The Truth About Treating SIBO

SIBO Isn’t Just “Too Much Bacteria” — It’s Not Enough Balance.

If you’ve been told to attack your SIBO with antibiotics, antimicrobials, or strict elimination diets… I invite you to reconsider.

Because what if the real problem isn’t overgrowth — it’s under-diversity?

Why the Standard SIBO Approach Often Fails:

Most conventional and even functional practitioners focus on killing the “bad bugs” —
Antibiotics like rifaximin, xifaxin - as well as herbals like oil of oregano and berberine accomplish this.

But here’s the truth:
60–70% of SIBO cases relapse.
Because the root issue is never addressed.

The microbiome is not a battlefield.
It’s an ecosystem.

And when diversity is low — from antibiotics, stress, food restriction — the balance tips.
Opportunistic bacteria take over not because they’re invading, but because the terrain has changed.

Killing more bugs just deepens the imbalance.

Think of Your Gut Like a Garden:

In a thriving garden, all species coexist in harmony.

You don’t spray pesticides and expect flowers to bloom.
You nourish the soil. You invite pollinators. You create balance.

Same with your gut.

Stop pulling weeds and start planting what’s missing.

My Own Journey:

I did the killing protocol.
Antibiotics, antimicrobials, low-FODMAP.
It wrecked me.

Fatigue.
Malnutrition.
Autoimmune flares.
Dysregulation on every level.

Why? Because what little diversity I had was wiped out.
My system collapsed under the weight of depletion.

So… What Actually Works?

Step 1: Address the True Root Causes
Before we even talk about balancing bacteria, we have to restore the environment they live in. That means:

• Cellular energy production – because every stage of digestion, detox, and repair runs on mitochondrial fuel

• Detoxification pathways – clearing toxins and metabolic waste so the gut lining can heal and the microbiome can stabilize

Once your cells have the energy and your detox channels are open, we can consider on a personalized basis:

• Targeted herbals and/or probiotics – specific supplements in a strategic sequence, to reset rather than overwhelm your system

• Gentle prebiotics – reintroducing fiber (including FODMAPs) slowly, only when tolerated

• Fermented foods – kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and others, introduced at the right stage of healing

💡 Yes, these are often feared with SIBO, but used correctly and at the right time, they’re potent tools for restoration—not triggers.

Step 2: Rebuild Digestion’s Core Foundation
We strengthen the 5 Core Pillars that drive gut function:

1. Stomach acid – for pathogen control and nutrient breakdown

2. Digestive enzymes – to fully process proteins, fats, and carbs

3. Bile flow – to emulsify fats and eliminate toxins

4. Motility – restoring the gut’s rhythmic contractions to move food and microbes efficiently

5. Mucosal integrity – repairing the gut lining to protect against inflammation and leaky gut

SIBO isn’t a “bad bacteria” problem—it’s a digestion ecosystem problem.
When your digestive fire is strong, your detox pathways are open, and your gut lining is resilient, your microbiome naturally moves back into harmony.

Gentle, Personalized Support Is Key

SIBO is not one-size-fits-all.
And the “kill everything” approach? Often makes things worse.

It's time to move away from warfare and toward restoration.

Remember...

Your body is wise.
It’s not broken — it’s just calling for balance.

- Dr. Sara, Gut Restoration Expert