The REAL Reason You're Bloated (It's NOT IBS)

Have you eliminated gluten, dairy, sugar, and half the foods in your pantry... yet you're still bloated? You might be dealing with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)—one of the most overlooked causes of bloating, gas, food sensitivities, constipation, diarrhea, brain fog, and IBS-like symptoms. In this episode of The Natural Doctors, we break down what SIBO actually is, why it's commonly missed, and the treatment strategies we use in clinical practice every week. You'll learn: ✅ What SIBO is and why it develops ✅ The connection between SIBO and IBS ✅ Why probiotics sometimes make symptoms worse ✅ Common root causes including food poisoning, stress, low stomach acid, and impaired gut motility ✅ The different types of SIBO (hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide) ✅ How SIBO is tested and diagnosed ✅ Natural and conventional treatment options ✅ Why restrictive diets aren't the long-term answer ✅ The biggest mistakes people make when trying to heal their gut If you've been struggling with chronic bloating, digestive symptoms, or have been told you have IBS, this episode may help you uncover the root cause. 👇 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever been tested for SIBO? What symptoms have you struggled with most? Subscribe for new episodes every week covering functional medicine, gut health, hormones, metabolic health, longevity, and natural solutions for better health. 🎙️ The Natural Doctors with Katie DiNello, ND, IFM-CP & Dr. Jen Stagg, ND 00:00 – Intro: A patient's struggle with bloating and restrictive dieting 00:22 – What is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)? 01:00 – Clinical observations: Recurrence rates and fixing the "terrain" 02:15 – The role of digestive secretions (Stomach acid, bile, and enzymes) 03:20 – Case study: SIBO presenting as constipation 04:15 – Nutrient deficiencies (Iron, B12, Vitamin D) and absorption issues 05:19 – The HCL (Stomach Acid) challenge and precautions 06:36 – Chronic fatigue as a symptom of SIBO 07:18 – How to diagnose SIBO: The breath test 08:54 – Bloating vs. weight gain/visceral fat 10:17 – Overview of SIBO: Why it happens in the small intestine 11:07 – The Low FODMAP diet: Benefits and limitations 14:15 – Recurrence, terrain, and long-term support 14:52 – Top causes of SIBO: Medications (PPIs/Antacids) and Stress 16:34 – The impact of anxiety and personality traits on gut health 17:55 – Treatment options: Antibiotics vs. Herbal antimicrobials vs. Elemental diet 19:33 – Viewer Q&A: Can you take probiotics with SIBO? 21:46 – Viewer Q&A: Can you stay on herbal antimicrobials long-term? 23:23 – Viewer Q&A: Fiber supplements and SIBO (PHGG)