Could SIBO Be Behind Your Bloating and Digestive Issues?
If you’ve been told you have IBS but treatments haven’t helped, SIBO could be the reason why. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth “SIBO “. SIBO is a condition where bacteria that should be further down in your digestive tract end up in your small intestine, where they don’t belong. The result is fermentation, gas, bloating, and a whole lot of digestive misery. Luckily SIBO testing is readily available.
At The Allergy Clinic, Rachel McAuslin offers SIBO testing in Auckland to find out whether bacterial overgrowth is what’s driving your symptoms — because treating the right thing makes all the difference.
Understanding SIBO: A Naturopathic Perspective on Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is an increasingly recognized condition that affects millions of people worldwide—often without them even realizing it. As a naturopath, understanding and addressing the root causes of SIBO is essential in guiding patients toward lasting digestive health and systemic balance.
What Are the Symptoms of SIBO?
SIBO is frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely. Common signs include:
- Bloating that gets worse throughout the day or after eating
- Excessive gas or belching
- Abdominal cramping or discomfort
- Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
- Nausea or a feeling of fullness after small meals
- Fatigue and brain fog
Many people with SIBO have been managing an IBS diagnosis for years without improvement. If that sounds familiar, it’s worth investigating further.
How Does SIBO Testing Work?
SIBO is detected using a breath test. You’ll consume a sugar solution, then breathe into collection tubes at regular intervals over a few hours. The test measures hydrogen and methane gas produced by bacteria in your small intestine — elevated levels indicate overgrowth.
It’s non-invasive, done at home, and the kit is organised through Rachel’s clinic. Results are reviewed together in a follow-up consultation so you understand exactly what they mean and what to do next.
What Happens After a Positive SIBO Test?
A positive result isn’t the end of the road — it’s actually the beginning of getting real answers. Rachel will put together a treatment plan that addresses the overgrowth and looks at the underlying reasons SIBO developed in the first place. Without addressing root causes, SIBO has a tendency to come back. Contact me here to schedule a consultation.
Q: What is SIBO and how does it cause symptoms? SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It occurs when bacteria colonise the small intestine in excessive numbers, fermenting food and producing gas that causes bloating, pain, and altered bowel habits.
Q: How is SIBO diagnosed? SIBO is diagnosed using a breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas levels after consuming a sugar solution. Elevated gas levels indicate bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Q: Can SIBO be mistaken for IBS? Yes — SIBO and IBS share many of the same symptoms, and research suggests a significant proportion of IBS diagnoses may actually be undetected SIBO. Testing is the only way to know for certain.
Q: Is the SIBO breath test done at a clinic or at home? The test is done at home using a kit organised through Rachel’s clinic. You’ll receive clear instructions, and results are reviewed with Rachel in a follow-up consultation.
Q: Can SIBO come back after treatment? It can, which is why Rachel focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes — not just clearing the overgrowth. This reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
Interested in exploring your digestive health or learning more about how naturopathy can support SIBO? Contact me here to schedule a consultation.