Natural testing, gut-healing therapies & personalized naturopathic care.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is characterized by Frequent bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, or inconsistent digestion.  The symptoms often come and go without a clear explanation. For many people, this concern often goes overlooked or misdiagnosed for years.

Our naturopathic clinic in Oakville offers a comprehensive and natural approach to SIBO. This approach includes testing guidance, individualized diet support, herbal therapies, and long-term gut-healing strategies designed to restore balance and support your overall well-being.

What Is SIBO?

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large small intestine start to accumulate in the small intestine. Even beneficial bacteria can create problems when they grow in the wrong location and out of proportion. This imbalance interferes with digestion, nutrient absorption, and motility. It can often result in chronic digestive symptoms.

SIBO may present differently depending on the type:

  1. Hydrogen-dominant SIBO (often linked with diarrhea)
  2. Methane-dominant SIBO/IMO (often linked with constipation)
  3. Mixed gas SIBO (constipation or diarrhea)

Key points:

  1. SIBO can impact how well your body digests food and absorbs nutrients
  2. Different SIBO types require different naturopathic treatment strategies
  3. Identifying root causes helps prevent recurring symptoms

SIBO Symptoms

While symptoms vary from person to person, many individuals experience a mix of digestive and non-digestive concerns. Common symptoms include:

  1. Bloating after meals
  2. Abdominal discomfort or cramping
  3. Excessive gas or belching
  4. Constipation
  5. Diarrhea or alternating bowel habits
  6. Fatigue and low energy
  7. Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  8. Nausea
  9. Heartburn
  10. Food intolerances or sensitivities
  11. Unexpected weight changes

These symptoms can significantly impact daily comfort, work performance, social life, and overall confidence in eating. A proper assessment can help determine whether SIBO is playing a role.

What Causes SIBO?

SIBO is rarely caused by one factor alone. Instead, it often results from a combination of digestive, structural, and lifestyle factors that create an environment where bacteria can easily overgrow.

Functional Causes

These issues directly affect digestion and gut movement:

  1. Low stomach acid
  2. Slow gut motility
  3. Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
  4. Reduced bile flow
  5. Structural abnormalities in the small intestine
  6. Poorly coordinated digestive processes

When food moves too slowly through the small intestine or when digestive secretions are impaired, bacteria can accumulate and multiply.

Lifestyle & Medical Causes

These external or health-related factors often contribute to SIBO development:

  1. Chronic stress and anxiety
  2. Long-term use of certain medications
  3. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  4. Hypothyroidism
  5. Diabetes
  6. Past abdominal surgeries
  7. Previous food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea
  8. Autoimmune conditions

Identifying underlying contributors is essential for long-term success, since treating symptoms alone often isn’t enough to prevent recurrence.

SIBO Testing in Canada

A SIBO breath test is the most widely used tool for diagnosing SIBO. The test measures hydrogen and methane gas levels in your breath after drinking a lactulose or glucose solution. These gases are produced by bacteria in the small intestine and absorbed into the bloodstream before being exhaled.

We provide support with:

  1. Choosing between a lactulose and a glucose breath test
  2. Accessing a SIBO Test Kit in Canada
  3. Understanding your test results
  4. Creating a treatment plan based on your SIBO type

Accurate testing helps determine the most effective path forward, especially when differentiating between hydrogen, methane (IMO), and hydrogen sulfide SIBO.

Natural SIBO Treatment

Our naturopathic SIBO treatment goes beyond symptom relief. We focus on addressing the root causes, supporting proper digestion, calming inflammation, restoring gut lining integrity, and preventing future recurrence.

1. Diet

Nutrition plays a key role in reducing fermentation, calming symptoms, and supporting the gut during treatment. Your naturopath may create a custom plan using:

  • Low FODMAP diets
  • SIBO-specific food protocols
  • Short-term elimination or elemental diets
  • Anti-inflammatory meal plans
  • Gut-healing foods

We help you follow a diet that is effective without being overly restrictive or difficult to sustain.

2. Herbal Antimicrobials

Many patients prefer natural antimicrobial therapies rather than repeated antibiotics. Evidence-informed herbs can help reduce overgrowth while supporting digestive health.

Examples include:

  • Botanical antimicrobials
  • Anti-inflammatory herbs
  • Digestive bitters
  • Supplements to support bile flow and enzyme function

Your plan is tailored to your SIBO type and sensitivity level.

3. Gut Healing

Clearing bacterial overgrowth is only part of the process. Afterward, we focus on:

  • Repairing the gut lining
  • Restoring digestive enzyme production
  • Rebalancing the microbiome
  • Supporting nutrient absorption
  • Reducing inflammation

This step is essential for long-term improvement.

4. Probiotics (When Appropriate)

Probiotics can be helpful—but using the wrong strains at the wrong stage may worsen symptoms.
Your naturopath will guide you on:

  • Which probiotic strains support motility
  • When to introduce probiotics
  • How probiotics can support gut repair after treatment

5. Motility Support

Poor motility is one of the biggest contributors to SIBO recurrence.
Your treatment plan may include:

  • Motility-enhancing herbs
  • Supplements to improve intestinal movement
  • Nervous system and stress support
  • Guidelines for meal timing and digestion-friendly routines

Strong motility helps prevent bacteria from accumulating again.

Why Choose Us for SIBO Treatment in Oakville?

  • Personalized naturopathic treatment based on your SIBO type
  • Natural alternatives to antibiotics
  • Evidence-informed dietary and supplement guidance
  • Focus on root causes, not just symptom relief
  • Comprehensive gut-healing strategies to prevent recurrence

Supportive, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs

Book Your SIBO Consultation Today

Take the first step toward better digestion, improved energy, and long-term gut healing. We’re here to guide you with a personalized, natural approach every step of the way.

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