SIBO Treatment
Up to 78% of IBS patients test positive for SIBO. The right test changes everything.
Bacteria in the Wrong Place
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which bacteria from the large intestine migrate into and proliferate within the small intestine, where bacterial populations should normally be sparse. These displaced bacteria ferment carbohydrates prematurely, generating excess hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide gas — the direct cause of the bloating, cramping, and unpredictable bowel changes that define the condition.
Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found SIBO in up to 78% of patients with an IBS diagnosis, suggesting that a large proportion of people labeled with IBS have an underlying, treatable bacterial overgrowth driving their symptoms. SIBO is diagnosed with a non-invasive lactulose or glucose breath test measuring fermentation gas output — a test rarely ordered in standard gastroenterology practice.
Our functional medicine team in Jacksonville and Orange Park uses breath testing to identify the specific SIBO pattern — hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or hydrogen sulfide — then applies a targeted antimicrobial and dietary protocol followed by prokinetic support to restore normal gut motility and prevent relapse.
Recognize the Signs
SIBO symptoms are often dismissed as general digestive issues. Identifying the pattern is the first step toward a definitive diagnosis.
Chronic Bloating
Uncomfortable abdominal distension that occurs within hours of eating, often worsening throughout the day.
Abdominal Pain
Cramping and discomfort concentrated in the mid-abdomen, frequently triggered by specific foods.
Diarrhea
Loose, frequent stools that may be urgent and unpredictable, disrupting daily routines.
Constipation
Difficulty passing stool or infrequent bowel movements, sometimes alternating with diarrhea.
Nutrient Malabsorption
Deficiencies in iron, B12, vitamin D, and fat-soluble vitamins despite a seemingly adequate diet.
Fatigue and Brain Fog
Persistent low energy and cognitive sluggishness linked to poor nutrient absorption and systemic inflammation.
Nausea After Meals
A sense of queasiness or fullness that arrives soon after eating, even with small portions.
Why Bacteria Overgrow
Your small intestine has built-in defense mechanisms that keep bacterial populations in check. When these mechanisms fail, overgrowth follows.
- Impaired gut motility (slow migrating motor complex)
- Structural abnormalities such as adhesions or strictures
- Low stomach acid reducing bacterial control
- Chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use
- Post-surgical changes to GI anatomy
- Diabetes or hypothyroidism affecting gut nerve function
- Immune system suppression or dysfunction
How We Treat SIBO
SIBO treatment requires precision. We test, treat the specific overgrowth pattern, and address the underlying motility dysfunction to prevent relapse.
Breath Testing and Diagnostics
Lactulose or glucose breath testing measures hydrogen and methane gas levels to confirm bacterial overgrowth and identify the dominant gas pattern.
Targeted Antimicrobial Protocols
Evidence-based herbal or pharmaceutical antimicrobials selected for your specific SIBO type — hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or hydrogen sulfide.
Dietary Modification
Structured eating plans such as low-FODMAP, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or Bi-Phasic Diet to reduce bacterial fermentation while maintaining nutrition.
Prokinetic Support
Natural or pharmaceutical prokinetics to restore the migrating motor complex and prevent bacterial re-accumulation after treatment.
Gut Healing Protocol
A phased restoration plan to repair intestinal lining, reintroduce diverse foods, and rebuild a healthy microbiome for long-term resilience.
Functional Medicine Consultations
SIBO evaluations include breath testing, comprehensive lab panels, and a detailed treatment protocol. Our team guides you from diagnosis through complete resolution.
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Get to the Root of Your Digestive Issues
A breath test can change the trajectory of your gut health. Book your evaluation today.