SIBO Symptoms: The Unmistakable Signs (And What to Do Next)
- Tiffany Wooten
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
If you’re plagued by relentless bloating, gas, and abdominal pain that never seems to resolve, you might be searching for "SIBO symptoms" to make sense of your discomfort. You're not alone, and your intuition that something specific is wrong is often correct.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a common yet frequently missed root cause of digestive distress. At Gut Check Austin, we specialize in helping local residents identify and address the underlying triggers of their SIBO symptoms, moving beyond temporary relief to lasting gut health.
What is SIBO? A Quick Overview
SIBO occurs when there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. Unlike the large intestine, which is designed to host a diverse range of bacteria, the small intestine typically has relatively low levels. When these bacteria proliferate, they ferment carbohydrates, producing gas, which leads to a cascade of classic symptoms of SIBO.
The Top 7 SIBO Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
While everyone is different, the following signs are the most common indicators of a potential SIBO infection.
1. The "Pregnant" Bloating
This isn't just feeling a little full. We're talking about significant, often painful abdominal distension that happens within 60-90 minutes after eating. This is one of the hallmark SIBO symptoms.
2. Excessive Gas (Belching and Flatulence)
The bacteria in your small intestine produce hydrogen and/or methane gas as they ferment food. This leads to embarrassing and uncomfortable gas that can be relentless.
3. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
The physical stretching of the intestines from gas and inflammation can cause significant pain and cramping, often relieved (temporarily) by a bowel movement.
4. Altered Bowel Habits: Diarrhea (IBS-D) or Constipation (IBS-C)
SIBO is a major driver of IBS diagnoses.
Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO: Often linked to diarrhea.
Methane-Dominant SIBO (now called IMO): Often linked to constipation.
5. Food Intolerances, Especially to FODMAPs
If you find yourself reacting to foods like onions, garlic, beans, and certain fruits, it's a major red flag. The bacteria in your small intestine feast on these fermentable carbs, worsening your SIBO symptoms.
6. Nutrient Deficiencies
The bacterial overgrowth can damage the lining of the small intestine and interfere with absorption, leading to deficiencies in key nutrients like Iron, B12, and Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K). This can manifest as fatigue, brain fog, and weak hair/nails.
7. Nausea and Acid Reflux
An overgrowth can disrupt the entire migratory motor complex (MMC)—your gut's "cleaning wave"—and contribute to sluggish digestion, leading to nausea and reflux.
"I Have These SIBO Symptoms... Now What?"
Recognizing the signs is the first step. The next, most critical step is getting an accurate diagnosis. Many people in Austin spend years going from doctor to doctor without a clear answer.
> The problem with guessing: Because SIBO symptoms overlap with other conditions like Candida, parasites, and Leaky Gut, treating it blindly can be ineffective and frustrating.
The Gut Check Austin Approach: From SIBO Symptoms to Root Cause Resolution
At Gut Check Austin, we don't just assume it's SIBO; we investigate. Our comprehensive approach ensures we identify not just if you have SIBO, but why it developed in the first place.
Our Gold Standard Tool: The GI Map Stool Test
While breath tests for SIBO exist, the GI Map stool test provides a much broader and more insightful picture. It helps us:
Identify Co-infections: Rule out or confirm concurrent issues like parasites or H. pylori that can mimic or worsen SIBO symptoms.
Assess Digestive Function: See how well you're producing digestive enzymes and breaking down food.
Check Immune Activity: Look at markers like Secretory IgA to understand your gut's immune response.
Get a Complete Microbiome Picture: See the balance of all your gut bacteria, not just those in the small intestine.
This data allows us to create a personalized treatment protocol that doesn't just "kill the bugs" but helps restore your gut's natural balance and prevent relapse.
Ready to Move Beyond Your SIBO Symptoms?
If you're in the Austin area, or beyond, and tired of guessing what's wrong with your gut, we are here to help you find the answers.
👉 Learn About the GI Map Test – Discover why our advanced diagnostic approach is the key to unlocking your gut health. View our 20-minute webinar covering the GI-MAP stool test here.
👉 Schedule a FREE Consultation – Book a one-on-one session with our Austin-based gut health experts to review your history and create a personalized testing and treatment plan.
Don't let bloating and pain control your life. Let's work together to get to the root cause.
Comments