SIBO
Many people living with a longstanding IBS diagnosis are actually living with untreated SIBO. The difference is testable.
What SIBO is — and why it’s hard to diagnose
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that belong in the large intestine migrate into and colonize the small intestine. The result is fermentation of food in the wrong place — gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and often systemic symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin issues.
SIBO is significantly underdiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with IBS, and most conventional GI workups don't include breath testing.
Symptoms Dr. Gaucher investigates
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating stools
- Abdominal discomfort after eating
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Food sensitivities that seem to be multiplying
- A history of IBS without resolution
How SIBO is tested and treated
Dr. Gaucher uses lactulose breath testing to confirm SIBO — a non-invasive test measuring hydrogen and methane from bacterial fermentation. Treatment depends on the gas pattern: hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant (IMO), or mixed. There are a variety of treatment options that aim to eliminate the bacteria while restoring proper function of the GI system.
Equally important is addressing why SIBO developed — motility, low stomach acid, structural factors — to prevent recurrence.
Common questions
Can a naturopath treat SIBO in Victoria, BC?
Yes. Dr. Gaucher confirms SIBO with breath testing, treats it based on the gas pattern, and addresses the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.
How is SIBO tested?
With a non-invasive lactulose breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas produced by bacterial fermentation in the small intestine.
I was told I have IBS - could it actually be SIBO?
Often, yes. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, and many patients diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO. SIBO and IBS share symptoms, and breath testing can distinguish them.