Here in North Carolina, from Asheville to Raleigh, I’ve met many people struggling with gut symptoms that don’t improve with typical treatments. If you deal with bloating, pain, gas, or irregular digestion, you may have small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is a common cause of digestive distress, and it often goes undiagnosed.
At Eat for Life, I work with people who want to know how to treat SIBO naturally using food and lifestyle strategies. My approach is practical, evidence-based, and grounded in real-life routines.
Why Focus on Natural SIBO Treatment
SIBO happens when bacteria grow in the small intestine, where they’re not supposed to be. This leads to food fermentation before digestion, causing gas, bloating, and nutrient issues. Many people are prescribed antibiotics, but symptoms return if diet and digestion aren’t addressed.
In a study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers found a strong connection between SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome. Up to 78% of IBS patients tested positive for SIBO. That’s why many people feel better on restrictive diets, but symptoms often return without the right long-term strategy.
Natural treatment focuses on stopping bacterial overgrowth by adjusting how and what you eat, improving digestion, and supporting your body’s ability to move food through the gut.
Food and SIBO
Food is the foundation of any successful SIBO recovery plan. I guide clients through a phased approach to eating, starting with a short-term reduction in fermentable foods to bring symptoms down, followed by a gradual reintroduction process.
Foods to Limit
Certain carbohydrates feed the bacteria in the small intestine. These ferment quickly and cause gas and bloating. During the first phase of your plan, we may reduce:
- Onions, garlic, and shallots
- Cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus
- Apples, pears, mangoes, and watermelon
- Wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten-containing grains
- Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans
- Cow’s milk, ice cream, and soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese
These foods are high in fermentable carbs called FODMAPs. Studies show that a low-FODMAP diet significantly reduces symptoms in people with IBS and SIBO.
Foods That Support Recovery
Instead of focusing only on restriction, I help clients build balanced meals with nourishing foods without causing symptoms. These include:
- Zucchini, carrots, green beans, cucumber, and spinach
- Blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and grapes
- White rice, quinoa, and gluten-free oats
- Eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, and grass-fed beef
- Hard cheeses and lactose-free dairy products
- Olive oil, avocado oil, and small portions of ripe avocado
These foods are easier to digest and provide essential nutrients for healing. Meals are spaced out and portioned to allow complete digestion between eating. I encourage people to chew slowly and eat without distractions to support better digestion.
If you live in North Carolina and can access local farmer’s markets, this can be a great way to find fresh produce that works well in your meal plan. In season, I often recommend simple meals like grilled chicken with sautéed zucchini and rice or spinach salads with hard-boiled eggs, olive oil, and blueberries.
The Question of Supplements
Herbal and nutritional supports can help reduce SIBO, but they must be chosen carefully based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and timing. I don’t include supplement protocols here because they require one-on-one guidance. We’ll talk about this in detail during your consultation.
How to Treat SIBO Naturally: A Local Guide
I created Eat for Life to help people in North Carolina take control of their digestive health without guesswork. I work with clients throughout the state—from the Triangle area to Wilmington—providing plans that are clear, realistic, and based on science.
Clients come to me when they want:
- Clear guidance on what to eat
- Long-term solutions, not short-term diets
- Someone to explain what’s happening in their body
- Support from a real person who listens and understands
Your gut health matters. I bring years of experience in nutrition and digestive health, and every client gets a plan that works for their lifestyle, grocery access, cooking skills, and schedule.
Ready to Feel Better?
You don’t have to keep guessing what to eat or switching diets with no relief. If you want to treat SIBO naturally and get to the root of your symptoms, I invite you to book a consultation.
We’ll build a step-by-step plan to help you feel like yourself again with food you can enjoy and trust.
Contact me today to get started.
