SIBO: Root Cause or Just a Symptom? What You Need to Know

SIBO: Root Cause or Just a Symptom?

Do you suspect you might have SIBO or are struggling with recurring symptoms despite trying to treat it? Let’s take a deeper look at SIBO—what it is, why it happens, and how we can guide your body back to balance and lasting health.

What Is SIBO and Why Does It Happen?

SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, occurs when bacteria that belong in the large intestine or upper GI tract migrate into the small intestine. This area is where your body absorbs most of its nutrients—but when excess bacteria are present, they compete for those nutrients and release gas as a byproduct.

This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like:

  • Gas and bloating

  • Burping or belching

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Diarrhea or constipation (or both)

You may have been told that SIBO is the cause of your digestive distress. And while that’s partly true, it’s not the full picture. SIBO is often a result of deeper imbalances—not the root cause itself.

The Upstream Issues Behind SIBO

At its core, SIBO typically stems from compromised digestion upstream of the small intestine. This means that the processes that should break down and prepare your food for absorption—like stomach acid production, bile flow, and enzyme activity—aren’t functioning optimally.

Contributing factors can include:

  • Mindless or rushed eating

  • Low stomach acid

  • Impaired bile or pancreatic enzyme secretion

These upstream dysfunctions create an environment where bacteria can more easily overgrow in the small intestine.

Why Testing for SIBO Alone Isn’t Enough

Breath testing is the current standard for diagnosing SIBO—but it has limitations and often misses key details. While it may show overgrowth, it doesn’t explain why it occurred or whether other imbalances are at play.

That’s why I always start with a comprehensive stool analysis to look at the entire landscape of the gut. This gives us insight into:

  • Levels of beneficial bacteria

  • Presence of pathogens or parasites

  • Digestive enzyme function

  • Inflammation or leaky gut markers

These results help us understand the why behind your symptoms and create a more targeted, sustainable plan.

A More Holistic Approach to SIBO

When we focus only on “killing the bugs,” we miss the opportunity to correct what allowed them to flourish in the first place. Without addressing those deeper root causes, SIBO often returns.

That’s why my approach is never just about short-term eradication. It’s about rebuilding the entire digestive system so it can function optimally again.

This includes:

  • Functional stool testing

  • Food sensitivity analysis

  • A personalized gut reset plan tailored to your needs

For many of my clients, this foundational work resolves symptoms and restores balance—often without needing breath testing or aggressive protocols.

Let’s Get to the Root

If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of SIBO symptoms and short-term fixes, I see you. You’re not alone—and there is a better way forward.

Book your complimentary consult and let’s explore how to get to the root of your digestive issues and chart a lasting path to healing.

Jennifer SinopoliComment