IBS and SIBO: Understanding the Connection and Finding Relief

Digestive symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhoea are incredibly common, yet often misunderstood. Many people are diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and told to “manage stress” or “avoid trigger foods,” without deeper investigation. For some, the missing piece may be SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).

Understanding the difference between SIBO and IBS and how they overlap can be a turning point in healing chronic digestive symptoms.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder. This means there are symptoms without obvious structural damage seen on standard tests.

Common IBS symptoms include:

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Constipation (IBS-C)

• Diarrhoea (IBS-D)

• Alternating constipation and diarrhoea (IBS-M)

• Urgency or incomplete bowel movements

IBS is often linked to:

• Nervous system dysregulation

• Stress and anxiety

• Gut-brain axis imbalance

• Food sensitivities

• Post-infectious gut changes

IBS is very real but it’s often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it’s given when other causes haven’t been found.

What is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine overgrow into the small intestine.

The small intestine is not designed to hold large amounts of bacteria. When overgrowth occurs, those bacteria ferment carbohydrates too early in digestion, producing excess gas.

This can lead to:

• Significant bloating (often worse as the day progresses)

• Excess wind or belching

• Abdominal discomfort

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

• Nutrient deficiencies

How is SIBO Diagnosed?

SIBO can be diagnosed via a breath testing that measures hydrogen and methane gases on the breath and can be ordered through Maine Wellness.

The SIBO–IBS Connection

Research suggests that a significant percentage (up to 80%) of people diagnosed with IBS may actually have underlying SIBO.

In some cases:

• IBS symptoms improve once SIBO is treated

• SIBO may develop after gastroenteritis (“post-infectious IBS”)

• Chronic stress and slowed gut motility increase SIBO risk

• There are many factors that may contribute to the development of SIBO, to name a few..

  • Many rounds of antibiotics or long term antibiotics use

  • Abdominal surgery

  • Endometriosis

  • Poor diet, processed foods, excessive alcohol

  • Thyroid conditions

  • Some types of autoimmune conditions

  • Ehlers Danlos syndrome and hyper-mobility

  • Some types of chronic infections

  • Pregnancy and hormonal changes

    
    

This is why persistent bloating, especially if it feels excessive or disproportionate, deserves further exploration.

Why Stress Plays a

Major Role

Both IBS and SIBO are heavily influenced by the nervous system.

When the body is in chronic fight-or-flight mode:

• Digestive enzyme production decreases

• Gut motility slows or becomes irregular

• The migrating motor complex (the gut’s “cleaning wave”) weakens

• Bacterial overgrowth becomes more likely

The gut and brain are deeply connected. Healing often requires supporting both.

A Holistic Approach to SIBO and IBS

At Maine Wellness, we view digestive health through a whole-body lens. Management may include:

1. Nervous System Regulation

Acupuncture can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, support motility, and reduce stress-driven digestive symptoms.

2. Dietary Guidance

Short-term dietary strategies such as Bi-Phasic SIBO diet can reduce symptoms while underlying causes are addressed. Food intolerances can also be identified and treated

3. Gut Motility Support, Antimicrobial Treatment with herbs and supplements

Improving motility and treating the bacterial overgrowth with antimicrobial herbs and supplements is key to treating SIBO effectively. Other nutraceuticals can also help to repair the gut lining, reduce leaky gut and improve food intolerances

4. Stress Reduction

Massage therapy, breath work, and lifestyle adjustments help calm the gut-brain axis.

5. Personalised Care

Each person’s gut story is different. Sustainable healing focuses on restoring balance, treating underlying causes and not just suppressing symptoms.

Signs It May Be More Than “Just IBS”

Consider investigating SIBO if you experience:

• Severe bloating within 30–90 minutes of eating

• Bloating that makes you look pregnant by evening

• IBS symptoms that don’t respond to standard treatments

• Brain fog or unexplained fatigue

• Recurring symptoms after food poisoning

Final Thoughts

IBS is common, but that doesn’t mean ongoing digestive discomfort is something you have to live with.

For some people, SIBO may be an underlying contributor. For others, nervous system dysregulation plays the biggest role. Often, it’s a combination.

The good news! The gut is adaptable and responsive when supported correctly.

With the right approach, addressing stress, gut motility and nutrition can lead to meaningful improvement and symptoms can resolve.

If you are experiencing gut symptoms or IBS and think you might have SIBO then book a consultation with Dr Lee at Maine Wellness. You don't need to live with the discomfort! In person or telehealth consultations are available online