SIBO Specialist
What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine, disrupting normal digestive processes. Typically, the small intestine contains significantly fewer bacteria than the large intestine. Various factors can lead to bacterial overgrowth, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Malabsorption of nutrients, including B12 and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
This overgrowth can hinder digestion and nutrient absorption, potentially causing gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional deficiencies if not addressed.
If you’re seeking a SIBO specialist, please continue reading to explore our case studies and discover how we can assist you in treating this condition.
How Our SIBO Specialists Can Assist You
Though SIBO is becoming more recognized, it remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage effectively. Many general practitioners on the NHS still lack awareness about this condition and therefore may not offer testing or treatment needed.
Our SIBO specialists are trained in functional medicine and have extensive expertise in addressing this condition.
What causes SIBO?
SIBO occurs when there is an imbalance or overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Various factors can contribute to this condition, including:
- Impaired Gut Motility: The small intestine relies on a wave-like motion called peristalsis to move food and bacteria through the digestive tract. If motility is slowed or impaired, bacteria can accumulate and overgrow in the small intestine. This can be linked to previous food poisoning.
- Structural Issues: Conditions such as intestinal strictures, adhesions, or Crohn’s disease can physically disrupt the normal flow of food and bacteria, contributing to SIBO.
- Low Stomach Acid: Stomach acid plays a crucial role in killing harmful bacteria. A decrease in stomach acid due to stress and conditions like hypochlorhydria or use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole can allow bacteria to thrive in the small intestine.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions that suppress the immune system can make the body less effective at controlling bacterial growth in the intestines,leading to an overgrowth of bacteria.
- Small Intestinal Motility Disorders: Conditions that affect the movement of the intestines, like gastroparesis, can cause bacterial stagnation and overgrowth.
- Previous Infections or Antibiotics: Infections, particularly gastrointestinal infections such as post-infectious IBS, food poisoning or frequent use of antibiotics can alter the gut microbiota and promote bacterial overgrowth.
- Impaired Gut Motility: Conditions that affect gut motility can cause bacteria to linger in the small intestine. This can be due to diseases like diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Ileocecal Valve Dysfunction: This valve prevents bacteria from the colon from entering the small intestine. Dysfunction can lead to bacterial backflow.
- Chronic constipation: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) can alter gut function, increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.
- Dietary Factors: Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, or alcohol can promote fermentation in the small intestine, encouraging bacterial growth and bloating.
- Medications: PPIs disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate in the small intestine.
Proper treatment and management of SIBO are essential for improving quality of life and preventing complications, making the expertise of a SIBO specialist crucial.
Our approach to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
We use Hydrogen and Methane SIBO breath testing, which measures the gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine. These tests can help identify whether bacterial overgrowth may be contributing to symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, or constipation.
Following your consultation and test results, we create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, medical history, and digestive health. Depending on your individual case, recommendations may include:
- Herbal antimicrobials such as oregano oil, berberine, or garlic extracts, where appropriate.
- Dietary guidance, including low-FODMAP or other targeted dietary approaches designed to reduce symptoms and support gut health.
- Prokinetic support to help improve gut motility where slowed digestion may be contributing to bacterial overgrowth.
- Digestive support, such as digestive enzymes, where there are signs of poor digestion or malabsorption.
We also recognise that stress can affect digestion and gut function. Where relevant, we may discuss strategies to support the gut–brain connection, including sleep, stress management, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle factors.
Importantly, our approach focuses not only on managing symptoms, but also on exploring possible underlying factors that may contribute to SIBO, such as altered gut motility, previous food poisoning, low stomach acid, digestive dysfunction, or other gastrointestinal conditions.
The aim is to provide a clear, practical plan that supports symptom improvement while helping you better understand your digestive health.
Our Approach to SIBO
Through years of experience in treating SIBO, we have developed a tailored approach that combines herbal antibiotics with a low-FODMAP diet, proving highly effective in managing symptoms and promoting gut health.
Understanding the causes of SIBO
Crucially, our treatment protocol focuses on identifying the initial causes of SIBO. Recognizing the underlying issues is vital for achieving long-term success. We collaborate closely with patients to uncover potential triggers, which may include:
Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections
Stress and its effects on gut function
Previous surgeries that may have impacted the digestive system, such as appendix removal
Low stomach acid
Endometriosis
Our SIBO Treatment Approach
At our SIBO clinic, we believe in a comprehensive, personalized approach to IBS treatment. Our goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to address the root causes of SIBO such as gut infections, low stomach acid, stress and motility issues.
Gut Testing
Unfortunately SIBO can relapse the treatments available are listed below
- Herbal antibiotics including Oregano- these are effective supplements to combat SIBO
- Following specific SIBO Diets such as Low Fodmap diet
- Taking antibiotics such as Rifaximin and or Neomycin- unfortunately these are not readiy avaialble on the NHS
- Taking motility agents such as Prucalopride/ Ginger
- Taking supplements to improve Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
- Addressing underlying causes such as stress/ constipation/ medications
- Using an elemental diet- this involves drinking shakes that contain pre-digested carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Once we identify the underlying issues, we work with you to create a treatment plan.
Long-Term Relief
By addressing the root causes, our approach aims to reduce inflammation, restore gut health, and help you regain control over your digestive system.
What our patients say
“Since starting treatment with Victoria, my IBS symptoms have drastically improved. I no longer feel bloated all the time and my energy levels are through the roof. I can’t thank Victoria enough!”
— Sarah, 28, London
Step 1: Address the Root causes of Your SIBO
Our goal is not only to relieve your current symptoms but also to help you achieve lasting relief by tackling the root causes of SIBO. If you’re seeking a SIBO specialist in London, we are here to guide you through a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.
Patient Testimonial
Here’s a recent Google review regarding our SIBO specialist, Victoria Tyler, who specializes in SIBO: Please note that the Victoria also works with our sister clinic https://ibs-solutions.co.uk/
“Victoria has practically healed me within a month. After months of several failed GP consultations and an A&E visit where my issues went unrecognized, I had one consultation with Victoria. She identified my situation immediately. After one breath test, the condition was confirmed, and a treatment and diet plan were implemented. After just one month, I am a happy, functioning person again! I cannot recommend her enough. She is truly a specialist with expansive knowledge. She even assisted me with the mental struggles that often accompany these conditions. Victoria is kind, patient, and genuinely cares about helping her patients. I cannot thank her enough!”
Step 2: Take Herbal Antibiotics
Herbal remedies can be effective in treating SIBO for many patients. Research and clinical experience indicate that certain herbal treatments can be as effective as pharmaceutical antibiotics in reducing bacterial overgrowth, depending on the SIBO type (hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or sulfide-dominant) and individual patient response.
Common Herbal Remedies for SIBO Treatment:
- Berberine: Derived from plants like goldenseal, berberine has strong antimicrobial properties that help reduce bacterial overgrowth.
- Oregano Oil: Contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which possess powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
- Allicin (from Garlic): This active compound in garlic is effective against methane-producing bacteria, making it useful for methane-dominant SIBO.
- Neem: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem can kill bacteria in the small intestine and reduce inflammation.
- Thyme Oil: Like oregano, thyme oil contains thymol, a potent antimicrobial agent effective in herbal protocols for SIBO.
- Pau D’Arco: This herbal remedy has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, beneficial in cases of SIBO with fungal overgrowth.
- Peppermint Oil: Known for relaxing gastrointestinal smooth muscles, peppermint oil can alleviate bloating and cramping associated with SIBO.
Comparing Herbal Remedies to Antibiotics
A 2014 study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that herbal treatments were as effective as the antibiotic rifaximin in treating SIBO, with fewer side effects. While antibiotics directly target bacterial overgrowth, herbal remedies may offer broader antimicrobial effects, targeting various bacteria, yeast, and parasites.
Benefits of Herbal Remedies of SIBO
- Fewer Side Effects: Herbal remedies generally cause fewer side effects than antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.
- Broad-Spectrum Action: Many herbal antimicrobials target bacteria, fungi, and parasites involved in SIBO.
- Long-Term Use: Some herbal remedies can be used for extended periods, making them suitable for chronic or recurrent SIBO management.
It is important to seek professioanl help from a SIBO specialist as supplements may cause:
- Herxheimer Reaction: Patients may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms, known as a die-off reaction, as bacteria die off.
- Individual Variation: Herbal treatments may not be equally effective for everyone; some may require combinations of herbs or different treatments.
- Quality of Supplements: The effectiveness of herbal remedies depends on the quality and purity of the supplements. Choosing reputable brands is crucial.
Herbal remedies can be a valid and effective option for treating SIBO, often proving as effective or more so than pharmaceutical antibiotics, particularly in long-term or recurrent cases. However, working with a healthcare provider or SIBO specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan is essential.
SIBO Specialist UK
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can cause diarrhea through various mechanisms that disrupt normal digestion and absorption processes in the small intestine. Here are the main reasons SIBO leads to diarrhea:
- Bacterial Fermentation of Carbohydrates: Excess bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates, leading to the production of gases that can cause osmotic diarrhea.
- Malabsorption of Nutrients: SIBO bacteria interfere with the absorption of nutrients, particularly fats and carbohydrates, contributing to diarrhea.
- Production of Toxins: SIBO bacteria can produce toxins that irritate the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and promoting diarrhea.
- Increased Motility: Rapid intestinal transit, particularly with hydrogen-producing bacteria, reduces the time for nutrient and water absorption, leading to diarrhea.
- Bile Salt Malabsorption: SIBO can disrupt bile salt reabsorption, resulting in fat malabsorption and bile acid diarrhea.
- Inflammation of the Small Intestine: Inflammation caused by bacterial overgrowth damages the mucosal lining, leading to nutrient malabsorption and increased water secretion, contributing to diarrhea.
Summary of How SIBO Causes Diarrhea
- Bacterial fermentation produces gases and osmotic effects that draw water into the intestines.
- Malabsorption of fats and carbohydrates leads to nutrient deficiencies and diarrhea.
- Toxins produced by bacteria irritate the intestinal lining and promote water and electrolyte secretion.
- Increased gut motility accelerates transit time, reducing nutrient and water absorption.
SIBO Specialist London Clinic
Many patients seek our help after previous doctors have prescribed antibiotics without fully exploring the underlying causes of their SIBO. At our clinic, we believe the key to successful treatment lies in an approach that addresses all aspects of your health, including:
- Diet
- Stress reduction techniques
- Meal planning
- Digestive enzymes
- Prokinetics
- Herbal treatments
By integrating these elements, we aim to address the root causes of SIBO for lasting results.
Set up a first consultation
We recommend an extended session to review your medical history in detail and lay out a program to address your gut health issues.
Get a Test
If you have a specific test in mind or want to learn more about how our testing can help, contact us today.