Feb 14, 2025
Talking to Your Doctor
Over a quarter of Americans feel ignored by their doctor when discussing gut health, issues unaddressed can have widespread effects on overall health.
Chronic bloating, discomfort, and digestive distress can impact everything from nutrient absorption and immune function to hormone balance and cognitive health. Advocating for yourself is key—SIBO is a manageable condition, and the right diagnosis can set you on the path to remission.
Communicating your symptoms and concerns to your doctor is an essential first step toward treatment. Providing specific information about your health history will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and identify a treatment plan that works.
Important details to share include:
Bowel habits – How often you have a bowel movement and whether there are any irregularities (diarrhea, constipation, changes in color or odor).
Symptom patterns – What symptoms you experience (bloating, gas, pain) and when they occur (after meals, with certain foods, at night).
Medical history – Any conditions or past events that could contribute to SIBO, such as food poisoning, long-term antibiotic or opioid use, low stomach acid, or motility issues.
Getting Answers
Your doctor should be able to provide you with more information and respond to any concerns you may have regarding the diagnostic and treatment process for SIBO. Some questions you might consider asking your doctor include:
Diagnosis & Testing
What could be triggering my digestive issues? (e.g., diet, stress, gut bacteria imbalance, infections)
What tests can confirm whether I have SIBO?
How do SIBO and IBS differ in terms of symptoms and causes?
Symptoms & Causes
Could my symptoms be caused by another health condition, like food intolerances, leaky gut, or celiac disease? How can I tell?
Could antibiotics or other medications have contributed to this?
Is there a connection between my gut issues and other symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or skin problems?
Treatment Options
What are my treatment options for SIBO?
How can following an elemental diet help improve my symptoms?
What should I do to help prevent my symptoms from returning?
Lifestyle & Management
How does stress affect gut health, and what strategies can help?
Should I track my diet and symptoms to identify triggers?
How long does treatment usually take, and what are the chances of recurrence?