SIBO Testing & Digestive Support
A clinical approach to persistent bloating and digestive symptoms
SIBO is not just bloating.
Persistent bloating, food reactivity, constipation, diarrhoea or excess gas can sometimes reflect a deeper fermentation and motility pattern, rather than simply sensitive digestion.
Maroochydore • Sunshine Coast • Telehealth Australia wide
What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, occurs when bacteria that are usually better suited to the large intestine become overgrown or overly active in the small intestine.
This can contribute to bloating, gas, altered bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, reflux, food reactivity and nutrient depletion.
But SIBO is rarely just a “bacteria problem.”
In many cases, it also involves impaired motility, digestive dysfunction, altered gut ecology, nervous system stress, food poisoning history, medication effects or broader digestive disruption.
That is why treatment should be individualised rather than protocol based.
When SIBO may be worth investigating
Bloating after meals
Excessive gas or belching
Constipation or diarrhoea
Reflux or nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Food reactions
Symptoms worsening with fibre or probiotics
Temporary improvement with antibiotics
Increasing food restriction
These symptoms can overlap with IBS, dysbiosis, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and other digestive conditions, which is why context and testing matter.
Different SIBO patterns
H₂
Hydrogen dominant
Often associated with diarrhoea, urgency, bloating and abdominal cramping.
CH₄
Methane dominant
More commonly associated with constipation, slower transit, nausea and belching.
H₂S
Hydrogen sulphide
May involve rotten egg smelling gas, diarrhoea, bladder irritation, body pain or flatline style breath tests.
These patterns matter because they can influence both testing interpretation and treatment strategy.
How SIBO is tested
A stool test does not diagnose SIBO.
Breath testing is commonly used to assess hydrogen and methane gas production after a test substrate such as lactulose or glucose.
In some cases, comprehensive stool testing may still be useful to assess the broader lower bowel ecosystem, inflammatory markers, digestive capacity or butyrate producing bacteria.
The goal is not simply ordering tests.
The value is in interpreting results alongside symptoms, bowel patterns and clinical history.
SIBO Breath Testing Pathway
From $585
Includes test ordering, interpretation and results review consultation.
SIBO consultations are available in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast and via Telehealth Australia wide.
Why treatment should be phased
One of the biggest mistakes in SIBO treatment is jumping straight to antimicrobials without first supporting digestion, motility, and gut lining integrity.
Treatment is often more effective when it is sequenced appropriately.
Phase 1 typically focuses on reducing fermentation and symptom load while supporting digestion, bile flow, enzyme function, nutrient status, and the gut lining.
Phase 2 may involve more targeted antimicrobial support depending on the presentation and gas pattern.
Phase 3 focuses on restoring motility, rebuilding food and fibre tolerance, and reducing relapse risk.
Dietary strategies, including low FODMAP approaches, can help reduce symptoms and fermentation in the short term, but restrictive diets are generally not intended to be permanent.
Why SIBO can relapse
Possible contributors include:
previous food poisoning or gastroenteritis
impaired motility
low stomach acid
poor bile flow
constipation
abdominal surgery or adhesions
thyroid dysfunction
diabetes or blood sugar dysregulation
chronic stress
hypermobility or EDS/POTS patterns
long term PPI use
The goal is not simply “killing bacteria.”
The goal is understanding why fermentation and overgrowth developed in the first place.
My approach
My approach to SIBO is phased and interpretive rather than protocol driven.
I consider symptom patterns, motility, digestive function, nervous system load, bowel habits and broader gut ecology when deciding how treatment should be approached.
Support may include:
Breath testing where appropriate
Digestive support
Dietary modification
Targeted herbal support
Motility support
Nutrient and mucosal support
Gradual rebuilding of food tolerance
Referral for medical investigation where indicated
I do not believe the goal is keeping patients on highly restrictive diets long term.
The goal is improving digestive function, reducing symptom burden and helping patients move toward a broader and more resilient diet over time.
Book a consultation
Available in Maroochydore, Forest Glen and via Telehealth Australia wide.
Not sure whether SIBO testing is appropriate? A consultation can help determine which digestive pathway is most relevant for your presentation.