Written by Lisa Edmondson – BHsNursing, Masters in Health Coaching, Post Grad Dip Public Health, Post Grad Dip Education
Digestive discomfort can quietly take over day-to-day life. Bloating, abdominal pain, excess gas, diarrhoea, or a constant feeling of fullness are often dismissed as “just one of those things,” but for many people these symptoms are linked to an underlying gut imbalance known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
At MyWellbeing, we believe digestive health is deeply connected to how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your gut is supported, the rest of your wellbeing often follows.
What Is SIBO?
SIBO occurs when bacteria that usually live in the large intestine grow excessively in the small intestine. This part of the digestive system is designed to absorb nutrients, not ferment food. When bacteria are present in large numbers, they begin fermenting carbohydrates too early in digestion, producing gas and irritation.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Bloating and abdominal fullness
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Excess wind
- Fatty or floating stools
- Unexplained weight changes
Because these symptoms overlap with IBS and other gut conditions, SIBO often goes undiagnosed.
Why Gut Bacteria Matter
Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms, most of them living in your gut. Together, they form your microbiome — a unique ecosystem that plays a role in digestion, immune health, inflammation, mood, and even food cravings.
When this ecosystem is in balance, digestion tends to feel easier and more comfortable. When it’s disrupted — by stress, illness, antibiotics, dietary patterns, or lifestyle factors — digestive symptoms can appear.
Every microbiome is different, which is why gut health is never one-size-fits-all.
How SIBO Can Affect Overall Health
When bacteria interfere with digestion, the body may struggle to absorb essential nutrients. Over time, this can contribute to:
- Ongoing fatigue
- Low energy and brain fog
- Joint or muscle discomfort
- Weakened immunity
- Poor bone health
- Nerve-related symptoms such as tingling
Supporting digestion isn’t just about easing gut symptoms — it’s about supporting your whole body.
The Role of Diet in SIBO Support
Diet is often a key part of managing SIBO symptoms. Certain carbohydrates are more likely to be fermented by gut bacteria, including:
- Lactose
- Fructose
- FODMAPs (a group of fermentable carbohydrates)
When these foods are fermented in the small intestine, gas is produced, leading to bloating and discomfort. Interestingly, many foods considered “healthy” can still trigger symptoms for some people.
This is why awareness and personalisation are so important.
The Low FODMAP Approach
The Low FODMAP diet is one of the most researched dietary approaches for managing SIBO-related symptoms. It usually involves three stages:
- Reducing high-FODMAP foods for a short period
- Reintroducing foods slowly to observe reactions
- Personalising a way of eating that supports comfort and balance
The aim is not restriction, but understanding your body and finding what works best for you.
Foods That Are Often Better Tolerated
Many people with SIBO find they tolerate:
- Vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, green beans, pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, and sweet potato
- Rice and gluten-free or spelt bread options
- Fruits like bananas, berries, citrus, kiwi, grapes, and pineapple
- Protein sources including eggs, fish, poultry, nuts, and seeds
Insoluble fibre is often easier to tolerate, as it doesn’t feed fermenting bacteria in the same way.
A Personalised Wellbeing Perspective
At MyWellbeing, we recognise that gut health is influenced by far more than food alone. Stress, sleep, hormones, and how your body responds to nutrients all play a role.
Epigenetic insights can help shed light on how lifestyle and dietary choices may be influencing your digestion and overall wellbeing. Rather than focusing on diagnosis, this approach supports a deeper understanding of your body’s unique needs, helping guide more personalised wellbeing strategies.
Supporting Your Gut, Gently and Holistically
Living with digestive discomfort can feel frustrating and isolating, but support is available. With the right guidance, awareness, and personalised strategies, many people experience meaningful improvements in how their gut — and their body — feels.
At MyWellbeing, we’re here to support you with compassionate, holistic approaches that honour your individuality and help you move toward better digestive comfort and overall wellbeing.