SIBO Treatment in Saskatoon
Persistent bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation can sometimes be caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). But these symptoms can also occur with many other digestive conditions.
At Bridgman Clinical, the first step is to understand why your symptoms are occuring. This may include reviewing your medical history, previous testing, diet, medications and digestive symptoms, and determining whether additional investigation is appropriate.
Our goal is to make the diagnosis as clear as possible and develop a practical, individualized treatment plan.
Could SIBO Be Causing Your Digestive Symptoms?
SIBO occurs when excessive numbers of bacteria are present in the small intestine. These bacteria can ferment carbohydrates and produce gases that contribute to digestive symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with SIBO can include:
Abdominal bloating or visible distension
Excessive gas
Abdominal discomfort or cramping
Diarrhea
Constipation
Changes in bowel habits
Feeling unusually full after eating
Food intolerance or worsening symptoms after certain carbohydrates
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have SIBO. IBS, celiac disease, lactose or fructose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disorders, altered intestinal motility and other digestive conditions can produce similar symptoms.
A Clinical Approach to Digestive Problems
Patients with chronic digestive symptoms often arrive after trying multiple diets, supplements or treatments without understanding what is actually causing the problem.
At Bridgman Clinical, we focus on:
Careful assessment before the treatment
Reviewing previous laboratory testing and medical investigations
Identifying conditions that can mimic SIBO
Evidence-informed treatment options
Practical diet and lifestyle recommendations
Keeping treatment plans as simple as possible
Working alongside your family doctor or specialist when appropriate.
Dr. Bridgman has been in clinical practice since 2010 and has treated more than 10,000 patients, including many people with persistent and complex digestive symptoms.
What is SIBO?
SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It occurs when there are excessive numbers of bacteria in the small intestine, or when bacteria that are normally found mainly in the colon are present in unusually high amounts.
These bacteria can ferment food-especially certain carbohydrates- before they have been fully absorbed. This can produce hydrogen or methane gas and may contribute to bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation or changes in bowel habits.
SIBO is not a single disease. It is usually a consequence of another problem affecting digestion, intestinal movement or the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract.
Why does sibo develop?
SIBO Usually develops because something has changed the normal movement, structure or function of the small intestine.
Common contributing factors can include
Reduced intestinal motility
Previous gastroenteritis or food poisoning
Chronic constipation
Diabetes or other conditions that can affect nerve function
Abdominal surgery or structural changes in the intestine
Medications that alter digestion or intestinal movement
Conditions that affect the normal digestive process
In many patients the important question is not simply “How do we reduce the bacterial overgrowth?” but “Why did it develop in the first place?”
Understanding the underlying cause can help guide treatment and may reduce the risk of symptoms returning.
How is SIBO Diagnosed?
SIBO cannot be diagnosed reliably from symptoms alone. Bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation can occur with many different digestive conditions.
The most common non0invasive test is a hydrogen and methane breath test. After drinking a measured amount of glucose or lactulose, breath samples are collected over several hours to look for gases produced by intestinal microorganisms
Breath testing can be helpful, but the results need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and other investigations. In some cases, additional testing may be appropriate to look for conditions such as celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease or other causes of digestive symptoms.
The goal is not simply to get a positive or negative SIBO test. It is to understand whether SIBO is actually contributing to your symptoms and whether another condition also needs attention.
Conditions that Can Look Like SIBO
Several digestive conditions can cause symptoms that overlap with SIBO. This is one reason it is important not to diagnose SIBO from symptoms alone
Conditions that may produce similar symptoms include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Celiac disease
Lactose or fructose intolerance
Bile acid diarrhea
Pancreatic insufficiency
Inflammatory bowel disease
Constipation with slow intestinal transit
Thyroid disorders
Medications side effects
Other causes of altered digestion or intestinal motility
In some patients, more than one problem is present at the same time. For example, a person may have SIBO along with constipation, celiac disease or another digestive disorder.
The goal of assessment is to determine which conditions are most likely contributing to your symptoms so that treatment is directed at the right problem.
Our Approach to SIBO Treatment
Treatment for SIBO should be individualized. The best approach depends on your symptoms, test results, bowel pattern, medical history and the factors that may have contributed to the problem.
Treatment may include:
Prescription or natural antimicrobial treatment when appropriate
Dietary changes to reduce symptoms while treatment is underway
Support for constipation or impaired intestinal motility
Addressing contributing conditions or medication effects
Reviewing nutrient status when malabsorption is a concern
Reassessing symptoms and testing when needed.
At Bridgman Clinical, the goal is not to put every patient on the same SIBO protocol. Treatment is chosen based on the individual case and kept as simple and practical as possible.
Reducing bacterial overgrowth is only part of the treatment. When possibe, we also look for the reasons SIBO developed, particularly when symptoms have returned after previous treatment.
A clinical approach to digestive problems.
Patients with chronic digestive symptoms often arrive after tying multiple diets, supplements or treatments without understanding what is actually causing the problem.
At Bridgman Clinical, we focus on:
Careful assessment before treatment
Reviewing previous laboratory testing and medical investigations
Identifying conditions that can mimic SIBO
Evidence-informed treatment options
Practical diet and lifestyle recommendations
Keeping treatment plans as simple as possible
Working alongside your family doctor or specialist when appropriate.
Dr. Bridgman has been been in clinical practice since 2010 and has treated more than 10,000 patients, including many with persistent and complex digestive symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about SIBO
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Common symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, changes in bowel habits and feeling unusually full after eating. These symptoms are not specific to SIBO and can occur with other digestive conditions.
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The most common non-invasive test is a hydrogen and methane breath test using glucose or lactulose. Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other investigations.
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Yes. SIBO can be associated with either diarrhea or constipation. Methane production is more commonly associated with constipation and slower intestinal transit.
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SIBO may recur when the underlying problem has not been addressed. Reduced intestinal motility, chronic constipation, structural changes, certain medications and other digestive conditions can all contribute to recurrence.
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Not everyone with SIBO needs a Low FODMAP diet. Dietary changes can sometimes reduce symptoms, but the best approach depends on the individual and should. not necessarily be used long term.
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