SIFO Treatment
Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth affects up to 25% of unexplained GI cases. Answers exist.
When Fungal Overgrowth Takes Over Your Gut
Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) is an abnormal proliferation of fungal organisms — primarily Candida species — within the small intestine, an environment that normally maintains low fungal populations. Research published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences identified SIFO in up to 25.3% of patients presenting with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, making it a clinically significant but frequently missed diagnosis.
Fungal overgrowth typically develops when the balance of the gut microbiome is disrupted — most commonly by antibiotic use, a diet high in refined sugar, immunosuppression, or prolonged proton pump inhibitor use — allowing Candida to colonize portions of the GI tract where it would otherwise be kept in check. Standard gastroenterology workups do not include fungal screening, which is why patients with SIFO often cycle through years of symptom management without a correct diagnosis.
Our functional medicine team in Jacksonville and Orange Park uses organic acid testing, comprehensive stool analysis, and clinical history to identify SIFO, then builds a phased protocol to eliminate the overgrowth and rebuild the gut environment to prevent recurrence.
Recognize the Signs
SIFO symptoms overlap with many other conditions, which is why it goes undiagnosed so often. If these sound familiar, functional testing can provide clarity.
Chronic Bloating
Persistent abdominal distension that worsens after meals, especially those high in sugar or refined carbohydrates.
Excessive Gas
Frequent, uncomfortable gas production that disrupts daily life and social situations.
Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating, poor memory recall, and mental sluggishness that interferes with productivity.
Persistent Fatigue
Unexplained exhaustion that does not improve with rest or sleep, often worse after eating.
Sugar and Carb Cravings
Intense, persistent cravings for sweets and refined carbohydrates driven by fungal organisms feeding on sugar.
Digestive Discomfort
Nausea, abdominal cramping, and irregular bowel movements that fluctuate without clear pattern.
Skin Issues
Unexplained rashes, eczema flares, or fungal skin conditions that may signal systemic overgrowth.
What Drives Fungal Overgrowth
SIFO does not happen randomly. It develops when the gut environment shifts in favor of fungal organisms. Understanding the triggers is the first step toward elimination.
- Antibiotic overuse disrupting gut microbial balance
- High-sugar and high-refined-carbohydrate diets
- Immune system dysfunction or suppression
- Chronic stress weakening gut barrier integrity
- Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Existing gut dysbiosis or SIBO
- Hormonal imbalances affecting gut motility
How We Treat SIFO
Our functional medicine team follows a systematic protocol: identify the overgrowth, eliminate it, and rebuild the gut ecosystem to prevent recurrence.
Functional Medicine Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment of your health history, diet, lifestyle, and lab markers to identify the root drivers of fungal overgrowth.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Specialized testing including organic acids, comprehensive stool analysis, and DUTCH panels to map your gut ecosystem and hormonal landscape.
Targeted Dietary Protocols
Customized anti-fungal nutrition plans that starve overgrowth while nourishing beneficial gut flora and supporting immune function.
Targeted Supplementation
Evidence-based antimicrobial and antifungal supplements selected for your specific overgrowth pattern, combined with biofilm disruptors.
Gut Restoration Protocol
A phased approach to rebuilding gut lining integrity, restoring microbial diversity, and preventing recurrence long-term.
Functional Medicine Consultations
Functional medicine evaluations include comprehensive lab work and a personalized treatment plan. Our team walks you through every step, from testing to protocol completion.
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Take Control of Your Gut Health
Stop guessing. Start testing. Book your functional medicine evaluation today.