Founded in Brisbane in 1979

Brisbane Livewell Clinic logo -01

Get Your SIBO Test Brisbane for IBS Symptoms and Better Gut Health

Get a SIBO Test Brisbane and discover whether your bacterial overgrowth is causing a number of your gut health symptoms. See our Naturopath for testing today

Last Updated on 10 July 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic

What is SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth?

SIBO can occur when the ileocecal valve (which connects the large and the small intestine) is dysfunctional, allowing large intestinal bacteria to migrate upwards into the small intestine, where they wreak havoc. We offer a SIBO Test Brisbane in consultation with our Naturopaths.

What is SIBO Testing?

The normal cleansing wave of the small intestine is disrupted, or stopped. This cleansing wave is called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMS), and occurs approximately every 90 minutes, typically between meals. The function of the MMC is to wash out accumulated bacteria and propel them toward the colon. The MMC is not related to the peristaltic waves of the large intestines.

The result is bacteria are allowed to grow and proliferate throughout the small intestine (a little over 6 meters in length).

SIBO and IBS

SIBO is a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine that causes hydrogen, methane and/or hydrogen sulphide gas production. These gases cause the symptoms of IBS but also damage the intestinal wall.

SIBO is the leading cause of IBS.

Practitioners across the nation are familiar with the frequent presentation of IBS in their clients.

IBS can have several causes— food sensitivities, dysbiosis of the large intestine, lack of digestive enzymes or hydrochloric acid, stress. All can cause digestive complaints that are often indistinguishable from one another.

SIBO is actually a very common undiagnosed cause of IBS (up to 84%) and thus shares some of the same presenting symptoms with IBS—Gas/bloating, diarrhoea/constipation, and abdominal cramping.

How does SIBO affect you

SIBO causes damage to the absorptive surface of the small intestine – the ability of the body to absorb nutrients from food.

The absorptive surface of the small intestine is likened to a shaggy carpet, with finger-like protrusions called villi. The surface of the villi contain microvilli, which act as the interface of absorption—microvilli secrete enzymes called “brush border enzymes” which break starches into single molecules and proteins into single amino acids, so these can be absorbed.

SIBO can result in

  • Malabsorption of monosaccharides and amino acids (carbohydrates and proteins)
  • Fermentation of disaccharides by bacteria causing hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulphate gasses
  • These gasses themselves are damaging to the gut wall
  • Malabsorption of vitamins (especially B12 and Folic acid)
  • Malabsorption of minerals (especially, magnesium, iron, and calcium SIBO can cause leaky gut, with a damaged gut wall allowing larger particles to pass through, causing an immune response

Causes of SIBO

  • Post infectious: a case of gastroenteritis can often be the “heralding event” for the development of SIBO
  • Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
  • Medications: proton pump inhibitors, morphine and other opiates, narcotics, possibly beta agonists and calcium channel blockers
  • Stress: chronic stress can decrease stomach acid output (hypochlorhydria).
  • Normal stomach acid levels are required to kill bacteria
  • Stress also causes changes in the motility of the small intestines, causing a pooling and stagnation which allows for bacterial overgrowth
  • Altered anatomy: malformation of the ileocecal valve, surgical intervention causing scarring and adhesions altering the normal anatomy of the small intestines
  • Initial colonization of bad bacteria: caesarean birth, no breast feeding

Associated Conditions

  • Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – especially associated with diarrhoea dominant SIBO
  • Chronic constipation – associated with methane-dominant SIBO
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory Bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
  • Acid reflux
  • Coeliac disease
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Acne Rosacea
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Scleroderma
  • Chronic Prostatitis
  • Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Diverticulitis

 

SIBO cannot be treated with diet alone. See a qualified SIBO Testing Practitioner at Brisbane Livewell Clinic for a review of your current health needs.

Man and woman carrying their baby in a garden, surrounded by flowers and trees. Drug and Alcohol Counselling. Brisbane Livewell Clinic, Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome cause weight gain. SIBO Test Brisbane. Infant colic

Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)

Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)

Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)

Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)

Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)

Locations We Service – Naturopathy

Naturopath Caloundra
Naturopath Wavell Heights
Naturopath Cannon Hill
Naturopath Sunshine Coast 
Naturopath Noosa
Naturopath Brisbane Northside
Naturopath Brisbane
Naturopaths Brisbane
Brisbane Naturopaths
Naturopathy Brisbane
Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopath Near Me
Natural Therapies Brisbane
Therapists Brisbane

Relevant Naturopath links

Why You May Wish to Consult a Naturopath

Gut Health

Perimenopause and Menopause

Hormone Health

Thyroid Issues

Detox and Cleansing

Insomnia and Sleep Health

Autoimmune Conditions

Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Women’s Health

Fertility and Pregnancy

Men’s Health

Children’s Health

DNA Testing

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Food Intolerances and Allergies

Weight Loss

Nutrition and Mineral Deficiencies

Parasites

Chronic Fatigue / Exhaustion / Tired

Healthy Eating

Naturopath Health Screening

Locations – Wavell Heights & Cannon Hill

Brisbane Livewell Clinic operates from two easy-to-reach locations:

Wavell Heights – 1/52 Jeffcott Street, Wavell Heights QLD 4012

Cannon Hill – 1/18 Pickwick Avenue, Cannon Hill QLD 4170

Both Clinics offer weekday and Saturday appointments.

You can book online 24/7 or call our friendly Reception Team on (07) 3861 5881.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic. Dietician Brisbane

About Brisbane Livewell Clinic

  • Brisbane’s most-established Health, Natural Therapies, Naturopath & Wellness Clinic
  • Clinics located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill
  • Multiple skilled and experienced practitioners

Visit our Wavell Heights Clinic

Visit our Cannon Hill Clinic

Your Feedback Matters

We value your feedback. Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected].

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions. Our therapies complement, not replace, medical treatment; discuss any proposed treatment or therapy with your GP before commencing. 

Please read our Disclaimer for more information.

Brisbane's Top Health, Natural Therapies, Naturopath and Wellness Centre

Brisbane Livewell Clinic, located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill, is Brisbane’s top health, natural therapies, and wellness clinic. Founded in 1979, it is the longest-running Wellness Centre in Brisbane.

Our Practitioners

Our Clinics are home to a team of experienced Allied Health and Natural Therapy practitioners. Each Practitioner is highly skilled, qualified, and a member of their respective professional associations. They bring expertise and compassion to their work, believing everyone deserves a life free of pain, anxiety, and ill health.

What is Brisbane Livewell Clinic Best Known For?

Brisbane Livewell Clinic is best known for its holistic health and wellness services, both Natural Therapies and Allied Health Services. It has locations in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill in Brisbane, Queensland and offers a range of therapies in Brisbane and around Australia, including Naturopathy, Nutrition, Massage Therapy, Counselling, Acupuncture, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Hypnotherapy, Kinesiology, Bowen Therapy and Mindset Therapy. 

Our Clinic focuses on personalised Wellness Plans for our patients that address the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms, helping our patients achieve lasting wellness. If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to health, it’s time to get in touch.

Our Services

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, improving dietary habits, needing physical rehabilitation, or searching for mental and emotional support, we offer a wide range of services:

Locations We Service

At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we serve the following locations and are a part of the local community in:

Content Policy

Our content is produced following strict editorial guidelines for accuracy, relevance, and integrity. Each article undergoes a comprehensive review process, including fact-checking and verification against reputable sources such as peer-reviewed journals and government publications.