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SIBO and hopeful to be working with doctors at Mayo Clinic

Posted by azj @azj, Apr 16, 2023

I have an appointment with Dr. Szarka soon, which I am feeling very hopeful about, and am wondering if anyone within the group has seen him before and can share their experiences. I am working with SIBO and am hopeful that he will be able to help me sort out why I am not able to cure it.
Thank you in advance for your kind response.

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oanaionica | @oanaionica | Jun 13, 2023
In reply to @edloftus "Odd - since it's such a common test to check for the presence of gut bacteria...." + (show)
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Odd - since it's such a common test to check for the presence of gut bacteria. Research has shown that SIBO is a major cause of intestinal permeability ('leaky gut'), a condition where partially digested food is absorbed thru the small intestine (closest to stomach) lining where the can cause an immune reaction - possibly also causing bacterial to be absorbed - major trigger of inflammation. The bacteria, in turn, cause the small intestine's motility to slow down, causing further fermentation.

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hi! How did you get the leaky gut diagnostic?

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edloftus | @edloftus | Jun 14, 2023
In reply to @oanaionica "hi! How did you get the leaky gut diagnostic?" + (show)
Profile picture for oanaionica @oanaionica

hi! How did you get the leaky gut diagnostic?

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I’ve not been diagnosed with leaky gut. My naturopathic doc sent me the SIBO breath test. It can measure methane & other gas levels all the from your upper colon on up. Since you fast prior to
taking it, it’s measuring residual gas that caused by bacteria within that general region of the upper digestive tract. Granted, leaky gut is evidently also caused by bacteria, creating its complications further down the colon.

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edloftus | @edloftus | Jun 14, 2023
In reply to @edloftus "I’ve not been diagnosed with leaky gut. My naturopathic doc sent me the SIBO breath test...." + (show)
Profile picture for edloftus @edloftus

I’ve not been diagnosed with leaky gut. My naturopathic doc sent me the SIBO breath test. It can measure methane & other gas levels all the from your upper colon on up. Since you fast prior to
taking it, it’s measuring residual gas that caused by bacteria within that general region of the upper digestive tract. Granted, leaky gut is evidently also caused by bacteria, creating its complications further down the colon.

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One more thing: turned out my Kaiser doc knew about the SIBO breath test but didn’t tell me until I pressed the point; so I also did one he provided. Just make sure you get one where the provided liquid you drink beforehand is lactose.

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oanaionica | @oanaionica | Jun 14, 2023

Thank you so much! I will look into it!

Was your abdomen swollen?? Sorry to ask, just trying to see if we have the same symptoms ?

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gigi4 | @gigi4 | Jun 15, 2023
In reply to @edloftus "I’ve not been diagnosed with leaky gut. My naturopathic doc sent me the SIBO breath test...." + (show)
Profile picture for edloftus @edloftus

I’ve not been diagnosed with leaky gut. My naturopathic doc sent me the SIBO breath test. It can measure methane & other gas levels all the from your upper colon on up. Since you fast prior to
taking it, it’s measuring residual gas that caused by bacteria within that general region of the upper digestive tract. Granted, leaky gut is evidently also caused by bacteria, creating its complications further down the colon.

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Leaky gut, as it has been explained to me, is not caused by bacteria. Leaky gut means the the intestinal permeability allows bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. If you have symptoms of indigestion along with other symptoms which can be numerous and test positive, there are bacteria in your upper intestine that have migrated from the lower intestine to feed on the sugars. ( This is where dietary changes are needed-eliminating sugars and starches). The goal is to get that bacteria back to the lower intestine where it belongs. And build the mucous lining back up to eliminate permeability.

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Oct 27, 2025
In reply to @retiredbabe "Did they help you?" + (show)
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Did they help you?

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@retiredbabe - just wanted to be sure to which member in this discussion your question about whether they helped was directed? If you might @mention the member using their @username, that would be great to let the member know you are asking them specifically, if you don't mind.

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retiredbabe | @retiredbabe | Oct 31, 2025
In reply to @lisalucier "@retiredbabe - just wanted to be sure to which member in this discussion your question about..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

@retiredbabe - just wanted to be sure to which member in this discussion your question about whether they helped was directed? If you might @mention the member using their @username, that would be great to let the member know you are asking them specifically, if you don't mind.

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It was to anyone who has been to mayo for sibo. I did hit reply but I will
follow your method in the future. Thank you for your help

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