Small Intestinal Bacterial
Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria present in the small intestine. Rather than being caused by a single type of bacteria, SIBO involves an overgrowth of various bacterial species that are typically found in the colon, but their migration to the small bowel can lead to a range of digestive issues.
This bacterial overgrowth can significantly disrupt the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients by damaging the mucosal lining of the small intestine, leading to a condition known as leaky gut. This, in turn, can result in decreased nutrient absorption and inflammation.
Furthermore, the byproducts resulting from the bacterial breakdown of food can trigger episodes of loose stools, as well as other symptoms, highlighting the intricate relationship between gut health and overall well-being.

SIBO Risk Factors
- Ulcerrative Coilits
- Crohns Disease
- Celiac disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis/Pancreatitis
- Medications
- Oral Health
- Sinus Infection
- Low Stomach Acid
SIBO Symptoms
- Constipation
- Distended Gut
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Loose Stools
- GERD
- Anxiety/Depression
- Stomach Distension
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Excessive Gas
Book a free 15 minute discovery call
Common SIBO Symptoms
- Joint Pain
- Digestive Issues
- Connective Tissue Pain
- Brain Fog
- Thyroid Issues
- Aniexty/Depression
- Skin Issues (Psoriasis, Rosacea)
- Chronic Fatigue
- Sleep Dysregulation
- Unexplained Symptoms
SIBO Breath Testing
The diagnostic criterion considered for detecting Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is the Breath Test. This test involves administering a substrate after the patient has followed a non-fermentable diet for 24 hours. Breath samples are collected every 20 minutes for a total of 3 hours after the substrate has been administered, and the concentration of hydrogen and methane gases is measured in each sample. If there is a significant increase or an overall elevated level of either of these gases, it indicates bacterial fermentation of the sugar, leading to a positive diagnosis of SIBO.
While other tests, such as stool analysis, may provide supplementary markers for SIBO, they are not considered true diagnostic tests for this condition. The Breath Test remains the primary diagnostic tool for accurately detecting Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.
Our objective is to aid you in achieving optimal health and wellbeing.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Treatment
Resolving Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) typically requires a multifaceted approach involving a series of steps. Initially, the digestive tract environment must be reset using either natural or pharmaceutical antimicrobial agents, in conjunction with dietary and nutraceutical therapies to restore gut health and minimize the risk of future recurrence.
While various diets, such as the low FODMAP diet, have been found to be incredibly effective in managing SIBO symptoms, it is crucial to remember that the root cause of the problem lies in the interaction between the gut ecosystem and food. Consequently, any dietary intervention should be considered a short-term solution. Relying solely on a diet as a long-term strategy fails to address the underlying issue, which is why many patients continue to experience recurring symptoms.
What sets The Edinburgh Centre for Functional Medicine apart in treating SIBO is our holistic focus on the entire gut microbiome, rather than solely concentrating on the small intestine. While eradicating the bacterial overgrowth is paramount, we also prioritize the restoration of beneficial flora that produce beneficial molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids, which confer multiple benefits to the host.
What our clients are saying
Carolina
Alex
Working with Rob was a truly transformative experience. Their guidance not only helped me navigate a wide range of symptoms but also gave me the knowledge and tools to build lasting, healthy habits. I feel more empowered and informed about my health than ever before. Edinburgh CFM is setting a new standard for how healthcare should be delivered — I can’t recommend Rob highly enough.
Rebecca
Edinburgh CFM has been life-changing for me. Living with eczema was overwhelming — it felt like it was taking over every part of my life. I joined the 6-month program hoping for some guidance, and what I got was so much more. With the support of Rob, I now understand the specific foods and lifestyle triggers that were making things worse. For the first time, my eczema is under control without relying on steroids — and I finally feel empowered in my own skin
Joan
My daughter was having health challenges and someone recommended the centre. She received a diagnosis of gut issues and found out she had SIBO. With the help of our practitioner, we were able to get her back to school so she could continue her studies for her exams. Highly recommended “
Marcus
“I came to the Centre with a diagnosis, (Hashimoto’s,) I hadn’t been able to find a clinic that would provide understanding and how to approach the disease without just suppressing symptoms. I feel like I matter and so do my symptoms. Progress made has been far greater than I have had through any other treatment options and I know that at each appointment I am able to share where I am and look at options of the next steps in my progression. I would highly recommend this clinic…”
Why Choose Us?
Our Mission
We provide a supportive environment paired with cutting-edge expertise in nutrition and functional medicine.
Our mission is to help you uncover the root causes of your health concerns and guide you through them with personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Our Values
We practice root-cause medicine — because true healing starts with understanding why symptoms arise.
Our goal is to uncover the underlying drivers of your health concerns and empower you with the tools to make lasting, sustainable changes.
are.
Support
Once you begin the process with us, our collaborative approach with a practitioner will guide you through every step. We will collect the necessary information through detailed intake forms and tailor our support to motivate and assist you throughout the process.