SIBO

Providing realistic and customized care to treat your SIBO and finally get your digestive health back on track

How We Can Help

Feeling bloated after every meal or when stressed out? Frustrated when eating out, shopping for groceries, or cooking? Have unexplained skin problems, stool changes, fatigue, worsening allergies, or new food sensitivities? Have you had limited results with previous treatment and/or frequent relapses? If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

Our team is here to help you take the guesswork out of taking control of your SIBO, and provide you with a customized and realistic treatment plan.

What is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, commonly known as SIBO, is a condition where there are too many bacteria in the small intestine, a part of the digestive system where such bacteria are usually few. This overgrowth can cause a range of uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. SIBO occurs when the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted, leading to issues with digestion and nutrient absorption. The root cause of SIBO often stems from a slow-moving small intestine, which allows bacteria to accumulate. This slowdown can be triggered by various factors, such as certain medications, stress, or a history of food poisoning. While it can be challenging to deal with, SIBO is a treatable condition, and with the right approach, many people find relief and a return to normal digestive health.

Common symptoms of SIBO 

• Abdominal bloating after meals

• Abdominal pain or discomfort after meals 

• Excessive gas or burping

• Nausea 

• Heartburn 

• Chronic sensation of fullness 

• Constipation

• Diarrhea 

• Rosacea, acne, and eczema

• Food sensitivities or triggers

When someone has SIBO, they often experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The most common ones include persistent bloating, excessive gas, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms usually appear after eating and can make it difficult to enjoy meals. Some people with SIBO also experience fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and even nutritional deficiencies because the bacteria interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients. While these symptoms can be quite distressing, it's important to remember that they are manageable with the right treatment plan.

What Causes SIBO?

With a good understanding of the underlying cause, you can have normal digestion, and eliminate bloating and pain after meals. It is possible to reverse gut

SIBO is one of the most common causes of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and altered stool quality lasting longer than 3 months. Many cases of SIBO stem from an autoimmune reaction to previous intestinal infections like food poisoning. This reaction can decrease movement (motility) of our intestines, causing excessive fermentation of foods (lots of unexplained gas!), immune system overactivity, and food sensitivities. In addition, you may have chronic constipation, loose stools, or a mix of both.

Testing for SIBO

It's important to test for SIBO because its symptoms can easily be confused with other digestive issues, making accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment. The most reliable way to diagnose SIBO is through a lactulose breath test. This non-invasive test measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath after consuming a lactulose solution. These gases are produced by bacteria in the small intestine, and elevated levels can indicate the presence of SIBO. By confirming a SIBO diagnosis with this test, healthcare providers can tailor a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

What Comes Next?

Treatment for SIBO is not only possible but can be highly effective in alleviating symptoms and restoring digestive health. The approach to treatment will depend on the types of bacteria present and the severity of the overgrowth. Common treatments may include herbal antimicrobials, nutritional supplements, and temporary dietary changes designed to reduce the bacteria in the small intestine and restore a healthy balance. If you suspect you have SIBO or have been diagnosed with it, the experienced practitioners at Clara Clinic are here to guide you through the process. By making an appointment, you can receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, helping you get back to feeling your best.

Microbiome Reset: Our 3-Step Approach to Reducing Chronic Gas, Bloating, and Abdominal Pain

Our three-step program for treating SIBO is designed to address the condition comprehensively, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term gut health. Becoming symptom-free takes time, but once the gut healing process is underway, it is possible to enjoy cooking and eating out once again! The ultimate goals of our program are to help you eat your favorite foods, and then teach you how to prevent and tackle future relapses.

our 3 step protocol

1. Test & Prep -  The first step is all about ensuring we have the right diagnosis and setting the foundation for successful treatment. We begin by conducting a lactulose breath test to confirm the presence of SIBO and determine the types of bacteria involved. Alongside this, we prepare your gut for treatment by regulating bowel movements and reducing gas production, which helps to minimize discomfort and sets the stage for the microbiome reset that follows.

2. Tame the Overgrowth- Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, we move on to addressing the root of the problem: the bacterial overgrowth. This step involves targeted treatments, such as antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials, to eliminate the excessive bacteria in the small intestine. By reducing the bacterial load, we allow the small intestine to start healing, which is crucial for relieving symptoms and restoring normal digestive function.

3. Sustain & Maintain - The final step focuses on long-term health and preventing the recurrence of SIBO. During this phase, we work on restoring the proper function of your small intestine by implementing dietary changes, supporting gut motility, and reinforcing a healthy gut microbiome. This step is essential for alleviating any remaining symptoms and ensuring that you maintain a balanced and healthy digestive system moving forward.

By the end of this program, we want you to walk away feeling empowered, and in control of your gut health. With a revitalized healthy gut, you may also experience the indirect results of lifted brain fog, increased energy, improved sleep quality, decreased anxiety, and weight loss.

You do not have to tolerate feeling bloated and in pain after every meal, or during stress. If you have been struggling with your digestion, and want to learn more, we offer complimentary 15 minute consults with our chief Naturopathic Doctor focusing on digestion, Dr. Mitchell Schroeder, ND.

Dr. Schroeder offers the Microbiome Reset Program both virtually and in-person. To learn more about virtual appointments, click here.