What Is SIBO? Hidden Cause of Bloating, Fatigue, and Food Sensitivities

Understanding SIBO: Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Bloating, Fatigue, and Food Sensitivities.

If you’ve been struggling with bloating, unexplained fatigue, gas, or stubborn weight challenges—even after eating a “clean” diet—you may be dealing with a hidden condition called SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

While it’s normal to have bacteria in your digestive tract, problems arise when too many of them migrate into the small intestine, where they don’t belong. Left unaddressed, SIBO can quietly interfere with nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and your immune system’s ability to regulate inflammation.

Let’s explore what SIBO is, how it develops, and how to begin healing from the inside out.

What Exactly Is SIBO?

SIBO occurs when an excessive amount of bacteria populate the small intestine. This overgrowth disrupts digestion and causes carbohydrates to ferment prematurely, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms like:

Illustrated diagram highlighting symptoms of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), including malnutrition, nausea, bloating, vomiting, weight loss, depression, acne, fatigue, joint pain, and diarrhea.

• Bloating and abdominal distension (often worse after eating)

• Excessive gas or burping

• Constipation or diarrhea (or alternating between the two)

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Nutrient deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins)

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Food intolerances (especially to FODMAPs)

  • FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. FODMAPs are carbohydrates that can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

What Causes SIBO?

A variety of underlying factors can contribute to the development of SIBO, including:

• Low stomach acid: Without sufficient acid, bacteria aren't properly controlled as food moves from the stomach into the small intestine.

• Poor motility: Conditions that slow intestinal movement (like hypothyroidism or stress) allow bacteria to accumulate where they shouldn't.

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• Previous infections: Food poisoning or viral illnesses can damage the intestinal lining or disrupt gut movement.

• Structural issues: Adhesions from surgery, scar tissue, or anatomical abnormalities may trap bacteria.

• Chronic inflammation or autoimmune conditions: These can impair gut integrity and immune regulation, creating an environment where SIBO thrives.

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The Link Between SIBO and Hormonal Imbalances

Many women in perimenopause or menopause unknowingly suffer from SIBO, and the connection is more than coincidental. SIBO can:

• Interfere with estrogen detoxification, worsening estrogen dominance

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• Disrupt thyroid function, contributing to fatigue, hair thinning, and weight gain

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• Trigger blood sugar instability, leading to irritability, cravings, and hormonal chaos

If you’re dealing with hot flashes, irritability, poor sleep, or bloating, SIBO might be an underlying contributor.

How Is SIBO Diagnosed?

The most common method for diagnosis is a breath test, which measures levels of hydrogen and methane gas after consuming a sugar solution. These gases are byproducts of bacterial fermentation and can help identify which type of SIBO is present.

Functional lab testing—paired with a deep dive into your symptoms and history—provides the clearest roadmap for healing.

How Do You Treat SIBO?

Effective treatment often includes several key phases:

1. Reduce Bacterial Overgrowth

• Herbal antimicrobials (like oregano oil, berberine, allicin)

• Prescription options (like rifaximin, in some cases)

2. Support Digestion

• Digestive enzymes and bitters

• Bile support if fat digestion is impaired

3. Repair the Gut Lining

• L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, aloe, and targeted nutrients to reduce inflammation

4. Restore Motility and Prevent Relapse

• Natural prokinetics refer to substances, such as herbs and dietary supplements, that can enhance gastrointestinal motility. Some natural substances like ginger, chamomile, and peppermint oil have been shown to aid in digestion and reduce symptoms of dyspepsia, acid reflux, or GERD to promote proper movement in the small intestine

• Nervous system support to address stress and vagus nerve dysregulation

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Healing from SIBO isn’t just about killing bacteria—it’s about restoring function, resilience, and balance to the entire digestive system.

Gwen Krehbiel, CNHP & Founder

SIBO Recovery Is Possible—with the Right Guidance

At Krehbiel Natural Health, I specialize in helping midlife women identify the root cause of chronic symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and hormone imbalance. Whether through functional lab analysis, ZYTO BioScans, or personalized anti-inflammatory protocols, we uncover what your body truly needs to heal.

If you're tired of guessing—and want to feel vibrant, energized, and symptom-free—I invite you to apply to our results-based program designed to gently address inflammation, reset digestion, and rebalance your hormones naturally.

Ready to Get to the Root of Your Gut Issues?

Book your Self-Sabotage Breakthrough Session to learn more about how we can uncover what’s sabotaging your progress—and how to start moving toward vibrant health again.

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Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.