Why use probiotics for SIBO? 

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a digestive condition causes by excessive amounts of bacteria in the small intestine. Symptoms include tummy pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and nutrient absorption issues.

Probiotics are used as part of a broader SIBO treatment framework, alongside antibiotics or herbal supplements, to restore balance in the microbiome and alleviate the discomfort caused by harmful gut bacteria.

As well as addressing the symptoms of SIBO, probiotics can provide excellent all-round support for digestive wellbeing by regulate bowel movements and reducing inflammation. They can also help alleviate the symptoms of other digestive conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

How probiotics treat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth 

Probiotics don’t specifically target SIBO if taken in isolation: instead, the best probiotics for SIBO work alongside targeted treatment. 

Here’s how: 

Your gut microbiome is teeming with trillions of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, which are a cornerstone of your digestive and overall health. In a healthy gut, the number of bacteria increases as you move down the intestinal tract, with low levels in the small bowel, and high levels down in the large bowel. 

When SIBO occurs, bacteria overgrows in the small intestine and the delicate environment of the microbiome is disrupted. 

This bacterial overgrowth is first targetted with antibiotics or herbal SIBO supplements containing antimicrobial herbs. 

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth probiotic supplements will then help rebuild and fortify the gut microbiome by replenishing beneficial bacteria in the small intestine. 

AltruVita ProfBiotics Complex+: SIBO probiotics to replenish and maintain gut health

Altruvita’s probiotic supplement, ProfBiotics Complex+, has been formulated by our expert medical & nutrition advisory team to replenish beneficial bacteria and maintain a healthy, thriving gut environment.

ProfBiotics Complex+ features a carefully curated blend of 10 live bacterial strains that have been extensively researched and supported by clinical trials.

Part of your 2-Step SIBO Protocol 

ProfBiotics Complex+ is the second step in our 2-Step SIBO Protocol, which we have designed to not only address the root cause of SIBO, but also rebuild a resilient gut environment: 

Step 1: Bring bacterial overgrowth under control with SIBO Complex+, Altruvita’s powerful, multi-herbal natural treatment specifically formulated to target a SIBO gut imbalance.

Step 2: Rebuild and fortify your gut with ProfBiotics Complex+, our probiotic supplement designed to re-establish a diverse and robust microbial community and offer all-round support for your gut. 

Our evidence-based 2-Step SIBO Protocol will empower you with the tools and knowledge to foster long-term well-being.

Tips for taking probiotics for SIBO

To improve the effectiveness of your probiotic supplement, there are a few steps you can take: 

Talk to the experts 

When treating SIBO, consulting with health practitioners can provide valuable guidance and support. Our in-house nutritionists offer free consultations to help guide you on your next steps.

Do your research 

With so many supplements out there, it can be difficult to decide which supplement is right for you. 

These probiotic strains used in Altruvita’s ProfBiotics Complex+ have been extensively researched and supported by clinical trials, demonstrating their effectiveness and positive outcomes across the entire digestive tract and beyond.

Be consistent 

All supplements work best if you take them regularly. ProfBiotics Complex+ can be taken as an ongoing daily supplement (1 capsule daily) to continually support gut health, digestive comfort and overall well-being.

Take one supplement at a time 

When following the 2-Step SIBO Protocol, or other 2-stage SIBO treatment, it is advised wait at least two hours between Step 1 (antibiotics or herbal SIBO treatments such as SIBO Complex+) and Step 2 (a probiotic supplement such as ProfBiotics Complex+) 

This is because Step 1 is designed to reduce bacterial numbers, and introducing additional bacteria during this phase can interfere with its intended action.

Keep a food and SIBO symptom diary 

To help you to monitor the effect supplements have on your SIBO symptoms. This can then be shown to any professionals you see too. 

Seek medical advice 

It is important to have a diagnosis of SIBO confirmed so that other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS), coeliac disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be ruled out. 

If you think you might have SIBO, you can self-refer to The Functional Gut Clinic.  

References

1. Bures, J., Cyranu, J., Kohoutova, D., Forstl, M., Rejchrt, S., Kvetina, J., Vorisek, V. and Kopacova, M. (2010). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(24): 2978-2990

2. Rao, S.S.C. and Bhagatwala, J. (2019). Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Clinical Features and Therapeutic Management. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, 10(10): e00078

3. Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, Roland BC, Dunbar KB, Koh J, Justino E, Tomakin E, Mullin GE. Herbal therapy is equivalent to a leading antibiotic for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 May;3(3):16-24.