Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Chronic bloating, abdominal pain, or “food baby” distention by day’s end aren’t normal—they’re tell-tale signs your small intestine may be hosting far more microbes than nature intended. Research suggests up to 80 percent of people diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO, which is why our team makes getting to the real root cause its first order of business
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What Exactly Is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth occurs when excessive bacteria migrate or expand into the first 15–20 feet of your digestive tract. The result: prematurely fermented food, excess gas production, and an expanding list of gut-and-non-gut complaints—from reflux and diarrhea to joint pain, rashes, and crushing fatigue. The condition is reversible, but only when diagnosis and treatment are as individualized as your microbiome.

Types of SIBO and Their Characteristics

SIBO is categorized based on the type of gas produced during bacterial fermentation. Each subtype presents with different symptoms and requires a different treatment strategy.

Type Gas Produced Common Symptoms Considerations
Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO Hydrogen Bloating, gas, loose stools, or alternating bowel patterns Often caused by overgrowth of fast-fermenting bacteria.
Methane-Dominant Overgrowth (IMO) Methane Chronic constipation, abdominal distention Caused by methane-producing archaea, not technically bacteria, and typically more treatment-resistant.
Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO Hydrogen Sulfide Foul-smelling gas, diarrhea, fatigue Difficult to detect without specialized testing; requires a nuanced treatment approach.

Why SIBO Impacts More Than Digestion

SIBO doesn’t just affect the gut—it can have widespread effects throughout the body. Excess bacteria in the small intestine can interfere with nutrient absorption, damage the gut lining, and trigger chronic inflammation. This can lead to fatigue, mood changes, brain fog, skin flare-ups, and even joint pain. If untreated, SIBO can also contribute to deficiencies in iron, B12, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and amino acids—impacting both energy and immune function.
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Common Signs of SIBO Include:

  • Persistent bloating, especially after meals

  • Excessive gas or belching

  • Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits

  • Nutrient deficiencies or unexplained fatigue

  • Headaches, brain fog, or skin issues

Diagnostic Options at Whole Gut Health

Accurate diagnosis is key. At Whole Gut Health, we use the latest diagnostic tools to identify the presence and type of SIBO.

Testing options may include:

  • Breath Testing using glucose or lactulose substrates to measure hydrogen and methane gas levels.

  • TrioSmart™ Testing, which includes measurement of hydrogen sulfide gas.

  • Functional Lab Work to assess for related nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and digestive enzyme markers.

We select testing protocols based on your symptoms and medical history to ensure accurate and actionable results.

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Our SIBO Treatment Approach

Our Three-Phase SIBO Protocol Includes:

1. Assessment and Root-Cause Identification

  • Comprehensive lab work
  • In-depth intake and history
  • Identification of contributing factors (e.g., motility issues, medication use, previous infections)

2. Targeted Intervention

  • Prescription or herbal antimicrobials based on your SIBO type
  • Methane-producing overgrowths may require combination therapies
  • Elemental diet may be recommended in select cases

3. Rebuilding and Prevention

  • Motility support (including prokinetic agents if necessary)
  • Strategic reintroduction of gut-healing foods
  • Long-term microbiome support to prevent recurrence
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Expert-Led, Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier gut health specialist doctor is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. She is a gut health specialist with training in conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health. She is an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.

At Whole Gut Health, our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and advanced diagnostics. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative lens to give you the clarity and support needed for long-term healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It occurs when there's an abnormal increase in bacteria in the small intestine, where bacterial levels should normally be much lower than in the large intestine.

SIBO is categorized based on the type of gas produced during bacterial fermentation:

Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO

  • Gas produced: Hydrogen
  • Common symptoms: Bloating, gas, loose stools, or alternating bowel patterns
  • Often caused by overgrowth of fast-fermenting bacteria

Methane-Dominant Overgrowth (IMO)

  • Gas produced: Methane
  • Common symptoms: Chronic constipation, abdominal distention
  • Caused by methane-producing archaea (not technically bacteria)
  • Typically more treatment-resistant

Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO

  • Gas produced: Hydrogen Sulfide
  • Common symptoms: Foul-smelling gas, diarrhea, fatigue
  • Difficult to detect without specialized testing
  • Requires a nuanced treatment approach

  • Persistent bloating, especially after meals
  • Excessive gas or belching
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
  • Nutrient deficiencies or unexplained fatigue
  • Headaches or brain fog
  • Skin issues

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Testing options include:

Breath Testing

  • Uses glucose or lactulose substrates
  • Measures hydrogen and methane gas levels

TrioSmart™ Testing

  • Advanced testing that includes measurement of hydrogen sulfide gas
  • Provides comprehensive gas analysis

Functional Lab Work

  • Assesses related nutrient deficiencies
  • Checks for inflammation markers
  • Evaluates digestive enzyme function

Testing protocols are selected based on your specific symptoms and medical history to ensure accurate and actionable results.

Our comprehensive three-phase SIBO protocol includes:

Phase 1: Assessment and Root-Cause Identification

  • Comprehensive lab work
  • In-depth intake and medical history review
  • Identification of contributing factors such as:
    • Motility issues
    • Medication use
    • Previous infections

Phase 2: Targeted Intervention

  • Prescription or herbal antimicrobials based on your specific SIBO type
  • Combination therapies for methane-producing overgrowths
  • Elemental diet may be recommended in select cases

Phase 3: Rebuilding and Prevention

  • Motility support (including prokinetic agents if necessary)
  • Strategic reintroduction of gut-healing foods
  • Long-term microbiome support to prevent recurrence

Each SIBO subtype presents with different symptoms and requires a different treatment strategy. For example:

  • Hydrogen-dominant SIBO may respond well to certain antimicrobials
  • Methane-dominant overgrowth often requires combination therapies and is more treatment-resistant
  • Hydrogen sulfide SIBO needs specialized testing and a nuanced treatment approach

Yes, SIBO can recur if underlying causes aren't addressed. This is why our protocol includes a comprehensive rebuilding and prevention phase that focuses on:

  • Supporting proper gut motility
  • Healing the intestinal lining
  • Maintaining long-term microbiome balance
  • Addressing root causes that led to SIBO initially

At Whole Gut Health, we combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative approach. Our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with deep understanding of:

  • The gut microbiome
  • Advanced diagnostics
  • Personalized treatment protocols based on your specific SIBO type and underlying causes

Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with particular expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.

The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:

  • Review your symptoms and medical history
  • Determine the most appropriate testing strategy
  • Develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs

Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward optimal gut health.

Locations

New York

PHONE

(212) 634 4233

ADDRESS

635 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday - Closed

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday - Closed

Miami

PHONE

(212) 634 4233

ADDRESS

407 Lincoln Rd Suite 10B
Miami Beach, FL 33139

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday - Closed

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - Sunday - Closed

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