SIBO

This common form of SIBO is characterized by diarrhea, rapid gut motility, gas, bloating, and overall abdominal discomfort. It is diagnosed using a breath test that detects elevated hydrogen levels in the body.

Treatment aims to reduce hydrogen levels and restore gut balance. Common approaches include antibiotics, a low-FODMAP diet, or herbal remedies to eliminate harmful bacteria.

Methane Dominant SIBO

Typically presenting with constipation, cramping, gas, bloating, and slower gut motility, this type of SIBO is often linked to a digestive slowdown that allows unhealthy bacteria to thrive. Some believe methane SIBO may coincide with fungal overgrowth, such as candida albicans, which can trigger symptoms over time.

A breath test can diagnose methane-dominant SIBO, and treatments often involve antibiotics, probiotics, dietary adjustments, food eliminations, and herbs.

Hydrogen Sulfide Dominant SIBO

Less researched than other SIBO forms, hydrogen sulfide SIBO is usually associated with diarrhea, gas, and cramping. Diagnostic and treatment methods resemble those for other SIBO types, though some healthcare professionals may also recommend a low-sulfur diet for symptom relief.

A Fresh Approach to SIBO Relief

We continuously stay informed on the latest research in cellular health and its connection to gut health. Many of our customers have experienced success in treating SIBO through a blend of targeted supplements and modifications to their diet and lifestyle. Here’s a research-backed strategy to help you effectively combat SIBO.

Start a Low Fermentation Diet

Adopt a Low Fermentation Diet By limiting the food supply for harmful bacteria, they are unable to flourish and multiply. This principle underlies the low-fermentation diet for SIBO, which has proven effective for many individuals. Depriving bad bacteria of sustenance creates an environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive, restoring the body’s balance.

The low fermentation diet is less restrictive than the low FODMAP diet (another common SIBO treatment), making it easier to sustain long-term and without completely eliminating carbohydrates (essential for energy and hormone regulation, particularly in women).

Low Fermentation Foods:

• Meat, eggs, and low-lactose dairy: The low-fermentation diet incorporates organic, grass-fed meat, eggs, and low-lactose dairy in moderate quantities. Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir are not advised.
• Healthy carbs: Carbohydrates are permitted on the low-fermentation diet and play a crucial role in maintaining energy and hormone levels. Opt for easily digestible, healthy carbs such as rice, sweet potatoes, or quinoa.
• Fruits and veggies: Apart from cruciferous vegetables and dried fruits, there are no specific fruits or vegetables to avoid on the low-fermentation diet. Initially, you may want to prioritize cooked vegetables if your symptoms are exacerbated, as they are easier to digest and facilitate nutrient absorption through the gut lining.
• Nuts and seeds: Rich in protein and healthy fats, nuts and seeds make for an excellent snack and are suitable for the low-fermentation diet (barring any allergies). Feel free to include healthy fats in your diet, like avocados, salmon, olives, and natural almond butter.

Try a Prebiotic Bacteriophage to Create Balance in the Gut

Consider a Prebiotic Bacteriophage for Gut Balance Probiotics are often suggested as part of a SIBO treatment plan. However, we’ve discovered that probiotics frequently don’t create lasting changes in your gut environment. You might have observed this in your healing journey as well.

Without testing, it’s impossible to identify the specific probiotic strains your gut requires for optimal health. Randomly introducing numerous probiotic strains may be counterproductive for your gut in the long run.

That’s why we prefer to concentrate on prebiotics and postbiotics for SIBO recovery (and overall gut health). Prebiotics provide nourishment for beneficial bacteria, helping them flourish. Postbiotics aid in repairing gut lining damage (commonly known as leaky gut) while fortifying gut cells.

Your gut microbiome is as distinctive as your fingerprint. A generic probiotic supplement cannot perfectly align with your unique microbiome and deliver the exact strains needed for healing. By focusing on the components that promote healthy bacteria growth (prebiotics and postbiotics), we empower our bodies.

The Issue with Traditional Prebiotics Although prebiotics (i.e., fiber) are frequently recommended for individuals with gut problems, they may actually be detrimental if prescribed for SIBO. Prebiotics serve as food for bacterial fermentation, and slow fermentation is one factor that can exacerbate SIBO symptoms (which is why we endorse the low fermentation diet). Thankfully, there’s an innovative prebiotic option that doesn’t trigger uncomfortable gas and bloating.

Butyrate for Gut Lining Restoration

Butyrate is a postbiotic that aids in fortifying gut cells and mending any damage or leaks in the gut lining. It has been found to alleviate symptoms such as gas, bloating, and constipation—particularly helpful in combating SIBO, which thrives on slow gut motility.

Additionally, butyrate offers various other benefits. It supports a healthy inflammatory response and enhances the immune system.* Overall, butyrate serves as a crucial element in healing SIBO from within.

While interventions such as dietary adjustments and probiotics may offer some initial relief from symptoms, they often fall short in effectively combating harmful bacteria. After years of cutting-edge research and helping BodyBio customers address SIBO with our trusted Butyrate supplement, we developed the ultimate all-in-one gut supplement—a “Super Butyrate,” if you will.

Gut+ combines postbiotic, prebiotic, and bacteriophage properties in a single formula. We designed it to promote regularity and digestion while gently purging the body of SIBO-causing bacteria.

If you’re prepared to support your entire gut ecosystem without resorting to drastic measures like antibiotics or highly restrictive diets, it’s time to incorporate Gut+ into your supplement regimen.

Give Gut+ a try today!