SIBO & Intestinal Infection Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
If you suffer from bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, you may have an intestinal infection or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City, Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM, diagnoses and treats SIBO and other intestinal infections with a customized blend of Western and integrative medicine designed to heal your digestive tract and improve your overall health.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when an abnormally large number of bacteria, often types normally found in the colon, accumulate in the small intestine. These bacteria ferment food too early in digestion, producing hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide gas and interfering with the absorption of nutrients. SIBO is one of the most common and most frequently overlooked causes of chronic digestive discomfort, and it often coexists with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Symptoms of SIBO and Intestinal Infections
SIBO symptoms closely resemble those of IBS and may include:
- Excessive gas and abdominal bloating, often worse after meals
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea and early fullness
- Fatigue, brain fog, and nutrient deficiencies such as low B12 or iron
Intestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can produce abdominal cramps and pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, and in some cases bloody stools. Bloody stools, high fever, or signs of dehydration require prompt medical attention.
What Causes SIBO and Intestinal Infections?
In a healthy digestive tract, rhythmic muscle contractions called the migrating motor complex sweep food and bacteria from the small intestine into the colon. When this cleansing process slows down, bacteria can linger and multiply. Contributing factors include low stomach acid, slow motility, prior abdominal surgery, structural changes in the intestine, certain medications, diabetes, and conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and IBS. A prior bout of food poisoning can also damage nerves that control motility and trigger SIBO.
Intestinal infections most often come from bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, and Yersinia, typically spread through undercooked meat and poultry, contaminated water, or improper food handling. Viruses such as rotavirus, enteroviruses, and hepatitis A, as well as parasites, can also cause infection through contaminated food and water.
How SIBO Is Diagnosed
The most practical test for SIBO is the intestinal breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria after you drink a sugar solution. Patients can also order SIBO breath test kits for home collection. Accurate interpretation requires experience, and our physicians have extensive expertise reading these tests. Your evaluation may also include stool testing for infections and parasites, nutrient testing, and endoscopy or capsule endoscopy when structural causes need to be ruled out.
Integrative SIBO Treatment in Los Angeles
Our physicians combine conventional gastroenterology and internal medicine expertise with integrative holistic medicine to treat both the overgrowth and the reasons it developed. A personalized plan may include targeted antibiotic or herbal antimicrobial therapy, a SIBO-specific diet or the elemental diet to starve the bacteria while nourishing you, motility support to prevent relapse, and nutraceutical supplements and personalized nutrients to correct deficiencies. We also address stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors as part of our functional medicine approach, because lasting results depend on restoring healthy gut function.
SIBO & Intestinal Infection FAQs
Can SIBO and intestinal infections cause other health problems?
Yes. Beyond digestive symptoms, SIBO can lead to nutrient deficiencies such as B12 and iron deficiency anemia. Some intestinal infections can trigger complications such as reactive arthritis, nerve inflammation, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
How is SIBO diagnosed?
SIBO is most often diagnosed with a hydrogen and methane breath test. Your doctor may also recommend stool testing, labs, or imaging based on your symptoms.
How does diet affect SIBO?
Bacteria in the small intestine feed on certain carbohydrates. A SIBO diet aims to nourish you while starving the bacteria by limiting fermentable foods, and the elemental diet may be used in some cases.
Who is at higher risk for SIBO?
Risk is higher for people with IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, diabetes, prior abdominal surgery, low stomach acid, slow motility, or a weakened immune system.
Can SIBO come back after treatment?
Yes, relapse is common if the underlying cause is not addressed. That is why our treatment plans include motility support, diet, and correction of contributing factors.
How can I prevent intestinal infections?
Practice good hand hygiene, cook meat and poultry thoroughly, avoid untreated water, and follow safe food handling practices, especially when traveling.
Can I do a SIBO breath test at home?
Yes. You can order a SIBO breath test kit for home collection, and our physicians can help interpret the results.
Schedule a SIBO Evaluation in Los Angeles, CA
Do you experience frequent gas, bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain? Call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 to schedule your evaluation, or continue reading about food sensitivities.