Holistic SIBO Specialist

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the population of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine has a relatively low number of bacteria compared to the large intestine. However, in SIBO, bacteria from the large intestine migrate upwards and multiply in the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms and inflammation.

The bacteria in the small intestine can ferment carbohydrates and produce excessive amounts of gas, causing symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence. SIBO can also interfere with the absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition, deficiencies and low energy.

A SIBO breath test is done to diagnose the condition. The most common method for testing is the lactulose breath test. During this test, a lactulose solution is ingested, after which breath samples are taken at regular intervals to measure the levels of hydrogen and methane gases. Increased levels of these gases indicate the presence of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. This test is done at home and the test kit is sent back to the lab for analysis via post.

Treatment for SIBO involves a combination of dietary changes and antibiotics or herbal antimicrobial supplements. Antibiotics like rifaximin or metronidazole are commonly prescribed to kill the excess bacteria. Alternatively, antimicrobial herbal supplements such as oregano, berberine, allicin and neem are used.  Dietary changes, such as a low FODMAP or low carbohydrate diet are recommended to help manage symptoms during treatment. Correct diagnosis and treatment as well as addressing the underlying cause of SIBO is important to prevent a SIBO relapse.

It varies from person to person depending on the root cause of the symptoms and how long you’ve had IBS/digestive symptoms. Symptom reduction can usually be seen within a few weeks of changing your diet and taking the recommended supplements, however, lasting improvements can sometimes take 6-12 months or more. I will provide you with guidance on how to continue working on your gut health longer term after the sessions ends.

No, supplements and tests are additional costs to the package.

A SIBO breath test costs around £150 with my discount and a comprehensive private stool test costs around £310. Thyroid function test is typically £86. These are not mandatory tests, but they can be very helpful in providing us with information on the specific imbalances that we need to target. Supplement programmes range between £50-100 per month. However, I am happy to accommodate lower budgets.

I provide a dietary framework to follow and recommend avoiding specific trigger foods, however, I don’t believe in perfection or deprivation. I help clients find enjoyable alternatives to their favourite foods and always apply the 80:20 rule – follow the diet 80% and allow 20% wiggle room for eating out and treats!

No, not necessarily. The low FODMAP/fermentation diet isn’t a “forever” diet and should only be used therapeutically for symptom reduction whilst addressing the root cause of your gut health troubles. I help clients identify trigger foods that may need to be avoided or reduced longer term but I am a strong advocate of eating a varied and enjoyable diet.

Yes, that’s no problem. I am happy to work around holidays and other commitments. You can still follow the recommendations on holiday or stagger the programme to accommodate time away from home. I provide guidance on how to eat out and enjoy food like a “normal” person”!

Potentially yes – if SIBO is the root cause of your symptoms and food reactions. If clearing SIBO does not resolve the majority of your symptoms, then I will discuss investigating other root causes which could include other infections or toxicity, leaky gut, nervous system dysregulation and autoimmunity.

When we begin treating (killing) bacterial overgrowth or gut dysbiosis, toxins can be released into the gut. For some individuals, this can result in a worsening of symptoms initially such as loose bowel movements, more bloating, headaches and flu-like symptoms. This should only be short term and I provide recommendations to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a detox reaction.

I predominantly use herbal supplements to target SIBO and other gut imbalances. However, I also use SIBO antibiotics with some clients that don’t get on well with herbs or prefer the antibiotic approach. The antibiotics have to be prescribed by a gastroenterologist or private doctor and I have a referral network for obtaining the antibiotics.  

The package includes reasonable email support between sessions for example two emails per week with quick-fire questions about the diet, supplements and recommendations. New symptoms, test recommendations and further research need to be discussed at the next follow-up.

Nutritional therapy is not covered by private health insurance as it is a complimentary therapy. Therefore, I am unable to accept health insurance.

You can view the refund policy within the Practitioner-Client Terms of Engagement here.