How To Get Rid of SIBO For Good

There’s nothing worse than feeling so bloated you can’t fit into your favorite clothes. You’re embarrassed by the foul-smelling gas you’re passing, and you’re so constipated to have to reach for a laxative just to find relief. If that’s you, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)— a form of intestinal bacterial overgrowth that disrupts digestion and causes uncomfortable symptoms. SIBO is a digestive condition where there is a bacterial imbalance in your small intestines. This can lead to all kinds of problems. If you want to know how to get rid of SIBO for good, I can help. 

You may have tried different approaches to fixing your digestive problems. Yet, to your frustration, nothing seems to work long-term. There are several reasons for this, which I’ll get into momentarily. The good news is that you can reverse even the most stubborn case of SIBO. I’ve used this same science-backed approach to help thousands of people overcome their digestive woes for good. Not only does it include certain diet changes, but it also incorporates targeted supplements. 

Many people struggle with SIBO symptoms and don’t even know it. If you have a preexisting gut condition such as Celiac disease, Chron’s disease, or IBD, you’re more likely to develop SIBO (1).  Before I share my exact protocol, let’s go over the most common signs and symptoms. 

What Are the First Signs of SIBO?

I like to think of the human body as a rainforest. Several ecosystems are operating at the same time, and each affects one another. What happens in your gut affects your mood, hormones, and immune system. If one system gets thrown off, it affects the other systems. Your gut contains trillions of living organisms that influence everyday body functions. However, when there is too much bacteria in your small intestines, it can cause problems.

Some of the first signs of SIBO include issues such as:

• Bloating

• Gas

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain and discomfort

• Food intolerances

• Histamine intolerance

• Fat malabsorption

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Skin rashes or sensitivities

• Chronic or autoimmune diseases

While some of these signs are immediate, others can appear over time. This is why it’s so important to address gut health right away. I want to note that these signs can also point to other gut conditions as well. 

For example, you may have a common condition known as a leaky gut. This is when there is damage to the mucosal lining in your intestines. A leaky gut allows undigested food particles into your bloodstream, signaling an immune response that triggers inflammation. This inflammation can show up in your skin, joints, and digestive tract. Learn more about the man who discovered a leaky gut in this fascinating podcast episode with Dr. Alessio Fasano. 

I know people who have wasted so much time, money, and energy trying to heal their gut without knowing the real root cause. Do yourself a favor and get tested for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Additionally, you may be dealing with multiple conditions, so it’s important to test yourself. 

Once you have a diagnosis, you may be wondering how you got SIBO in the first place. Let’s take a look at some of the root causes. 

Root Causes of SIBO

Knowing how to get rid of SIBO for good requires uncovering the root causes. Some of these root causes might surprise you. Let me explain.

• Low stomach acid: Your stomach produces acid to digest food and defend against pathogens. If your stomach isn’t producing enough acid, it doesn’t digest food as efficiently as it could. It can also encourage harmful bacteria to slip past your stomach and into your intestines. 

• Slow gut motility: Food that doesn’t pass through your digestive system quickly enough can begin to ferment. Those with slow or impaired gut motility can contribute to chronic digestive disorders such as IBS and SIBO (2).

• Past infections, food poisoning, or gut imbalances: Medications such as steroids, antibiotics, or acid-reducers can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut. This often encourages harmful bacteria species to multiply and take over. 

• Poor diet and high sugar intake: If you eat a lot of sugary or carb-rich foods, you increase your risk for SIBO. Gluten, dairy, and sugar irritate your gut. They also don’t provide the prebiotics your gut needs to thrive. In addition, sugar feeds candida yeast. This can further disrupt a healthy balance of gut bacteria. 

• Chronic stress affecting digestion: When you feel stressed, your body produces cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones put your gut in “fight-or-flight” mode, slowing digestion. Chronic stress may influence motility speed and stomach acid production, which link to SIBO.

Diagnostic Approaches for SIBO

The beauty of functional medicine testing is that it allows you to look closer at what’s really going on. Testing can help determine the root causes of SIBO. They can also help create a personalized protocol. 

Breath Test

The gold standard for SIBO testing is a breath test. This type of test measures the amount of hydrogen and methane gas in your breath. There are several ways to perform this test. One way is to breathe into a special balloon. Another way is to breathe into small glass tubes over the course of several hours. Your doctor can then measure the amounts of gases present. This helps determine whether there’s an imbalance in the gut or not. 

Stool Test

A comprehensive stool test can detect several types of gut infections. This can be very helpful, especially if you also have Candida overgrowth or parasites. This type of test takes a close look at the flora of your intestines. Elevated levels of only beneficial bacteria are a good SIBO indicator. 

Dysbiosis Test

This type of urine test looks for organic acids produced by yeast or bacteria in the small intestines. Those with SIBO usually test positive for these organic acids such as cresol and hydroxyphenylacetate.

Small Intestine Fluid Culture

Also known as jejunal aspiration, this type of test collects samples of fluid from the small intestine to test what types of bacteria are present. 

While these tests are incredibly helpful, many aren’t covered by insurance. That said, talk with your functional medicine practitioner about what options are available to you. Some of these tests, such as the stool test, may also be limited in their diagnostic scope. Always opt for the most comprehensive tests available to get a full picture of your health. 

How to Get Rid of SIBO Naturally

If you want lasting relief, the best way to address SIBO is from a functional medicine perspective. By seeing the body as an interconnected system, we can support the immune and gut at the same time. 

Starve the Bacteria—Dietary Changes for SIBO

If your digestive system isn’t breaking food down properly, there’s a good chance it will begin to ferment in your intestines. This is a prime environment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. 

The first step is to starve the bacteria by eliminating all foods fermented. Think of foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir. On that note, I recommend avoiding all dairy products entirely. 

You may have heard of the FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Examples of high FODMAP foods include onions, garlic, and legumes. Avoid gluten as well since it’s known to trigger an inflammatory response in some people.

Additionally, stay away from all processed foods. Filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives, these foods exacerbate an already tired immune system. Alcohols such as beer and wine undergo a fermentation process. This can further feed candida and SIBO.

Understanding how to get rid of SIBO includes embracing foods that promote optimal balance in the gut. This includes swapping for more nutrient-dense foods. Learn more about the power of nutrient bioavailability on this podcast episode with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne.  

Those on the AutoImmune Spectrum™ or following The Myers Way® should stick to lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. For quality protein, I recommend grass-fed, pasture-raised beef, chicken, or pork. Wild-caught salmon is also rich in omega-3 and lean protein. You can also add my delicious protein powders to smoothies or baked goods for extra nutrition.  Bone broth is another gut-nourishing food. Packed with collagen proteins, it’s a superstar when it comes to gut lining repair. 

You can get the gut support you need with my SIBO Support Protocol – a comprehensive supplement bundle designed to support digestion, fight bacterial overgrowth, and restore gut health.

Eradicate Bacterial Overgrowth

The next step in knowing how to get rid of SIBO is to eliminate the overproduction of bad bacteria. The best way to do this is with herbs and natural antimicrobials. 

Some of the best natural inhibitors of unwanted microorganisms include oregano oil, berberine, allicin, and caprylic acid. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, strong antimicrobial compounds that inhibit bacterial and fungal growth (3). Similarly, caprylic acid contains bioactive compounds that destroy bacterial cell membranes, disabling function (4).

Instead of taking several different supplements, take one that has them all! I created Microb-Clear® to help fight against stubborn pathogens. This physician-formulated blend of botanicals targets bacterial overgrowth. It also has black walnut and wormwood to prevent recurrence.

It’s also important to support digestion with enzymes. Enzymes help break down food more efficiently. This reduces the likelihood of fermentation as it travels through the small intestine.

If you have SIBO, take two capsules of my Complete Enzymes 10 minutes before each meal. The broad spectrum helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This eases the digestive process and reduces bloating. If you have methane-dominant SIBO, you may experience a lot of constipation. Adding can help.

Oftentimes, stubborn biofilms are the reason you can’t get rid of SIBO. Biofilms are similar to a small community. Microbes attach to your gut wall and create sticky substances to protect themselves from your immune system. If you have chronic candida or SIBO, you likely have biofilms.

Using a Biofilm Disruptor can help break down these sticky protective walls. That leaves bacteria exposed to the powerful effects of natural antimicrobials. When using a biofilm disruptor, be sure to pair it with a binder. My Charcoal Binder Complete contains fulvic acids, spirulina, and charcoal to trap and remove pathogens, toxins, and bacteria from the body. 

Repair and Restore Gut Health

Now that we’re getting the harmful bacteria out of the way, it’s time to repair the damage. L-glutamine, aloe vera, and zinc are important nutrients to repairing the gut lining. Leaky Gut Revive® uses L-glutamine to repair the gut lining. It also uses marshmallow root, licorice, and slippery elm to soothe, heal, and reduce inflammation.

Next, we need to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria. Avoid probiotics with lactobacillus strains in them. Instead, choose a soil-based probiotic to restore balance without triggering SIBO symptoms.

Finally, encourage healthy gut motility to prevent recurrence. Magnesium can help. I like to soak in Epsom salts to encourage regular bowel movements.

Prevent SIBO from Coming Back

Once you know how to get rid of SIBO, you want to keep it from coming back. Incorporating a few lifestyle changes can promote gut health now and in the future.

If you deal with chronic stress, find ways to relax your nervous system. I like to practice mindful meditation or breathing techniques. In my podcast with Dr. Shauna Shapiro, we discuss how mindfulness and meditation can help cultivate greater happiness.  

Exercise can also help stimulate healthy bowels and prevent slow motility. Stretching, walking, or swimming can be fun and relaxing - a double win! 

If you’ve never tried intermittent fasting before, you should. Spacing meals out four to five hours between meals can prevent bacterial fermentation. It can also help reverse DNA changes that speed up aging. I talk about this more on my podcast episode with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald.  

Be aware of your diet and avoid any trigger foods. Consider an elimination diet or The Myers Way® to help you eat for optimal gut health. Continue using digestive enzymes and probiotic supplements to maintain balance. 

If SIBO is the reason you have nutrient deficiencies, The Myers Way® Multivitamin is a must-have. This comprehensive multivitamin supports nutrient absorption and prevents deficiencies caused by SIBO.

The Myers Way® SIBO Support Protocol

I understand how frustrating SIBO can be. With the right SIBO treatment approach, you can overcome this frustrating condition and reclaim your health for good. My SIBO Support Protocol provides a strategic combination of supplements and resources designed to rebalance the gut naturally. 

This protocol includes Microb-Clear® and Coconut Charcoal to break down and trap toxins in the gut. Once the bacteria are gone, you repair the gut barrier with  Leaky Gut Revive®. In addition, it includes ImmunIG with antigens that trap gut irritants and fortify a strong gut barrier. My classic vanilla-flavored protein powder contains premium collagen peptides to nourish and repair gut cells. It also contains Complete Enzymes for maintenance and prevention. 

Along with targeted SIBO supplements, this protocol includes resources to help you navigate your SIBO journey. From detailed menus to easy-to-follow shopping guides, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips!

Make sure to surround yourself with a support group. Find a friend or loved one to share your struggles and successes with. Community makes a big difference in our health and well-being. Aim to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to help your body cleanse and reset. 

Find Relief With Dedicated Experts

SIBO can be one of the most challenging gut conditions out there. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth not only causes uncomfortable symptoms but can also lead to chronic disease. Thankfully, there’s a solution. If you’re wondering how to get rid of SIBO for good, it’s vital to have testing done to confirm your suspicions.

Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can begin making the necessary changes. Stop eating foods that feed the bad bacteria. Avoid alcohol, sugar, dairy, and gluten. Instead, eat more lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables.

Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Make it fun! Incorporate relaxation into your day to reduce stress. Finally, use a SIBO Support Protocol designed to stop SIBO in its tracks. Formulated with cutting-edge supplements, this comprehensive guide will help you beat SIBO for good. For more inspiration on healing from chronic gut infections, tune into this podcast episode with my guest best-selling author, Danielle Walker. In it, she shares about her diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis, and how diet and lifestyle helped heal her.