In the US millions of people suffer from various intestinal conditions, including Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This condition is often misdiagnosed, but research has attributed SIBO as being one of the leading causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). At Champion Naturopathic Health, Dr. Nate Champion has extensive experience treating SIBO and other intestinal conditions such as IBS. If you’re dealing with stomach discomfort of any kind, it’s always a good idea to schedule an examination with a doctor such as Dr. Champion at Champion Naturopathic Health.
What is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?
SIBO results from excessive bacteria growth in the small intestine. This excess bacteria can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, including:
• Diarrhea
• Malabsorption
• Unintentional weight loss
• Osteoporosis
Originally, SIBO was thought only to affect a limited number of people. Still, as testing has become more available, doctors now believe this condition is more prevalent than initially thought.
3 Types of SIBO
There are three primary types of SIBO, which include:
1. Hydrogen (H2) SIBO
2. Methane (CH4) SIBO – Also known as Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO)
3. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) SIBO
Causes of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
There have been a number of causes linked to SIBO, a few of which include:
• Food Poisoning
• Medications
• Surgery/Injury
• Stress
• SIBO is also associated with more than 40 underlying pathologies/medical conditions
SIBO Diagnosis
Diagnosing SIBO can be difficult, mainly using traditional medical tests and procedures. At Champion Naturopathic Health, we use lactulose breath testing to help diagnose this condition. It’s important to remember that diagnosing SIBO based on clinical symptoms alone can be difficult because it shares symptoms with many other health conditions.
Treatment for SIBO
Treating SIBO often requires a multifactorial approach where we, as Naturopathic doctors, look at you as the whole person to help get to the root cause of your issues. Below are some of the treatment methods we’ve used to help treat patients dealing with SIBO:
• Dietary modifications
• Herbal antimicrobial supplements
• Elemental diet
• Addressing other underlying imbalances and yeast/fungal overgrowth
Dr. Nate Champion has years of experience diagnosing and treating SIBO. He is an expert at treating digestive disorders, especially SIBO, IBS, Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. Dr. Champion and his team will take a comprehensive approach to help you find relief from these often-debilitating intestinal conditions.
Dr. Nate Champion and his team can run a variety of functional medicine testing to identify the root cause of your SIBO. Some of the tests we may suggest running include:
• Lactulose Breath Testing
• Comprehensive Stool Testing
• Food Sensitivity Testing
• Bloodwork
• Customized nutritional supplementation
• Dietary/Nutritional Counseling & Modification
• Lifestyle Strategies
• Stress Management
Interested in an Individualized Treatment Plan Specific to You?
At Champion Naturopathic Health, we will always do our best to provide the most individualized and comprehensive treatment plan for your condition. Dr. Champion has seen great results using a functional approach to SIBO treatment. Call our office today at (952) 417-1912 to schedule an appointment.
Testimonial from Champion Naturopathic Health Patient Alli Black
Working with Dr. Champion has been such a huge blessing in my life! Prior to meeting with him, I struggled for years and years and years with digestive woes that no one seemed to be able to diagnose. Throughout those years, I was tested for food allergies, gallbladder function, ulcers, kidney stones, autoimmune issues, colon issues, and more – all for my test results to come back with no issues or flags. I met multiple times with gastroenterologists who, because they were never able to find an answer for me, basically gave up on me and stopped listening. Knowing that I couldn’t continue to live my life with as many symptoms as I was experiencing, I started my journey with Dr. Champion. With some easy testing, I was quickly diagnosed with SIBO (which, was NEVER discussed anywhere prior to coming here) and started a treatment plan ASAP. I would be lying if I said the treatment plan was easy, because it takes some work and some time to heal but now that I am on the other side I am SO SO SO thrilled and beyond thankful that I went on this journey. Never in my life have I ever felt this good. Healing all of my gut issues not only helped making eating food and traveling more enjoyable again but has helped me feel so much more energized AND I have rarely been sick with any other issues – colds, flu, etc. I honestly struggled for such a long time before this, that I didn’t know it was possible to feel this good.
In addition to healing my gut, I just so sincerely appreciate how I was treated as a patient here. Dr. Champion takes the time to really listen to your individual story, is empathetic and super caring. On my personal journey, finding someone that cared this much and took time to listen was rare.
I would highly recommend meeting with Dr. Champion for any and all digestive issues. It was a TOTAL game changer for me! I have already recommended so many friends and will continue to do so.
