Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Food Intolerance
Persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, or digestive issues that just don’t seem to go away? One of the possible culprits could be SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and/or Food Intolerance. But there are solutions.
What is SIBO and Food Intolerance?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) happens when there are too many bacteria in the small intestine, where they’re not supposed to be in high numbers. This can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, and food intolerance—when your body has trouble breaking down certain foods, especially carbohydrates, due to rapid fermentation by the excess bacteria.
If you’ve been experiencing these kinds of digestive issues, testing for SIBO can help uncover the root cause and guide the right treatment plan to help you feel better.
How do we test for these?
As gastroenterologists, we see many patients who come in with persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, or digestive issues that just don’t seem to go away. One of the possible culprits? Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and / or Food Intolerance.
If you’ve never heard of SIBO and Food Intolerance before—or you’re wondering how we actually test for it—here’s a breakdown of what we typically discuss with our patients.
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The breath test: simple, safe, and most common
The breath test is usually our first step when we suspect these problems. It’s non-invasive, relatively easy to do, and gives us valuable information about what’s going on in your small intestine. Here’s how it works:
• You’ll start by drinking a sugar solution.
• Over the next couple of hours, you’ll breathe into a special tube at regular intervals.
• We analyze the hydrogen and methane levels in your breath—gases produced by bacteria that shouldn’t normally be in your small intestine.
An early rise in these gases can signal that bacteria are fermenting the sugar too soon—right there in your small intestine, where they don’t belong.
✔️ Pros:
• Non-invasive
• Done at home
• Provides insight into whether hydrogen, methane, or both types of gas are present—helping us tailor your treatment
❗ Things to know:
• Certain diets and medications may need to be paused before testing
Don't ignore the symptoms.
As gastro specialists, we always remind our patients: your symptoms matter.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s worth investigating further:
• Chronic bloating or gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or both
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Feeling overly full after small meals
• Unexplained fatigue or brain fog
These symptoms don’t confirm SIBO or Food Intolerance on their own, but they’re often the clue that leads us to test.
Choosing the right test and treatment plan.
When you come to our office, we’ll talk about your symptoms, your health history, and what options make the most sense for you. For most people, simple breath tests are the best place to start.
If SIBO is confirmed, we’ll work together on a personalized treatment plan. That might include:
• Targeted antibiotics or herbal therapies
• Dietary adjustments (like the low FODMAP or elemental diet)
• Probiotic strategies and gut repair protocols
If a food intolerance is found:
• Dietary adjustments (like the low FODMAP or elemental diet)
• Specific enzyme replacement
• Other available tests (Sucrose, Lactose, Fructose, Sorbitol, Mannitol, FOS, GOS, Inulin)
Final thoughts.
You don’t have to live with constant digestive discomfort. If you suspect something’s off with your gut—and especially if symptoms have been dragging on—SIBO could be part of the picture. Food intolerance could also be an issue.
We’re here to help you get answers. The road to feeling better might be just a breath test away.
Want to schedule a SIBO and / or Food Intolerance evaluation? Call today to make an appointment with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists.