IBS or SIBO?

Q: I have suffered with IBS for years. I have tried changing my diet but nothing seems to help. Anything you can recommend?

A: It is thought that as many as 20% of the Canadians suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Symptoms can vary, but include gas, bloating, cramping, constipation and or diarrhea and mucous in stool. There is now evidence that supports that disturbances in the bacteria that populate the intestine play a role in IBS. Patients with SIBO, which stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrown, show the same symptoms as those who suffer from IBS! Diagnosis of SIBO is done through a breath test where the presence of Hydrogen and or Methane gas in the breath is present form these bacteria. If found positive, a treatment plan will be made up to eliminate the bad bacteria in the gut. This is commonly done with both herbs and or antibiotics. The doctors at A New Leaf Naturopathic Clinic offers diagnosis and treatment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Come see if your IBS is actually SIBO.