14. Is It SIBO or IBS? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do About It

Send a text In this episode, Jessie Wong and Brooke Keenan unpack the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), a condition often mistaken for IBS. They explain how SIBO differs from IBS, why it’s frequently misdiagnosed, and the tools that actually work to find lasting relief. You’ll hear real client stories—including a healthcare provider with chronic diarrhea and rapid weight loss—who finally found answers by treating the true root cause. From probiotics and antibiotics to fiber, diet, and gut motility, this episode breaks it all down. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✔ What causes SIBO—and how it differs from IBS ✔ Why symptoms like bloating and belching after eating may point to SIBO ✔ What makes SIBO return (even after antibiotics) ✔ When probiotics do more harm than good ✔ The role of diet, fiber, and gut motility in treatment ✔ Why proper diagnosis and support makes all the difference Timestamps: [0:00] Welcome + what we’re covering [1:42] What is SIBO? (And how is it different from IBS?) [3:40] Symptoms to watch for: bloating, burping, discomfort after eating [5:00] Risk factors: antibiotics, PPIs, constipation, probiotics & more [7:25] How the body normally protects you from SIBO [9:45] Client story: Diarrhea, weight loss, and finally getting relief [13:38] What SIBO can do to your body (inflammation, nutrient loss, etc.) [15:06] Testing for SIBO: breath tests vs aspirate [18:50] Treatment options: antibiotics, motility & long-term strategies [23:00] Diets for SIBO: What works and what doesn’t [26:40] Fiber for SIBO: What to use and how to choose it [28:00] Final thoughts: Why expert support matters 🌟 Love this episode? Leave us a 5-star review! It helps us reach more people who need IBS support. As a special bonus, I want to give you FREE access to my signature IBS Course. • Leave a review of this podcast • Email a screenshot of your review to info@ibsdietitian. Get our help: 🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/ 👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/ 🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/ 🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support 📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian 💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women Free Resources: 🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass 📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources 🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/