Is Your ‘IBS’ Actually SIBO?

Apr 14

Struggling with bloating, unpredictable digestion, and the classic “IBS” label—but not getting any real answers? You’re not alone. The truth is, IBS isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a collection of symptoms. And in many cases, what’s labelled as IBS might actually be something else entirely: SIBO.

Let’s dive into what SIBO is, how it differs from IBS, and why proper testing is key to long-term relief.

IBS: A Symptom, Not a Root Cause.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, affecting around 11% of the global population (Lovell & Ford, 2012). But here's the catch: it's a functional diagnosis—meaning it describes what is happening (e.g. bloating, constipation, diarrhoea), but not why.

That’s where SIBO comes in.

What Is SIBO?

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, and it refers to an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine—where they shouldn’t be hanging out in large numbers.

These bacteria ferment carbohydrates in your food, producing gas and causing classic symptoms like:

Bloating (especially worse throughout the day)
Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhoea, constipation, or both
Excessive gas
Nausea or feeling full quickly

According to research, up to 80% of people diagnosed with IBS may actually have SIBO (Ghoshal et al., 2020; Pimentel et al., 2003). That’s a huge portion of people potentially walking around with a mislabelled condition—and no real plan for getting better.

The Different Types of SIBO.

Here’s where it gets even more nuanced: there’s more than one type of SIBO, and each presents differently:

Hydrogen SIBO – Often linked to diarrhoea due to hydrogen gas production.
Methane SIBO (now often called IMO, or Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth) – More commonly causes constipation.
Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO – Often causes gas with a rotten egg smell and a mix of symptoms.

You can have more than one type at once, and each type requires a different treatment strategy. That’s why accurate testing is so important.

Why Testing Matters.

The symptoms of IBS and SIBO often overlap, which is why testing is essential. SIBO is typically diagnosed using a breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria after consuming a sugar solution.

Without proper testing, treatment becomes a guessing game—and when it comes to the gut, that rarely ends well.

SIBO Is Treatable—with the Right Approach

The good news? SIBO is absolutely treatable. But it requires a personalised, root-cause approach.

Treatment typically includes:

Herbal Medicine to support digestion, reduce bacterial overgrowth & improve microbial balance
Targeted dietary changes, to support the growth of beneficial microbes and reduction of pathogenic microbes
Carefully selected prebiotics and probiotics help rebalance gut flora, enhance the gut’s pH, and restore microbial diversity
Lifestyle support to improve digestion and calm the nervous system, which plays a huge role in gut function and motility

It’s not about short-term symptom suppression. It’s about addressing the underlying cause, restoring balance, and creating long-term gut health.