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Small intestinal bactERIa overgrowth

Understanding SIBO – In Plain English

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth — and that’s exactly what it is. It’s when too many bacteria end up living in the small intestine, where they shouldn’t be in large numbers.

Your large intestine (colon) is meant to house most of your gut bacteria. When bacteria migrate up into the small intestine, they start fermenting food too early in the digestive process. This can cause gas, bloating, and a whole range of digestive symptoms.

How does it start?

SIBO often develops when something slows down or disrupts the normal movement of the small intestine (known as the “migrating motor complex”). Causes can include:

  • Food poisoning or gut infections – These can damage the nerves or muscles that keep food and bacteria moving along.

  • Abdominal surgery – Scar tissue or structural changes can slow gut motility.

  • Chronic stress – Stress can directly slow digestion, giving bacteria more time to grow.

  • Low stomach acid – This reduces your body’s ability to kill off bacteria entering with food.

  • Other gut issues – Conditions like IBD, IBS, or coeliac disease can make SIBO more likely.

In my own case, SIBO showed up after a period of illness and antibiotics, which wiped out my gut balance. My digestion slowed down, and the wrong bacteria took the opportunity to move in where they didn’t belong.

What does it feel like?

SIBO symptoms often overlap with IBS, which is why it can be misdiagnosed. Common signs include:

  • Bloating that gets worse as the day goes on

  • Abdominal discomfort or pain

  • Excessive gas or belching

  • Diarrhoea, constipation, or both

  • Feeling full very quickly when eating

  • Nutrient deficiencies (like B12) over time

For me, the bloating was the biggest clue — my stomach could go from flat in the morning to looking 6 months pregnant by evening.

Why symptoms alone aren’t the full story

Treating SIBO isn’t just about killing off bacteria. If you don’t fix the underlying cause — the reason the bacteria overgrew in the first place — it’s likely to come back.

What helped me most was:

  • Following a SIBO-friendly diet to reduce fuel for the bacteria while treating the overgrowth

  • Supporting motility so bacteria didn’t have a chance to build up again

  • Repairing the gut lining and restoring a healthy microbiome balance

That’s why I created The SIBO Bi-Phasic Diet — a clear, step-by-step guide to reducing symptoms, addressing the overgrowth, and rebuilding a healthier digestive environment.

Take Your First Step Towards Relief

You can calm the symptoms and get to the root cause.
[Download The SIBO Bi-Phasic Diet] – and start taking back control of your gut health.