How Can You Know That You Have Reversed SIBO
Dr. William DavisPublished on June 18, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Successfully addressing SIBO requires understanding treatment methods and assessing outcomes. Key indicators of eradication include hydrogen gas testing, reversal of food intolerances, and improvement in metabolic markers.
Key Points
- SIBO can lead to serious health issues including diabetes and coronary disease.
- SIBO yogurt is a powerful treatment formulated with specific human-sourced microbes.
- Hydrogen gas breath testing is a reliable method to determine SIBO eradication.
- Reversal of food intolerances can indicate successful SIBO treatment.
- Monitoring weight loss and waist circumference can reflect improvements in SIBO.
Understanding and Addressing SIBO: How to Know if You've Succeeded
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where colonic microbes, which are meant to remain in the colon, ascend into the small intestine. This can lead to various health issues, from emotional and physical effects to serious conditions such as diabetes and coronary disease. Recognizing SIBO is the first step, and addressing it is crucial for overall health.
Preferred Approaches to SIBO Treatment
One of the most effective methods to combat SIBO is the use of a specially formulated product known as SIBO yogurt. Despite its name, it is not traditional yogurt but a fermented dairy product that utilizes human-sourced microbes. This formulation includes specific microbial species chosen for their ability to colonize the small intestine and produce bacteriocins, which are natural antibiotics effective in eliminating harmful bacteria associated with SIBO, such as E. coli and Klebsiella.
Key Microbial Species Used
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Bacillus subtilis
These microbes are crucial for pushing back against SIBO effectively. The SIBO yogurt is prepared through prolonged fermentation, which ensures high counts of these beneficial microbes—hundreds of billions compared to the much lower counts in commercial probiotics.
How to Determine if SIBO Has Been Eradicated
After following a treatment regimen, whether through SIBO yogurt or antibiotics like Xifaxan, it's important to assess if SIBO has been successfully addressed. Here are several methods to evaluate your success:
1. Hydrogen Gas Breath Testing
Re-testing hydrogen gas levels can indicate whether SIBO has been eradicated. If you previously used a lab to conduct this test, consider repeating it after treatment. If you have the AIRE device at home, you can measure hydrogen gas levels yourself. It's advisable to stop consuming Lactobacillus reuteri for about two weeks before retesting, as it can artificially inflate hydrogen gas levels.
2. Food Intolerance Reversal
A successful treatment may also be indicated by the ability to reintroduce foods previously intolerable, such as FODMAPs or histamine-rich foods, without experiencing adverse symptoms.
3. Weight Loss Plateaus
Addressing SIBO can help break weight loss plateaus. If you notice weight loss resuming after addressing SIBO, it may indicate that insulin resistance caused by SIBO has improved.
4. Changes in Waist Circumference
A reduction in waist size can signify the loss of visceral fat, which is linked to improved health outcomes and reduced inflammation.
5. Improvement in Biomarkers
Monitoring metabolic markers such as triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood glucose, and inflammatory measures can provide insight into your health. Improvements in these markers often reflect a successful SIBO treatment.
6. Changes in Bowel Habits
Noticeable improvements in bowel habits, such as reduced constipation or diarrhea, can indicate that SIBO has been successfully addressed.
7. Stool Testing for Proteobacteria
If stool tests indicate a high percentage of proteobacteria, a reduction in this percentage after treatment may suggest successful SIBO management.
8. Relief from Related Health Conditions
If symptoms of conditions believed to be associated with SIBO—such as rosacea or cognitive impairment—improve, it may indicate successful treatment.
Conclusion
Understanding how to effectively address SIBO and knowing the signs of successful treatment are essential for improving overall health. If you require further assistance, consider joining discussions on platforms like Inner Circle or explore resources available through Dr. William Davis's books and podcasts.