SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

SIBO — small intestinal bacterial overgrowth — happens when bacteria that normally belong in the large intestine migrate into and overgrow in the small intestine, where they don’t belong in the same numbers. It’s an increasingly recognised contributor to chronic bloating and digestive symptoms, but it’s a specific medical diagnosis, not something to self-diagnose from symptoms.

Getting diagnosed properly

SIBO is confirmed via a breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane gas produced by bacterial overgrowth after a test drink. If you suspect SIBO based on chronic bloating, digestive discomfort or symptoms that flare with certain foods, the right first step is a breath test rather than assuming and self-treating. The naturopaths here can arrange one through a private laboratory, paid directly to the lab.

Where colonic hydrotherapy fits

For clients with a confirmed SIBO diagnosis who are already working with their doctor or a naturopath on a treatment protocol, some choose colonic hydrotherapy as complementary support — closed-system sessions to help manage bloating and sluggish transit, sometimes alongside a probiotic infusion. Because SIBO treatment protocols vary and can be quite specific, it’s worth discussing timing and suitability with your treating practitioner before adding a colonic into the mix, particularly around infusion choice.

Where to start with SIBO

If you have symptoms suggestive of SIBO but have never been tested, a colonic is not the place to start — but neither is assuming this needs a medical route. SIBO is core naturopathic territory: breath testing, the diet and antimicrobial work that follows, and the motility problem that let it develop in the first place. Every therapist here qualified as a naturopath before training in colonics, so tell us when you enquire and we will point you to a naturopathic consultation that can arrange proper testing rather than book you a session that treats around the problem.

Where a specialist genuinely is needed — severe or worsening abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, or nutrient deficiencies — we will refer you to your GP with a letter setting out our findings and recommendations, and name a gastroenterologist we rate if we have one.

What to expect

We’ll ask about your diagnosis and current treatment plan during pre-session screening, and tailor your session accordingly. This is genuinely complementary support rather than a treatment for SIBO itself.

Related conditions

SIBO shares a lot of overlap with IBS, bloating and candida overgrowth — worth a read if those also sound familiar.