The 3 Types of SIBO and Gut Restoration Warning.

SIBO needs to be treated before gut restoration can begin. For those who have it, it can be so frustrating as it presents quite differently depending on the type of gas produced by the overgrown bacteria. The three main types are:

1. Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO

Cause: Overgrowth of hydrogen-producing bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus).

Typical symptoms:

• Diarrhea (most common)
• Bloating and gas, often right after eating
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nutrient malabsorption, especially fat and B12
• Fatigue from poor nutrient absorption

Hydrogen SIBO is often the one mistaken for IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea-predominant).

2. Methane-Dominant SIBO (technically “IMO” — Intestinal Methanogen

Overgrowth)

Cause: Overgrowth of methanogenic archaea (like Methanobrevibacter smithii).

These are not bacteria, but they thrive alongside them.

Typical symptoms:

• Constipation (classic hallmark symptom)
• Bloating and fullness, sometimes with less gas release
• Slower gut transit time
• Possible weight gain or difficulty losing weight (linked to slowed motility and metabolism)

Methane-dominant SIBO often overlaps with IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS).

3. Hydrogen Sulfide-Dominant SIBO

Cause: Overgrowth of sulfate-reducing bacteria (e.g., Desulfovibrio, Bilophila).

These convert hydrogen into hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas — the one that smells like rotten eggs.

Typical symptoms:

• Diarrhea (but can alternate)
• Gas with a sulfur/rotten egg odor
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Brain fog and fatigue (hydrogen sulfide can affect mitochondrial function)
• Sensitivity to sulfur-rich foods (like eggs, garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables)

This type has only more recently been recognized, and some breath tests now can detect hydrogen sulfide levels separately.

Recovery from SIBO is complicated. Each needs to be treated differently and each person who has it is different.

The suggested protocol:

Phase 1 – Testing and treatment (I highly recommend a medical profession)
Phase 2 – Prevention so there is no relapse (FMD, health coach, or DIY)
Phase 3 – Lifestyle Support to adopt eating habits that support the migrating motor complex (FMD, health coach or DIY). The migrating motor complex is a bodily function that operates in between meals to sweep bacteria and particles out of the stomach and small intestine into the large intestine.

Don't waste your time, money and energy trying to treat SIBO yourself. Don't allow SIBO to fester as it can lead to Leaky Gut and so many other health issues. Get treatment and then you can restore your gut health and thrive for life.

Check out ways I can help after you're treated.