SIBO Testing South Australia
Barossa Valley & Adelaide
Comprehensive SIBO Breath Testing & Treatment in South Australia
Do you experience severe bloating after meals, unpredictable bowel movements, and food sensitivities that seem to worsen over time? You might have SIBO—Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth—a specific type of dysbiosis where bacteria overgrow in the small intestine.
Sonya Thorn provides comprehensive SIBO breath testing and specialised treatment protocols for South Australian women through the Gut Health Detective 4X4 Program.
What is SIBO?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine migrate upward and colonise the small intestine, where they shouldn't be in large numbers.
When bacteria ferment food in the small intestine (where most nutrient absorption occurs), they produce excessive gas, interfere with digestion, and create the characteristic symptoms of SIBO.
SIBO vs Dysbiosis: Understanding the Difference
SIBO is bacterial overgrowth specifically in the small intestine
Dysbiosis is bacterial imbalance anywhere in the digestive system
SIBO is a specific type of dysbiosis. You can have dysbiosis without SIBO, but SIBO is always a form of dysbiosis. Many people have both—bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine plus imbalance in the large intestine.
This is why comprehensive testing matters.
Common SIBO Symptoms in Clients
Digestive Symptoms:
Severe bloating within 1-2 hours after eating
Feeling extremely full after small meals
Excessive gas and belching
Abdominal pain and cramping
Constipation (methane-dominant SIBO)
Diarrhoea (hydrogen-dominant SIBO)
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Nausea, especially after eating
Systemic Symptoms:
Chronic fatigue and low energy
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Nutrient deficiencies (particularly B12, iron, fat-soluble vitamins)
Unintentional weight loss or gain
Food sensitivities (especially to FODMAPs)
Joint pain and body aches
Skin issues (rosacea, eczema)
Anxiety and depression
Red Flag Signs of SIBO:
Bloating that gets progressively worse throughout the day
Symptoms worsening with "healthy" foods like vegetables and wholegrains
Diagnosed IBS that hasn't responded to dietary changes
History of food poisoning or gastroenteritis
Long-term use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors like Nexium)
Digestive symptoms following antibiotic use
SIBO Breath Testing in South Australia
How SIBO Breath Testing Works:
SIBO is diagnosed through a non-invasive breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria fermenting sugar in your small intestine.
The Testing Process:
Preparation: 24-hour preparatory diet (specific foods to avoid)
Fasting: 12-hour overnight fast before testing
Baseline Sample: Breath sample collected before drinking sugar solution
Sugar Solution: Drink lactulose or fructose solution
Timed Samples: Breath samples collected every 15-20 minutes for 3 hours
Analysis: Gas levels measured to determine SIBO presence and type
Testing Available at Home: SIBO breath test kits can be posted to your South Australian address. Complete the test at home following detailed instructions, then return samples for analysis.
What SIBO Testing Reveals:
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO: Typically causes diarrhoea, urgency
Methane-dominant SIBO (IMO): Typically causes constipation, severe bloating
Hydrogen sulfide SIBO: Assessed through patterns and symptoms
Severity: How elevated gases are indicates treatment intensity needed
Why SIBO Testing is Essential
Many Adelaide and South Australian clients come to me after years of IBS diagnosis and dietary restrictions without improvement. Research suggests 60-70% of IBS cases may actually be undiagnosed SIBO.
Why guessing doesn't work:
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO requires different treatment than methane-dominant
Some probiotics make SIBO worse
FODMAPs restriction provides temporary relief but doesn't address the overgrowth
Without knowing your SIBO type, treatment is guesswork
Proper testing identifies:
Whether you have SIBO
Which type of SIBO (hydrogen, methane, or both)
Severity of bacterial overgrowth
Whether you also have large intestine dysbiosis (through microbiome analysis)
SIBO Treatment in South Australia
The Gut Health Detective Approach to SIBO:
SIBO treatment isn't just about killing bacteria—it's about understanding why SIBO developed and preventing recurrence.
Phase 1: Investigation
SIBO breath testing
Comprehensive microbiome analysis (to check for large intestine dysbiosis)
Identifying root causes (low stomach acid, slow motility, structural issues)
Assessing contributing factors (stress, medications, past infections)
Phase 2: Treatment
Antimicrobial protocol: Selective Herbal antimicrobials targeting small intestine bacteria
Dietary modification: Low-FODMAP diet during active treatment, then systematic reintroduction
Digestive support: Enzymes, stomach acid support if needed
Motility support: Prokinetics to prevent bacterial stagnation
Gut lining repair: Nutrients to heal intestinal damage
Phase 3: Rebalancing
Selective probiotics: Specific strains after SIBO clearance
Diversity building: Gradually expanding dietary variety
Microbiome restoration: Rebalancing large intestine bacteria
Stress management: Supporting gut-brain axis
Phase 4: Prevention
Maintenance protocols: Preventing SIBO recurrence
Lifestyle integration: Long-term gut health strategies
Monitoring: Retesting if symptoms return
SIBO Treatment Timeline
Typical SIBO healing journey:
Weeks 1-4: Testing, protocol initiation, initial symptom improvements
Weeks 4-8: Active antimicrobial treatment, dietary modifications, noticeable reduction in bloating
Weeks 8-12: Rebalancing phase, food reintroduction, significant improvement
Weeks 12-16: Maintenance protocols, long-term strategies, sustained symptom resolution
Most South Australian clients notice bloating reducing by 50-70% within 6-8 weeks of targeted SIBO treatment.
Why SIBO Recurs (and How to Prevent It)
SIBO recurrence rates are high (up to 40% within one year) when only bacteria are treated without addressing underlying causes.
Common SIBO Root Causes:
Low stomach acid: Often from long-term PPI use (Nexium, Somac)
Slow gut motility: Bacteria aren't being swept through properly
Structural issues: Adhesions, diverticula, or strictures
Ileocecal valve dysfunction: Valve between small and large intestine not closing properly
Chronic stress: Affects gut motility and function
Medications: PPIs, antibiotics, opioids slow motility
The Gut Health Detective 4X4 Program addresses root causes:
Identifying YOUR specific underlying factors
Supporting stomach acid and digestive function
Implementing prokinetic protocols for motility
Stress management and nervous system support
Creating sustainable prevention strategies
SIBO Testing & Treatment Investment
SIBO Breath Test Only:
Initial consultation
Posted to your South Australian address
Includes detailed interpretation and recommendations
Comprehensive SIBO Treatment - Gut Health Detective 4X4 Program:
$1,555 upfront (save $200)
Includes SIBO breath test + comprehensive microbiome analysis (valued over $600)
Five personalised consultations over 16 weeks
Customised antimicrobial (extra cost) and dietary protocol (included)
Full support and guidance
Initial SIBO Consultation:
90-minute comprehensive assessment
Review of symptoms and health history
SIBO testing recommendations
Preliminary dietary advice
Available via Telehealth or in-person (Barossa Valley)
Convenient SIBO Testing for All South Australia
Telehealth Consultations Available:
Comprehensive online consultations for all SA residents
SIBO breath test kit posted to your address
Complete testing at home with detailed instructions
Follow-up consultation to review results via video call
Servicing All South Australian Regions:
Adelaide and all suburbs
Adelaide Hills
Barossa Valley
Fleurieu Peninsula
Yorke Peninsula
Mid North
Riverland
South East
Regional South Australia
In-Person Consultations:
Available at Barossa Valley clinic
45 minutes from Adelaide CBD
Convenient for Barossa, Adelaide Hills, and northern Adelaide residents
Real SIBO Treatment Results
Case Study: Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO Eight-year history of IBS diagnosis, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, unpredictable bowel movements affecting work and social life, anxiety.
SIBO Testing Revealed: Hydrogen-dominant SIBO, low beneficial bacteria diversity
Treatment: SIBO-specific herbal antimicrobial protocol, low-FODMAP diet during treatment, digestive enzyme support, specific probiotics after clearance, gut-brain axis support
Results: SIBO cleared after 8-week protocol, regular predictable bowel movements within 10 weeks, anxiety reduced 70%, can now travel and eat socially without fear
Case Study: Methane-Dominant SIBO Chronic constipation (bowel movement every 3-4 days), severe bloating, brain fog, weight gain.
SIBO Testing Revealed: Methane-dominant SIBO (IMO), inflammatory dysbiosis in large intestine
Treatment: Methane-specific antimicrobial protocol (different from hydrogen treatment), prokinetic support, magnesium and motility herbs, gut lining repair
Results: Bowel movements normalised to daily within 6 weeks, bloating reduced 80%, brain fog cleared, lost 6kg naturally once gut function restored
SIBO Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is SIBO breath testing? SIBO breath testing is the gold standard non-invasive diagnostic tool, with approximately 80-90% accuracy when performed correctly with proper preparation.
Can I do the SIBO test at home in South Australia? Yes. SIBO breath test kits are posted to your SA address with detailed instructions. You complete the test at home and return samples for analysis.
How is SIBO different from general dysbiosis? SIBO is bacterial overgrowth specifically in the small intestine. Dysbiosis is bacterial imbalance anywhere in the digestive system (small or large intestine). SIBO is a specific type of dysbiosis requiring targeted treatment.
Do I need to stop probiotics before SIBO testing? Yes. Specific preparation guidelines are provided, including which supplements and medications to temporarily discontinue before testing to ensure accurate results.
Why do I need microbiome analysis if I have SIBO? Many people with SIBO also have large intestine dysbiosis. Treating only SIBO without addressing large intestine imbalances often leads to recurrence. Comprehensive testing reveals the complete picture.
How long does SIBO treatment take? Active SIBO treatment typically takes 8-12 weeks, followed by rebalancing and prevention protocols. The complete Gut Health Detective 4X4 Program is 16 weeks to ensure lasting results and prevent recurrence.
Will SIBO come back after treatment? SIBO can recur if underlying causes aren't addressed. The Gut Health Detective approach identifies and treats root causes (low stomach acid, slow motility, etc.) to prevent recurrence.
Book Your SIBO Assessment
Ready to find out if SIBO is causing your symptoms? Book your comprehensive SIBO consultation with South Australia's Gut Health Detective.
About Sonya Thorn - South Australia's SIBO Specialist
Sonya Thorn is a qualified naturopath (Adv Dip Naturopathy) and Certified Microbiome Analyst with specialised training in SIBO diagnosis and treatment.
SIBO Expertise:
SIBO Mastermind advanced training
Certified Healthy Gut Practitioner
Certified Microbiome Analyst
Over 500 gut healing cases including complex SIBO presentations
Evidence-based herbal antimicrobial protocols
Root cause investigation and prevention strategies
Serving South Australia:
Barossa Valley (in-person consultations)
Adelaide and all suburbs (Telehealth)
Regional South Australia (Telehealth)
Australia-wide (Telehealth)
SIBO Testing South Australia | Barossa Valley & Adelaide Comprehensive breath testing and evidence-based treatment Telehealth available for all SA residents