SIBO/SIFO Can Cause IBS
SIBO or SIFO has been found to cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and related symptoms. Effective therapy and symptom alleviation from IBS depends on determining the underlying causes of the condition. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) are two possible causes of IBS.
With SIBO or SIFO, it’s not just about what’s in your gut, it’s where it is. When bacteria or fungus migrate into the small intestine, they ferment food before it’s fully digested, leading to early-onset bloating, cramping, and either constipation or diarrhea. Many of our patients describe symptoms that worsen within 30–60 minutes of eating. This is a classic red flag for small intestinal overgrowth. With the right breath testing and targeted antimicrobial or antifungal protocols, we’ve helped countless patients reverse the root cause of their IBS and finally find relief.
To help patients at PEAK reach optimal digestive health, we specialize in identifying and treating various root causes of IBS, including SIBO and SIFO.
What Is The Difference Between SIBO & SIFO?
SIBO and SIFO disorders are distinguished by an excessive proliferation of bacteria within the small intestine. Despite their similarities, they diverge in the kind of microorganism involved (bacteria vs. fungal). SIBO occurs when bacterial growth occurs in the small intestine, while SIFO occurs when fungi overgrow in the small intestine.
How Does SIBO/SIFO Cause IBS?
SIBO and SIFO can cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by causing the gut microbe to become unbalanced. The small intestine’s overabundance of bacteria or fungus can result in inflammation, malabsorption, a large amount of gas the gut produces, and irregular gut processing. All of these symptoms are caused simply by irregular bacteria and fungi in the small intestine.
How To Diagnose SIBO/SIFO
Specific tests can accurately diagnose if you have SIBO or SIFO:
- Breath Test for SIBO: The lactulose or glucose breath test is a frequently used diagnostic technique for SIBO. Breath samples are taken over time to evaluate hydrogen and methane levels, which indicate bacterial expansion after patients consume a sugar solution.
- Stool and Blood Tests for SIFO: Blood tests screen for systemic fungal infections, and stool tests determine fungal overgrowth when diagnosing SIFO. An endoscopy and a small intestine biopsy could be required in specific circumstances.
How To Treat IBS Caused By SIBO/SIFO
Our goal at PEAK Integrative Medicine is to treat SIBO and SIFO by targeting the root cause in order to improve gut health and reduce symptoms associated with IBS. Among the treatment methods are:
- Antibiotics and Antifungals: Antifungal drugs are administered for SIFO in order to eradicate excess fungus, whereas targeted antibiotics are used to lessen bacterial overgrowth in SIBO.
- Dietary Adjustments: Dietary adjustments are essential for the management of SIBO and SIFO. Restricting fermentable carbs with a low-FODMAP diet can help lessen symptoms. Furthermore, diets designed specifically to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi are advised.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: While prebiotics supply the essential nutrients for beneficial bacteria to flourish, probiotics can aid in reestablishing a healthy balance of gut flora. These dietary supplements enhance digestion and promote general gut health.
- Steps To Healing Your Gut: Long-term treatment requires maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. Supplements that support gut healing and lower inflammation, such as glutamine, zinc carnosine, and other minerals, may be a part of this.
- Lifestyle and Stress Management: Stress has a negative effect on gut health and can intensify symptoms of IBS. Overall well-being may be improved using stress-reduction techniques, including mindfulness, exercise, and getting enough sleep.
What This Article Does and Does Not Mean
When we say SIBO or SIFO causes IBS, we do not mean that all irritable bowel syndrome is caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth. There are many different root causes of IBS worth considering based on your symptoms and health history.
What we are saying is that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, known as SIBO, and small intestinal fungal overgrowth, known as SIFO, may possibly be contributing to IBS-like symptoms in some patients. If you have classic IBS symptoms that don’t improve with simple IBS suggestions, it may be important to consider this.
This article seeks to help you better understand the possible connection between SIBO, SIFO and IBS symptoms. This is not intended to diagnose bacterial or fungal overgrowth, to replace medical testing, or to mean that every person with IBS needs antibiotics, antifungals, supplements, or a restrictive diet. The right approach depends on your symptoms, health history, previous testing, medications, diet, motility, immune function, and your overall gut health.
At PEAK Integrative Medicine, we help our patients see the bigger picture. If SIBO or SIFO may be contributing to your IBS symptoms, we may consider your digestive history, the timing of your symptoms, history of previous infections or antibiotic use, and other root contributors before building you a personalized plan for your gut health.
Contact PEAK Integrative Medicine
Our goal at PEAK Integrative Medicine is to determine the root cause of your IBS and provide a plan that helps you reach PEAK health. Contact us today to begin your path to improved general health and digestive wellness.
Understanding and treating SIBO and SIFO can significantly improve your quality of life and help you manage your IBS. Get professional advice and assistance from PEAK Integrative Medicine on your path to PEAK health.
IBS & SIBO/SIFO FAQ
Can SIBO cause IBS symptoms?
SIBO may be a factor in IBS-like symptoms in some patients. Too much bacteria in the small intestine can cause bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, food reactions, and changes in digestion. However, not all IBS is caused by SIBO. It’s important to think about symptoms in the context of the whole health history of the patient.
Can SIFO cause IBS symptoms?
SIFO says some patients with IBS-like symptoms may have an excess of fungal organisms in the small intestine. Symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and food sensitivity. SIFO is considered harder to diagnose than SIBO in some cases, and you should not diagnose it because of symptoms alone.
How do you treat IBS caused by SIBO or SIFO?
Treatment depends on the suspected overgrowth, the patient’s symptoms, and the underlying contributors. A plan may include targeted antimicrobials or antifungals, dietary changes, digestive support, gut lining support, probiotics or prebiotics when appropriate, motility support, stress management, and nutrition support. PEAK’s goal is to not only reduce overgrowth but to improve the gut environment that may have allowed symptoms to develop in the first place.
Does everyone with IBS need SIBO or SIFO testing?
No, not everyone with IBS needs SIBO or SIFO testing. The tests that are done depend on the person’s symptoms, risk factors, medical history, prior care, and whether the symptoms suggest that a bacterial or fungal overgrowth might be present. Some patients may require basic IBS support first, whereas others may benefit from deeper gut health evaluation.