The Sneaky Signs of SIBO No One Talks About
Jannika is a Functional Nutrition Counselor specializing in gut health and chronic digestive issues like bloating, constipation, IBS, SIBO, and IBD. Through personalized, holistic care and functional lab testing, she helps women take control of their health and overcome debilitating symptoms once and for all.
If you’ve been dealing with bloating, gut discomfort, unexplained digestive issues or have an IBS diagnosis, you’ve probably heard of SIBO, which stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. But what if I told you that SIBO symptoms go beyond just bloating and gas? Many people are walking around with undiagnosed SIBO because their symptoms don’t fit the typical gut health narrative.
What exactly is SIBO?
Let’s break it down. We want bacteria in our gut, because t’s how we build a thriving microbiome. But that bacteria is supposed to stay in the large intestine, where it helps with digestion and overall gut balance. When bacteria migrate up into the small intestine, a space meant for nutrient absorption, not fermentation, problems arise.
This overgrowth of bacteria can ferment carbohydrates too soon, leading to excessive gas production, inflammation, and gut motility issues.
But here’s the kicker: SIBO isn’t actually a root cause. It’s a symptom of a deeper imbalance. Up to two-thirds of SIBO patients relapse if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. So, if you’ve treated SIBO before and it keeps coming back, it’s time to dig deeper.
The common symptoms of SIBO
Most people associate SIBO with bloating and gut distress, and for good reason. These are some of the most common symptoms:
Pain & cramping (80-84%)
Bloating (81%), often within 30 minutes of eating
Gas (80%)
Fullness & nausea (65-70%)
Diarrhea or constipation (50%), depending on whether you’re hydrogen- or methane-dominant
Vomiting (50%)
But SIBO isn’t just a gut problem. It impacts so much more than digestion.
The sneaky, lesser-known symptoms of SIBO
If you’ve been chasing symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, or skin issues without clear answers, SIBO might be the missing piece. Here are some symptoms you might not realize are connected to bacterial overgrowth:
B12 deficiency: SIBO bacteria steal your B12, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and weakness
Rashes or acne: gut imbalances show up on your skin
Headaches & migraines: a possible result of inflammation & gut-brain axis dysfunction
Anxiety: more common than depression in SIBO patients, likely due to gut dysbiosis affecting neurotransmitter production
Depression: gut inflammation can disrupt mood-regulating pathways
Food sensitivities: the more bacterial overgrowth, the more reactive your gut becomes
For some people, SIBO symptoms go way beyond digestion. If you feel toxic, exhausted, or super sensitive to certain foods, you might have hydrogen sulfide SIBO, which can cause:
Abdominal pain, burning sensations, or visceral sensitivity
Numbness or tingling in feet, legs, hands, even groin
Worse reactions to sulfur-rich foods & supplements — think eggs, garlic, or Epsom salt baths
Bladder irritation & interstitial cystitis which can cause urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort
Histamine intolerance & mast cell activation which can exacerbate allergies, rashes, and inflammation
Rare but distinct sulfur-smelling gas
The bigger picture: conditions linked to SIBO
SIBO is rarely a stand-alone issue. It’s been connected to conditions like:
Acid reflux & GERD: SIBO causes gas buildup in the small intestine, which puts pressure on the stomach and pushes acid upward, leading to reflux and GERD. Plus, low stomach acid, which is often a root cause of SIBO, weakens digestion and allows acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Candida: Candida overgrowth and SIBO often occur together because they both stem from imbalances in the gut. SIBO weakens the gut’s defenses, creating an environment where Candida can thrive, while Candida’s byproducts can slow gut motility, further contributing to bacterial overgrowth and worsening symptoms like bloating, gas, and brain
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: EDS affects connective tissue, which can weaken the muscles and nerves that control digestion, leading to slow gut motility and increasing the risk of SIBO.
Endometriosis & hormone issues:Endometriosis can lead to inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions in the abdomen, which can slow digestion and trap bacteria in the small intestine, increasing the risk of SIBO. Hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation from endo can also disrupt gut motility, making it easier for bacteria to overgrow and cause bloating, pain, and digestive issues.
Histamine intolerance: SIBO can trigger histamine intolerance by increasing gut inflammation and damaging the intestinal lining, which impairs the body's ability to break down histamine. Plus, certain bacteria in SIBO produce histamine, leading to symptoms like bloating, flushing, headaches, and itching when histamine builds up in the body.
Leaky gut: SIBO causes leaky gut because the bacteria damages the lining of the small intestine. If you have a lot of food reactions and sensitivities, this could point to leaky gut.
Lyme Disease: Lyme disease can damage the nervous system, including the nerves that control digestion, leading to slow gut motility and an increased risk of SIBO. Additionally, chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction from Lyme can disrupt the gut microbiome, making it easier for harmful bacteria to overgrow in the small intestine.
Why does SIBO keep coming back?
If you’ve treated SIBO only for the symptoms to return, you’re not alone. SIBO isn’t the root cause—it’s a symptom of a deeper issue. Factors like low stomach acid, poor motility, chronic stress, gut infections, or structural imbalances often drive recurrence. That’s why a functional, root-cause approach is essential for lasting results.
Join me on March 20th for a FREE SIBO Solution Masterclass
I’ll walk you through my complete, step-by-step strategy to address SIBO from every angle—mind, body and gut. You’ll leave with a clear plan, a fresh perspective, and the confidence to take the next step on your healing journey. Here’s what will be covered:
Testing with clarity: which diagnostic and functional tests truly matter
Root causes revealed: why SIBO happens (and keeps coming back)
Thyroid and SIBO connection: what your hormones have to do with it
Targeted treatment options: hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulfide each require a unique approach
The right order of operations: the essential step-by-step protocol for lasting results
Emotions & energetics: how unresolved stress impacts your gut healing journey
Diet & lifestyle support: practical strategies to nourish your body
Relapse prevention: How to stop the cycle of SIBO for good