What is the main cause of SIBO?

The primary driver behind [small intestinal bacterial overgrowth](/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth) (SIBO) is a dysfunction of the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC). The MMC acts as the gut's sweeping mechanism, utilizing electrical cleansing waves during fasting states to clear residual food and bacteria into the colon. When these cleansing waves are impaired, bacteria pool and rapidly multiply in the small bowel. However, SIBO is rarely a standalone condition and is usually triggered by multiple overlapping root causes. Other significant contributing factors include hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), which fails to sterilize incoming food, physical adhesions from abdominal surgeries that physically trap bowel contents, chronic stress shifting the nervous system out of digestive mode, and autoimmune damage to gut nerves triggered by acute food poisoning.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed and fact-checked by Daryl Stubbs, Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant (C.H.N.C), for educational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice or a doctor-patient relationship.