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SIBOtest

SIBOTest.com provides fast, accurate, testing services in the diagnosis of SIBO and IBS. Normal stomach acid levels are required to kill bacteria.

Normally, bacteria are found in the trillions in the LARGE INTESTINE, where they perform various symbiotic functions for the human body. SIBO is a condition where bacterial overgrowth occurs in the absorptive area of the body—the SMALL INTESTINE. Symptoms of SIBO can include:
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Abdominal cramping
Bloating and/or wind
Burping and Acid reflux/GORD
Food sensitivities
Joint pain
Skin rashes
Iron and B12 deficiency
Respiratory symptoms such as asthma
SIBO can occur when
The ileocecal valve (which connects the large and the small intestine) is dysfunctional, allowing large intestinal bacteria to migrate upwards into the small intestine where they wreak havoc. The normal cleansing wave of the small intestine is disrupted or stopped – this cleansing wave is called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMS), and occurs approximately every 90 minutes, typically between meals. The function of the MMC is to wash out accumulated bacteria and propel them toward the colon. The MMC is not related to the peristaltic waves of the large intestines. The result is bacteria are allowed to grow and proliferate throughout the small intestine (a little over 6 meters in length). SIBO causes damage to the absorptive surface of the small intestine - the ability of the body to absorb nutrients from food. The absorptive surface of the small intestine is likened to a shaggy carpet, with finger-like protrusions called villi. The surface of the villi contain microvilli which act as the interface of absorption—microvilli secrete enzymes called “brush border enzymes” which break starches into single molecules, proteins into single amino acids so these can be absorbed. SIBO can result in
Malabsorption of monosaccharides and amino acids (carbohydrates and proteins)
Fermentation of disaccharides by bacteria causing hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulphate gasses
These gasses themselves are damaging to the gut wall
Malabsorption of vitamins (especially B12 and Folic acid)
Malabsorption of minerals (especially, magnesium, iron, and calcium SIBO can cause leaky gut, with a damaged gut wall allowing larger particles to pass through, causing an immune response. Causes of SIBO
Post infectious: a case of gastroenteritis can often be the “heralding event” for the development of SIBO
Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
Medications: proton pump inhibitors, morphine and other opiates, narcotics, possibly beta agonists and calcium channel blockers
Stress: chronic stress can decrease stomach acid output (hypochlorhydria). Stress also causes changes in the motility of the small intestines, causing a pooling and stagnation which allows for bacterial overgrowth
Altered anatomy: malformation of the ileocecal valve, surgical intervention causing scarring and adhesions altering the normal anatomy of the small intestines
Initial colonization of bad bacteria: caesarean birth, no breast feeding. Associated conditions
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – especially associated with diarrhoea dominant SIBO
Chronic constipation – associated with methane-dominant SIBO
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory Bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
Acid reflux
Coeliac disease
Interstitial Cystitis
Restless leg syndrome
Acne
Rosacea
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Scleroderma
Chronic Prostatitis
Non alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Liver cirrhosis
Diverticulitis

29/10/2026

Stool testing can provide valuable insights into gut health, including the composition of the large intestinal microbiome, digestive function and markers of inflammation.

But when investigating SIBO, there's an important distinction.

The small intestine has its own microbial environment, which differs from that of the large intestine. Because stool samples predominantly reflect the large intestine, they cannot reliably tell us whether bacterial overgrowth is occurring in the small intestine.

SIBO breath testing takes a different approach. By measuring hydrogen and methane gases produced following ingestion of a test substrate, we can assess patterns of microbial fermentation over time.

Different substrates and sampling protocols help us investigate fermentation patterns associated with the small intestine, while also potentially capturing later fermentation that may reflect activity in the large intestine.

Both tests have their place. They provide different information and can complement each other when investigating digestive symptoms, but a stool test alone cannot rule out SIBO.

Wondering whether SIBO breath testing could be useful for you?

Comment TEST below and we'll send you links to order a SIBO breath test or find a SIBO-trained practitioner.

28/10/2026

There are still plenty of misconceptions about SIBO, so let's clear up a few!

MYTH 1: SIBO doesn't really exist.

Research has identified changes in the small intestinal microbiome associated with SIBO, helping us better understand the organisms involved and their potential effects on digestive health.

MYTH 2: You can tell if you have SIBO from your symptoms alone.

Bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation can all be associated with SIBO or IMO, but these symptoms overlap with many other gastrointestinal conditions. Symptoms can raise suspicion, but they can't confirm microbial overgrowth.

MYTH 3: SIBO is always caused by bacteria moving backwards from the large intestine.

While this can occur, SIBO mainly develops when bacteria already present in the small intestine become overgrown, due to factors such as impaired intestinal motility and digestive dysfunction.

MYTH 4: SIBO breath testing isn't validated.

SIBO breath testing is a recognised, non-invasive method supported by clinical guidelines, with standardised preparation, sample collection and interpretation protocols. It can provide valuable information when investigating suspected SIBO.

Wondering whether SIBO could be contributing to your symptoms?

Comment TEST below and we'll send you links to order a SIBO breath test or find a SIBO-trained practitioner.

27/10/2026

At SIBOtest, we know that several factors contribute to reliable SIBO breath test results, and following the correct preparation diet is an important part of that process.

Our preparation diet is deliberately simple and restrictive, allowing only a small selection of foods such as plain white rice, eggs, chicken, fish and hard aged cheeses.

But why so plain?

These foods are selected because they're generally low in fermentable carbohydrates, helping to minimise background gas production before testing. Foods rich in fibre, sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates can continue to fuel microbial fermentation, potentially elevating baseline gas levels and making results harder to interpret.

We follow the North American Consensus guidelines, with a more stringent food list than many preparation diets found online. Our aim is to get a clear response to the test substrate, rather than ongoing fermentation from other foods.

Preparation begins 24 hours before testing, or 48 hours for those experiencing constipation, with the final 12 hours being a water-only fast.

Always follow the preparation instructions provided with your SIBOtest kit rather than a general diet found online.

Looking for a practitioner experienced in SIBO to help with your results? Comment PRACTITIONER below and we'll send you a link to our SIBO Practitioner Directory.

23/10/2026

Following a strict gluten-free diet is essential for managing coeliac disease, but for some people, digestive symptoms persist despite removing gluten completely.

Ongoing bloating, abdominal discomfort, excessive gas or altered bowel habits aren't always due to accidental gluten exposure.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can coexist with coeliac disease and may be one reason symptoms continue, even when a gluten-free diet is being followed carefully.

While there are several possible causes of persistent symptoms in coeliac disease, SIBO is worth considering, particularly when symptoms haven't improved as expected.

SIBO breath testing can help identify whether microbial overgrowth may be contributing to ongoing digestive symptoms.

Comment TEST below and we'll send you a link to order a SIBO breath test or find a SIBO-trained practitioner.

21/10/2026

Chronic diarrhoea can have many underlying causes, but one that is sometimes overlooked is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

When bacteria accumulate in excessive numbers in the small intestine, they can interfere with normal digestive processes, including nutrient absorption, potentially contributing to loose stools and diarrhoea.

For some people, SIBO may be one of the factors behind persistent diarrhoea, particularly when accompanied by bloating, excessive gas or abdominal discomfort.

While SIBO isn't the cause of every case of chronic diarrhoea, it may be worth investigating when symptoms persist and other common causes have been considered.

SIBO breath testing can help identify whether microbial overgrowth may be contributing to your symptoms.

Comment TEST below and we'll send you a link to order a SIBO breath test or find a SIBO-trained practitioner.

20/10/2026

For some people, the effects of food poisoning can continue long after the initial infection has cleared.

Research has shown that certain bacterial infections can trigger an autoimmune response that affects the migrating motor complex (MMC), the small intestine's natural cleaning mechanism.

When this process is impaired, bacteria can accumulate in the small intestine, increasing the risk of developing SIBO.

This may help explain why some people experience ongoing bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits months or even years after food poisoning.

If your digestive symptoms began following a gastrointestinal infection and haven't resolved, SIBO may be worth investigating.

A SIBO breath test can help identify whether microbial overgrowth may be contributing to your ongoing symptoms.

Could SIBO be contributing to your symptoms?

Comment TEST below and we'll send you a link to order a SIBO breath test or find a SIBO-trained practitioner.

23/09/2026

Some SIBO presentations are obvious; others are not so much.

Their symptoms may or may not be subtle, and sometimes it’s the history that holds the clues. Underlying factors and certain conditions can also add important context to the clinical picture and help raise suspicion of SIBO.

Swipe through for some of the signs and clues that may have you considering SIBO in your patient, and whether a SIBO breath test might be the next step.

Not currently using SIBO breath testing with your patients?
Comment ‘SIGNUP’ below and we'll send you the link to register as a SIBOtest practitioner and start pre-approving tests for your patients.

22/09/2026

Finding out you have SIBO can leave you wondering what to do next.

Working with a practitioner who understands SIBO can help you make sense of your results, explore the underlying causes and develop an individualised approach to treatment and ongoing management.

Our SIBO Practitioner Directory can help connect you with practitioners who have completed the SIBO Mastery Program and have additional training in SIBO assessment and management.

Looking for support? Comment FIND below and we'll send you the link to search the directory.

21/09/2026

If your patient's presentation has you thinking SIBO, where do you go next?

A SIBO breath test is an important next step to help establish what is present, but the result is only one part of the patient's clinical picture.

Test. Interpret. Consider underlying causes. Individualise. Retest.

Swipe through for a simple approach to working through suspected SIBO with your patient.

18/09/2026

Doing all the ‘right’ things for constipation, but still not getting anywhere?

Could methane be the missing piece?

Elevated methane has been associated with slower intestinal transit and is commonly seen in people with constipation.

The good news is that methane can be measured as part of a SIBO breath test.

If constipation isn't responding as expected, a SIBO breath test may be the next step.

Address

Mullumbimby, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.sibotest.com/

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