Natural Treatments for SIBO

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Bottom Line:  Struggling with bloating, gas, or chronic digestive issues? Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common yet often overlooked condition. Our Scottsdale naturopathic doctors offer natural SIBO treatments that address the root cause—without harsh antibiotics.

If you’re dealing with chronic bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or unpredictable bowel movements, you might be facing a condition called Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). It’s one of the most common (and frequently undiagnosed) causes of digestive dysfunction we see in our Scottsdale naturopathic clinic.

Unlike quick-fix approaches that simply suppress symptoms, our naturopathic doctors take a root-cause approach to SIBO using natural treatments that restore balance to the gut microbiome and support long-term healing.

What is SIBO?

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that are normally found in the large intestine start growing in the small intestine, where they don’t belong.

This bacterial overgrowth can cause fermentation of food, especially carbohydrates, leading to:

• Excess gas (bloating, belching, flatulence)
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation (or both)
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Nutrient deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins)

SIBO often underlies other conditions like IBS, fibromyalgia, acne rosacea, and even thyroid disorders, which is why many people struggle for years without a clear diagnosis.

Common causes of SIBO

As naturopathic doctors, we look for the why behind each case of SIBO. Contributing factors often include:

• Low stomach acid or pancreatic enzymes
• Slow gut motility (often from stress or hypothyroidism)
• Previous food poisoning or antibiotic use
• Adhesions from abdominal surgery
• Poor diet and dysbiosis
• Food allergies and intolerances

By identifying and addressing these root causes, we can help prevent the recurrence of SIBO, and not just manage the symptoms

How a Naturopathic doctor treats SIBO naturally

At Health for Life Naturopathic Medicine in Scottsdale, we use a comprehensive protocol to treat SIBO naturally:

Reduce the Bacterial Overgrowth (without harsh antibiotics)

While conventional medicine may use antibiotics like Xifaxan (also known as Rifaximin), we often start with evidence-based herbal antimicrobials, which increase effectiveness when used either alongside prescriptions or sometimes as stand alone therapies.

Some commonly used herbal treatments include:

• Berberine
• Oregano oil
• Neem
• Allicin (from garlic)
• Thyme and cinnamon extracts

These herbs help selectively target overgrown bacteria while preserving the integrity of your gut lining and healthy microbiota.

Repair and Rebuild the Gut

SIBO damages the gut lining, which can lead to leaky gut, inflammation, and food sensitivities. Our repair phase includes:

• L-glutamine, Acetyl-L-Carnitive, Lion’s Mane to heal the gut lining
• Digestive enzymes and bile support to improve digestion
• Stress reduction and nervous system support to promote motility
• Repletion with beneficial flora when ready

We also recommend temporary dietary changes, such as a Low-FODMAP or SIBO-specific diet, to reduce fermentable sugars that fuel the bacteria.

Restore Balance and Prevent Relapse

One of the most important steps, and the most often overlooked, is ensuring SIBO doesn’t come back. This includes:

• Motility agents like ginger or prokinetic herbs to keep the gut moving
• Addressing underlying issues like thyroid dysfunction or food sensitivities
• Lifestyle coaching on sleep, stress, and meal timing
• Strategic use of soil-based probiotics or spore-forming probiotics (not all probiotics are helpful in SIBO!)

This integrative approach ensures that healing is sustainable, not just a short-term fix.

Why choose a Naturopathic doctor in Scottsdale for SIBO?

At Health for Life Naturopathic Medicine, we specialize in treating complex digestive conditions like SIBO through natural, evidence-informed methods. Our approach is:

• Holistic: We consider the whole person, body, mind, and gut
• Personalized: Every protocol is tailored to your specific needs and lab results
• Collaborative: Our naturopathic doctors work together to guide you every step of the way
• Root-Cause Focused: No more chasing symptoms, let’s fix the foundation

If you’re tired of bouncing between specialists or feeling dismissed, it’s time for a fresh perspective grounded in naturopathic digestive medicine.

What testing is used to diagnose SIBO?

We use a non-invasive breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas production after drinking a sugar solution. Elevated gas levels at specific intervals confirm the presence of SIBO, and the gas type (hydrogen or methane) helps tailor the treatment plan. If symptoms are suggestive of hydrogen sulfide SIBO, we may test for this additionally.

Remember: Not all bloating is normal

Too many patients come to us believing that bloating or unpredictable digestion is just “part of life.” It’s not!

If you’re experiencing digestive symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional care (or you’ve been diagnosed with IBS without real solutions) it’s worth exploring whether SIBO may be the underlying cause.

FAQs: Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Natural Treatment

Ready to get rid of SIBO for good? We can help.

If you’re ready to start tackling your digestive health to get to the root cause of your bloating and discomfort, schedule a visit or call our office today. We’re here to help you get back to feeling your best.

👉 Book your appointment here
👉 Or call us directly at 602-368-9211

You don’t have to guess what’s going on in your body. We’ll help you uncover the root cause, and create a clear, personalized plan forward.

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