Does Your Gut Feel Off, but No One Can Tell You Why? It Could Be Related To SIBO and Your Gut Motility!

Chronic bloating, discomfort, and fatigue aren't 'normal.' Let's get to the root cause

Why Gut Motility Might Be the Missing Link to Your Digestive Struggles

You’re not alone. Many people struggle with bloating, discomfort, irregular digestion, or fatigue, even after being told “everything looks normal.” One often overlooked piece of the puzzle is gut motility—the way your digestive system moves food and bacteria through the gut.

When motility slows down, bacteria can build up in the small intestine, leading to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO). This can cause chronic symptoms that leave you feeling frustrated and unheard. Many people with ongoing gut issues go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, spending years searching for answers. In this post, we’ll break down how gut motility and SIBO are connected, what may be slowing your digestion down, and what you can start doing today to get things moving—and feel like yourself again.

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The Overlooked Puzzle Piece:

One piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked? SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth), and ISO (Intestinal Sulfide Overproduction). These conditions disrupt your gut’s natural balance and can cause a wide range of symptoms that don’t always fit neatly into a diagnosis.

Understanding SIBO, IMO, and ISO: Key Differences and Symptoms

Recognizing the Symptoms:

If you’re not sure what’s causing your gut issues, here are some common signs:

✔️ SIBO Symptoms (Hydrogen Dominant):

• Bloating, often worse after eating

• Diarrhea or loose stools

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Gas and belching

✔️ IMO Symptoms (Methane Dominant):

• Constipation and hard stools

• Bloating that worsens throughout the day

• Excessive gas or methane production

• Feeling full quickly after meals

✔️ ISO Symptoms (Hydrogen Sulfide Dominant):

• Bloating with a “rotten egg” odor (from hydrogen sulfide gas)

• Diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both

• Increased sensitivity to high-sulfur foods (like garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables)

• Brain fog and fatigue

💡 Many people experience a combination of these symptoms, making it hard to distinguish between the three types. Some may have high levels of one type of gas, while others can have a mix of two—or even all three.

What’s the Difference Between SIBO, IMO, and ISO?

SIBO, IMO, and ISO were once thought to be the same condition, but research has shown that they involve different microorganisms and types of gas production:

• SIBO: Caused by bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, producing hydrogen gas. Often linked to diarrhea and bloating.

• IMO: Caused by methane-producing archaea (not bacteria), which slow down motility and cause constipation.

• ISO: Involves hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria that can lead to alternating diarrhea and constipation, often with a distinctive “sulfur” smell.

💡 Why This Matters: Understanding the specific type(s) of overgrowth can help tailor treatment strategies. For example, hydrogen-dominant SIBO may respond well to certain antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials, while methane-dominant IMO often requires a different approach. Hydrogen sulfide overgrowth may need specialized dietary adjustments and targeted support.

Why SIBO, IMO, and ISO Are Often Misdiagnosed

The symptoms of SIBO, IMO, and ISO overlap with many other common gut conditions, which leads to frequent misdiagnoses:

❗️ IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Many people with SIBO or IMO are initially told they have IBS, but underlying bacterial overgrowth is often the real issue.

❗️ Acid Reflux or GERD: When bacteria ferment food in the small intestine, it can push gas and acid back up, causing reflux.

❗️ Food Sensitivities: While food can trigger symptoms, the root cause may be bacterial imbalance rather than food intolerance alone.

If you’ve been told it’s “just IBS,” but your symptoms persist despite treatment, SIBO, IMO, or ISO might be the missing piece.

What Slows Down Your Gut’s Natural Clean-Up Crew?

The migrating motor complex (MMC) plays a critical role in keeping your gut bacteria balanced by sweeping bacteria and waste from the small intestine into the colon. But when this natural “clean-up crew” isn’t working properly, bacteria can overgrow—leading to SIBO, IMO, or ISO.

Several factors can slow down or impair the MMC, including:

• Chronic Stress: Stress reduces motility and weakens gut defense mechanisms.

• Food Poisoning or Gastroenteritis: Damage to the gut lining can disrupt normal motility.

• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can slow down digestion and motility.

• Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of magnesium or motility-supporting nutrients can impact MMC function.

💡 Why This Matters:

When the MMC is impaired, bacteria linger in the small intestine longer than they should, increasing the risk of bacterial overgrowth and recurring gut issues.

Why Timing Your Meals and Fasting Can Help

The MMC only works when you’re fasting, which is why grazing or late-night snacking can disrupt its function. Giving your gut time to reset can help:

✔️ Space out meals by at least 3-4 hours to allow the MMC to kick in between meals.

✔️ Aim for a 12-hour overnight fast to give your gut ample time to clear out bacteria and waste.

Timing matters! Fasting and meal timing help optimize digestion and support gut motility

Supporting Bile Flow and Motility for Lasting Relief

For people with a sluggish MMC or recurrent SIBO/IMO/ISO, supporting bile flow is another important step. Bile stimulates motility in the small intestine and helps prevent bacterial buildup.

Consider:

• Eating foods that support bile production (beets, bitter greens, artichokes)

• Supplementing with digestive bitters or ox bile (if recommended by a provider)

It’s Not Just About One Solution—It’s About the Whole Picture Gut health is complex, and addressing SIBO, IMO, or ISO isn’t just about treating bacteria—it’s about looking at the bigger picture. Stress, motility, inflammation, and bile flow all play a role. When you address these factors together, you create an environment where your gut can truly heal.

Take Action to Support Your Gut Motility and Address SIBO for Better Digestion

If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of gut discomfort, try these steps:

✔️ Space out meals by 3-4 hours to let the MMC do its job.

✔️ Consider a 12-hour overnight fast to clear bacteria and reset motility.

✔️ Support bile flow and motility with targeted foods and supplements.

✔️ Address stress and other contributing factors to prevent further disruption of gut function.

💬 Need help navigating this journey? Book a free discovery call today—[link to schedule]

Building a solid foundation for your gut health—step by step. 🌿 Ready to find your balance?