Q: What type of doctors treat Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)?
A: SIBO is treated by gastroenterologists who are specialists in identifying and treating digestive tract disorders.
Q: Is SIBO contagious?
A: No, SIBO is not contagious. It develops as a secondary health condition and so cannot spread from one person to another.
Q: Do I catch SIBO due to my dietary pattern and lifestyle?
A: No, you don't. SIBO is not a gastrointestinal infection. It is not caused by unhealthy meal patterns, stress, or any other mental health condition.
Q: Will SIBO go away by itself?
A: No, SIBO does not go away on its own. Proper treatment with nutritional support is essential to treat SIBO.
Q: Is SIBO serious?
A: SIBO can be treated well if diagnosed earlier. However, if left untreated, SIBO can cause severe malnourishment, dehydration, and even intestinal failure in some cases.
Q: Can I fix SIBO naturally?
A: SIBO occurs most commonly as a secondary health condition. Hence, treating the underlying conditions and arresting excessive bacterial growth are essential in treating SIBO, while natural supplements and herbal preparations can be taken as supportive care.
Q: Can I eat rice if I have SIBO?
A: Yes, you can enjoy rice even if you have SIBO. There are no restrictions to consume rice in low-FODMAP and other elimination diets for SIBO.
Q: Do probiotics help SIBO?
A: Probiotic supplements help repair the gut and improve the symptoms of SIBO in some patients.
