Understanding SIBO: When Gut Bacteria Go Rogue
Did you know that the concentration of bacteria in your gut increases dramatically as you move from the stomach to the rectum?
Your digestive tract is home to trillions of microorganisms, and in a healthy gut, these bacteria play essential roles in nutrient absorption, immune function, and protection against harmful invaders.
But when this balance is disrupted, it can have far-reaching effects, from nutrient deficiencies to neurological symptoms.
How Your Gut Defends You
The stomach's low pH acts as a protective gate, killing off dangerous microbes in the food we eat. As we move into the small intestine, beneficial bacteria take on vital roles:
Supporting digestion and nutrient absorption
Producing essential vitamins
Providing immune defence against pathogens
What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
When harmful or non-commensal organisms (i.e. not naturally meant to be there) colonise the small intestine, they throw the system into chaos.
This can lead to:
Food allergies and sensitivities
Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Nutrient deficiencies (B12, iron, fat-soluble vitamins)
Bacterial toxaemia — toxic overload from bacterial waste
Chronic gut inflammation
Disrupted gut motility and slow digestion
What Is SIBO?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) refers to the abnormal presence of bacteria in the small intestine, where levels should be relatively low compared to the colon.
SIBO isn’t just “bloating.” It’s a significant disruption of gut ecology, affecting digestion, nutrient uptake, and even brain function.
What Causes SIBO?
Impaired stomach acid (from medications or stress)
Poor gut motility
Post-infection changes
Structural issues or previous surgeries
Chronic stress or immune suppression
In SIBO, bacteria ferment food prematurely, producing gas in the upper gut and causing:
Bloating
Cramping
Distension
Constipation or diarrhoea (depending on the dominant gas: methane or hydrogen)
Biofilms and Bacterial Protection
Bacteria involved in SIBO often build biofilms — protective layers that shield them from the immune system and antimicrobial treatments. This makes SIBO notoriously difficult to treat without a targeted approach.
SIBO and Mental Health
The effects of SIBO aren’t limited to digestion. Certain bacterial strains release toxic acids and gases (hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulphide) that cross the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream.
This can lead to:
Brain fog
Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Neurological symptoms
It’s a stark reminder that gut health and brain health are deeply intertwined.
The Functional Medicine Approach
At Lantern Clinic, we don’t treat symptoms in isolation. We take a root-cause approach — looking at the whole system to understand why SIBO has occurred and how to rebalance the gut.
We use advanced testing, targeted antimicrobials, nutrition, and gut-healing protocols to restore balance.
Modern microbiome testing can provide valuable information about the pathogenic overgrowth.
Breath testing could be beneficial too.
Diet Tips
Wait for 3- 5 hours between meals for the food to be moved along correctly and digested.
Avoid snacking in between meals.
Avoid whole grains and beans
Use nuts and seeds wisely
Lactose-free dairy if often well tolerated.
Herbal therapies can be very beneficial: ginger supports gut motility and reduces spasms.
Ready to Get to the Root?
If you suspect SIBO or struggle with persistent digestive or mental health symptoms, you're not alone — and there is hope.
