Can Probiotics Help or Cause SIBO?

Probiotics are often thought of as the “secret sauce” that fixes all your digestive woes. It's true that probiotics can improve several digestive issues. While some strains are often well tolerated, there are some cases where certain probiotics make gut conditions worse. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is one example. There’s confusion on the internet these days about how probiotics and SIBO interact. Can probiotics help SIBO or do probiotics cause SIBO? 

Before I get into that, it’s important to understand what probiotics are. Probiotics are one of the many living organisms in your gut. They assist with many functions, and quite frankly, you wouldn’t survive without them. Nobody would! These tiny but mighty organisms live in a delicate balance in your digestive tract. When this balance gets thrown off, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

In this article, we’re going to take a look at why certain probiotic strains make SIBO worse. At the same time, I'll show you which probiotic stains have been scientifically proven to give you the most effective support on your SIBO healing journey.   

The Role of Probiotics in Gut Health

Think of your body as a rainforest with many different ecosystems. A large percentage of your immune cells are created in your gut. It also metabolizes and recycles hormones such as estrogen to keep it from building up and causing havoc (1). Your gut also breaks down food and absorbs nutrients to fuel your cells. Your cells contain mitochondria that are the powerhouses of the entire body. Dr. Todd LePine and I share a great discussion on mitochondrial health in this podcast episode. 

As I mentioned earlier, your gut contains a microbiome consisting of trillions of living microorganisms. A diverse population of bacteria, fungi, and yeast helps with many of the processes I mentioned earlier. However, poor diet, stress, and toxins can tip the balance within the microbiome. Chronic infections or medications can also do this. 

When this happens, harmful bacteria and yeast can overgrow and crowd out the good guys. The result is you end up with a slew of health problems. Skin issues, mood swings, brain fog, and digestive issues can arise all because your gut health is out of whack. It can also lead to leaky gut and autoimmunity. I recently invited the man who discovered leaky gut to share his story on my podcast — click here to listen to it.

This is where probiotics usually come in. Adding beneficial bacteria strains back into the body can restore balance and reverse many of these concerns. However, there are certain instances where too much of a good thing is a bad thing. This is the case with probiotics and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Let me explain.  

Can Probiotics Help Manage SIBO?

The short answer is yes, probiotics can effectively manage SIBO. However, it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. In general, using probiotics to bring the gut back into balance can reduce feelings of bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Many of these symptoms are common among those with SIBO. Probiotics also support immune function, which helps kill harmful pathogens. 

The key here is to realize which probiotic strains are helpful and which can be harmful. A pilot study showed that Bacillus coagulans stimulated immune function and reduced hydrogen-dominant SIBO in up to 93% percent of people (2). 

Bacillus subtilis is another probiotic strain that shows great potential in helping those with SIBO. This strain activates the production of over 12 natural antibiotics that protect your gut from harmful bacteria. Some research shows it can improve SIBO symptoms and help repair the gut by increasing IgA (3).

Another interesting probiotic strain to consider is Lactobacillus Reuteri. This specific strain has been clinically proven to reduce the amount of methane in people, which can be particularly helpful for those with methane-dominant SIBO (4). It may also help ease constipation.

Saccharomyces Boulardii is a yeast bacteria that offers several benefits. It’s been used for decades to strengthen the gut barrier, improve immunity, and enhance nutrient absorption. One study found it can also help reduce SIBO symptoms, including bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hydrogen levels on a breath test (5). 

These are fascinating finds. Still, many people are concerned that probiotics make SIBO worse. Let me explain why that is. 

Do Probiotics Cause or Worsen SIBO?

There’s mixed information out there regarding the use of probiotics with SIBO. However, a collection of research shows that certain probiotic strains do indeed offer relief. What are we to make of this information? The answer lies in what types of strains you’re dealing with. What makes some probiotics helpful while others make SIBO worse?

Let’s discuss why some probiotics aren’t good for those with SIBO. Most probiotic supplements on the market contain some version of either lactobacillus or bifidobacterium strains. Not only are these strains not ideal for those with SIBO, but oftentimes, they die before reaching the large intestine. This means they accumulate in the small intestine, adding fuel to the fire. 

When researching probiotics, be mindful of marketing tactics that highlight general probiotic benefits without talking about the actual strains. Check for third-party testing to ensure they offer only the best, most effective probiotics against SIBO. Choosing the right probiotic strains is crucial to ensuring your treatment plan works without aggravating symptoms.

Selecting the Right Probiotics for SIBO

When it comes to probiotics, the type of strains can make all the difference. Most of the probiotics you’ll find online or in health stores contain lactobacillus or bifidobacterium strains. If you have SIBO, I recommend staying away from these. 

I believe soil-based probiotics are a much better option. Soil-based probiotics don't contain either lactobacillus or bifidobacterium strains. That said, you still get all the benefits of a normal probiotic. 

Soil-based provisions contain endospores that won't dissolve in stomach acid. That means they survive long enough to reach your large intestine, where they get to work.

We used to get these naturally as we harvested food from the soil. However, today's hyper-sanitized society prevents us from getting these much-needed spores. 

Thankfully, I designed a soil based probiotic that supports gut health without feeling the SIBO fire. Primal Earth contains Bacillus Clausii, Bacillus Coagulans, and Bacillus Subtilis stains. These endospores bypass the stomach and small intestine and travel straight to the large intestine. It doesn't colonize the small intestine, adding to the overgrowth problem.

Not only is this an excellent choice for those with SIBO, but it also helps those with autoimmune conditions. 

Integrating Probiotics into a Comprehensive SIBO Treatment Plan

SIBO doesn’t develop overnight. It often involves a long process of cumulative factors. Poor diet, medications, and stress can lead to an imbalanced gut microbiome. This produces a chronic inflammatory response in the body, which contributes to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

It’s important to take a multifaceted approach to get rid of SIBO. I’ve helped thousands of people reverse their SIBO with a three-strep protocol:

1. Starve the overgrown bacteria with diet changes

2. Prune back the bacteria with natural antimicrobial agents

3. Replenish the good bacteria with soil-based probiotics

Stay away from fermenting foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt. Avoid gluten, dairy, and alcohol as well. This will cut off the bacteria’s food supply. Swap out for lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables.

Adding natural antimicrobials helps combat SIBO. Garlic, black walnut, and caprylic acid contain bioactive compounds that break down bacteria. As you eliminate the bacteria, make sure to include a binder. 

Repair and replenish with high-quality proteins, enzymes, and botanicals. I recommend Leaky Gut Revive® to help restore your gut barrier. It contains marshmallow root, slippery elm, and glutamine to soothe and repair the mucosal lining. 

Reducing stress, getting quality sleep, and eating more nutrient-dense foods can help you sustain your results as you reverse SIBO. Learn more about the power of ‘eating the rainbow’ in this enlightening podcast episode with Dr. Deanna Minnich.

Your health journey is as unique as you are. That’s why I recommended working with a functional medicine doctor who will help create a personalized protocol that fits your needs and lifestyle. You can also learn more ways to increase vitality and longevity on my podcast episode with Frank Lipman. 

Navigating Probiotics in SIBO Management

Probiotics will always be a staple when it comes to gut health. Toxins, stress, and a poor diet all contribute to an imbalanced microbiome. If you’re dealing with SIBO, it can be especially difficult to bring balance back to your gut. 

One way to restore a healthy balance is with probiotic supplements. They are ideal for reducing symptoms such as gas, bloating, or constipation. That said, not all probiotics are created equal. Most regular probiotics contain strains that make SIBO worse by colonizing the small intestine. You need soil-based SIBO supplements that will still support your gut flora without adding fuel to the fire. Primal Earth is an ideal choice for those who want to restore a healthy microbiome.

For a more comprehensive approach, check out my SIBO Support Protocol. It contains everything you need to kill off bacteria overgrowth, repair the gut, and replenish your gut flora. Say goodbye to SIBO and hello to wearing your favorite clothes, saying yes to that dinner date, and enjoying your meals once again. If you want to learn more about holistic and integrative ways to Take Back Your Health™, check out my list of podcast episodes here!