Why bloating matters

Bloating, reflux, IBS, auto-immune diseases, food sensitivities, skin conditions - these can all be signs of SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is extremely common with up to 15%* of the population estimated to suffer, with even higher rates amongst IBS patients.

While bloating after eating is often seen as ‘normal’, when I see chronic symptoms in my patients I like to investigate further as resolving this can make a huge difference to quality of life.

When combined with other gut conditions such as reflux, burping, loose stools, constipation or food sensitivities it often signals an excess of bacteria in the small intestine. Typically, levels of bacteria should be extremely low here but when they are present certain foods can encourage their growth. This ‘bubbling’ is akin to the fermentation process of sourdough, beer or sauerkraut - the bacteria are thriving and this is creating that gassy, bloated feeling in your guts.

Many of my patients have read about ‘gut health remedies’ such as fermented foods. They keep trying kombucha, sourdough and kimchi but find it makes their symptoms worse. This is a classic sign of SIBO, as the bacteria is fermenting in the wrong place!

You may feel like the bloating is manageable, but it’s important to know that it is affecting the rest of your digestion. It limits your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, and you may feel extremely tired. Often my patients report feeling ‘full’, so they skip meals regularly which can alter metabolism and blood sugar. Put simply, addressing SIBO is like mending a leaky bucket - it’s the first place to start with many conditions.

Testing is important in this context, as we need to identify the type of gases that are present to find a suitable treatment. I recommend an at-home breath test for my patients that typically tests for lactulose, glucose and fructose.

Unlike other testing, it is really important to prepare properly for this test. It involves a specific diet based on your symptoms for a day or two prior to the test. Some medications and supplements such as PPIs and probiotics can affect the result, so it’s really important we know what you’re taking.

Once the test is complete, the therapy can begin. Typically, SIBO is addressed by restrictive low carbohydrate diets such as low FODMAPs, the bi-phasic diet or similar. These have good evidence behind them for eliminating SIBO but they can be difficult to follow and they aren’t designed for long term good gut health as they limit fibre and diversity. All too often, my patients come having been on these diets for months or years and are fearful of adding new foods to their diet in case the symptoms return.

I am excited to offer a 4 month multi-stage diet protocol that effectively addresses your SIBO while nourishing your overall gut health. As it has multiple stages, you can see progress quickly, and it is far less restrictive than other dietary therapies. The regular consultations allow you to move through each stage at the right pace for you to ensure you are eating the widest variety possible while still making great progress on the SIBO.

We start with a thorough health history, SIBO breath testing and I provide a comprehensive diet and supplement plan packed with resources such as recipes, meal plans and shopping lists for each stage, to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for you.

If you’re ready to enjoy a wide range of foods without fear of bloating, reflux and pain, get in touch and I would love to take you through your options. Life after SIBO really does exist!