Woman experiencing bloating and IBS symptoms

SIBO and IBS Symptoms: A Case Study Using Stool Testing to Find the Root Cause

Have you ever been told you have IBS, but never really been told why?

Many of the people who come to see me have been living with digestive symptoms for years. They have had tests, scans and specialist appointments, yet they are still bloated, uncomfortable and unsure what is actually driving their symptoms.

Often, they are told everything looks normal. Or they are given the label IBS and offered medication to manage reflux or constipation.

But a label such as IBS is not the same as understanding the root cause of your IBS symptoms.

And for many people, IBS is not the end of the story.

I want to share a recent case that shows what can happen when we look a little deeper.

When IBS Becomes a Lifelong Label

I specialise in gut health and supporting people with ongoing IBS symptoms. I am often seen as a last resort. By the time someone reaches me, they have usually tried multiple avenues without finding lasting relief.

They may have:

Seen several medical professionals
Had investigations showing only minor findings
Been told nothing significant is wrong
Been diagnosed with IBS
Been offered a PPI for reflux or a laxative for constipation

Very rarely are they given meaningful nutrition guidance or digestive support. So they adapt. They manage symptoms as best they can and adjust their lives around discomfort.

IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. It describes a collection of symptoms, but it does not always explain why those IBS symptoms are happening. Without that deeper understanding, true resolution can feel out of reach.

IBS Since Her Teens, Worse After Menopause

Let’s call her Elsa.

Elsa had experienced IBS symptoms since her teenage years, but after menopause, they became significantly worse. What had once been manageable was now affecting her confidence and daily routine.

Her symptoms included:

Frequent burping
Feeling full very quickly
Acid reflux and nausea
Bloating and mid-abdominal pain
Uncontrollable wind that made exercise uncomfortable
Constipation, at times, only one bowel movement per week
Episodes of loose, urgent stools

Alongside her digestive symptoms, she had chronic skin issues on her hands. The skin would split and bleed. She also reacted to certain foods with itchy skin, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

These were not isolated complaints. They were signs that her gut and immune system were under strain.

What Stool Testing Revealed About Her SIBO and IBS Symptoms

Our initial focus was practical. We worked on encouraging bowel regularity and supporting digestion.

Alongside this, we used advanced stool testing to take a detailed look at her gut microbiome. This type of stool testing maps bacteria against a healthy reference model and highlights patterns that may be contributing to IBS symptoms and systemic inflammation.

The results gave us clarity.

They showed:

A strong SIBO overgrowth
High levels of microbes associated with damage to the gut barrier
Reduced microbiome diversity and abundance
Elevated histamine-producing bacteria
Reduced digestive capability

SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is commonly linked with IBS symptoms such as bloating, wind, reflux and constipation. Yet it is not always thoroughly investigated.

This pattern is frequently seen in people struggling with ongoing IBS symptoms, particularly when bloating and irregular bowels are persistent.

When we looked at her results, her symptoms made sense. There was a clear pattern of gut microbiome imbalance rather than random dysfunction.

Illustration of small intestine gut microbiome where SIBO overgrowth can occur

Precision, Not Guesswork

My role is to take complex data and translate it into a clear, manageable plan.

This is not about taking random probiotics or repeatedly eliminating foods in frustration. It is about precision.

We focused on:

Supporting bowel regularity
Improving digestive function
Addressing bacterial overgrowth
Strengthening and repairing the gut barrier
Using targeted food and fibre strategies

This is what a personalised SIBO treatment approach looks like in practice.

Everything was introduced gradually and carefully. The aim was to support the body without overwhelming it. Gut healing tends to work best when it is steady, structured and tailored to the individual.

What Changed in Four Months

Within four months, the improvements were significant.

Elsa’s bowel movements became almost daily, occasionally missing a day, rather than once a week. The uncontrollable wind that had stopped her exercising disappeared. Acid reflux and burping resolved. Bloating became minimal and abdominal pain settled.

She began reintroducing some foods that had previously triggered symptoms, although this is still ongoing.

Her hands no longer split or bled. There is occasional redness and mild itching, but the improvement is clear.

This remains a work in progress, as most meaningful gut healing is. However, the direction is strongly positive and, importantly, she feels far more in control of her body.

What This Means If You Have IBS Symptoms

IBS is a description of symptoms. It is not always the full explanation.

For some people, SIBO and gut microbiome imbalance are part of the underlying picture. For others, different root causes may be involved. The key is to investigate carefully rather than assume.

If you are searching for answers to ongoing IBS symptoms, it may be worth exploring whether SIBO or microbiome imbalance is part of your picture.

Rebalancing the gut is possible with the right tools and a structured approach. This is not about suppressing symptoms indefinitely. It is about understanding why they are happening and working gently with the body to restore balance.

If you feel at a loss with your digestive symptoms and are unsure what your next step should be, you are very welcome to book a no obligation 20 minute chat. Sometimes clarity and direction can make all the difference.

Enjoy the rest of your day,

Caroline x

If you are suffering from symptoms you just can’t shift or feel your gut is out of balance and and not sure what to do next, why not book a free 20 minute discovery call with me?

Simply visit www.peytonprinciples.com, call me direct on 07730 513303 or email caroline@peytonprinciples.com

What is the link between SIBO and IBS?

SIBO is a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. It is commonly associated with IBS symptoms such as bloating, wind, reflux and irregular bowel movements. Not everyone with IBS has SIBO, but it can be an underlying driver in some cases.

Can SIBO cause bloating and constipation?

Yes. SIBO symptoms often include excessive gas production, abdominal bloating and changes in bowel habits, including constipation or loose stools.

Is stool testing helpful for IBS symptoms?

Comprehensive stool testing for IBS symptoms can provide insight into microbiome balance, gut barrier health and digestive function. It may help identify patterns that are not visible through standard investigations.

How long does it take to improve IBS symptoms naturally?

Timelines vary. In this case study, significant improvements were seen within four months. Gut healing is usually a gradual process rather than an overnight change.

Other blogs you may be interested in:
Vitamin D and Immune Health

Understanding Vitmain D & K

Vitamin C: Recognise Deficiency

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Providing expert, personalised, health advice utilising 10 years of nutritional therapy and naturopathy experience with a strong emphasis on digestion and gut health. Zoom or face to face Consultations.

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