SIBO Treatment in Scottsdale & Phoenix
Why choose Dr. Dan Wool for SIBO testing & care in Arizona?
Dr. Dan Wool, NMD | Arizona-licensed Naturopathic Physician | Gastroenterology & Hormone Specialist | 8+ Years Experience
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SIBO Treatment that Addresses Root
Cause
What is SIBO? Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria colonize the small intestine, causing uncomfortable digestive symptoms and nutrient malabsorption.
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in gastroenterology, I provide evidence-based SIBO testing and treatment protocols that go beyond symptom management to address the underlying factors driving bacterial overgrowth.
SIBO is often misdiagnosed as IBS, food intolerances, or other digestive conditions. Through specialized breath testing and comprehensive assessment, we can accurately identify SIBO and create a personalized treatment plan using herbal antimicrobials, dietary interventions, gut restoration protocols, and sometimes, medication.
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Why our approach to SIBO is different: My approach focuses not just on eradicating the overgrowth, but on preventing recurrence by identifying and correcting the root causes such as motility dysfunction, structural abnormalities, or immune deficiencies that allowed SIBO to develop in the first place.
The fact is that many gastroenterologists won't touch SIBO. So it has become a trendy diagnosis for naturopaths to treat. However, most NDs lack the gastro-specific experience to do it properly.
That makes Dr. Dan Wool different.
We serve patients throughout the entire Phoenix metropolitan area including Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe and Chandler. Virtual tele-health consults are available for patients throughout Arizona.
If you want to find out more about Dr. Dan Wool's approach to SIBO, book your free
Dr. Wool's SIBO Treatment Philosophy
Root Cause Focus
SIBO is a diagnosis not a root cause. Identifying why it developed -- and whether it is indeed bacterial vs. fungal, histamine or autoimmunity -- prevents recurrence and ensures lasting results beyond symptom suppression.
Test, Don't Guess
Accurate breath testing ensures we're treating the right condition with the right protocol, avoiding trial and error.
Herbal First
Research shows herbal antimicrobials are as effective as antibiotics with fewer side effects, less relapse and less antibiotic resistance.
Personalized Protocols
While the diagnosis may be the same, every patient got there differently. You will receive a customized treatment plan based on your SIBO type, symptoms, and individual factors.
DO ANY SOUND FAMILIAR?
What are the main types of SIBO?
There are three common types of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
and each can cause different symptoms
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO
The most common type, caused by bacteria that produce hydrogen gas.
• Associated with diarrhea
• Rapid transit time
• Responds well to herbal antimicrobials
• Often linked to post-infectious IBS with
diarrhea
Methane-dominant SIBO (IMO)
Caused by methane-producing organisms called archaea, now termed Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO).
• Associated with constipation
• Slower transit time
• May require specific antimicrobials
• Often more challenging to treat
Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO
Emerging type characterized by sulfur-reducing bacteria producing toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Sulfur-smelling gas
• Diarrhea predominant
• May not show on standard breath tests
• Requires specialized treatment approach
What are the most common SIBO symptoms?
Digestive Symptoms
• Bloating (especially after meals)
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea, constipation, or both
• Excessive gas and belching
• Nausea and acid reflux
• Food intolerances (especially FODMAPs)
Systemic Reactions
• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog and poor concentration
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Skin issues (rosacea, acne, eczema)
• Headaches and migraines
• Mood changes and anxiety
Nutritional Deficiencies
• Iron deficiency anemia
• B12 deficiency
• A/D/E/K vitamin deficiencies
• Unintended weight loss
• Protein malabsorption
• Essential fatty acid deficiency
SIBO Breath Testing
Accurate diagnosis is essential
We utilize lactulose or glucose breath testing to measure hydrogen and methane gas production, identifying the presence and type of SIBO.
Pre-Test Preparation: You'll follow a specific preparatory diet for 24 hours before testing to ensure accurate results. This typically involves avoiding high-fiber foods, fermented foods, and certain carbohydrates.
At-Home Testing: After an overnight fast, you'll drink a sugar solution (lactulose or glucose) and collect breath samples at specific intervals over 2-3 hours using a simple at-home collection kit.
Lab Analysis: Your breath samples are sent to a specialized laboratory that measures hydrogen and methane gas levels at each time point to identify bacterial overgrowth patterns. (It takes about 2 weeks to return results)/.
Results Interpretation: I'll review your results in detail, explaining what type of SIBO you have (if present), the severity, and how this information guides your personalized treatment protocol.
Comprehensive SIBO Treatment Protocol
Diagnosis & Testing
Comprehensive assessment to accurately identify bacterial overgrowth and other contributors.
• Lactulose breath testing
• Hydrogen and methane
measurement
• Comprehensive health history
• Additional functional testing as
needed
• Root cause investigation
Herbal Protocols
Evidence-based botanical treatments as effective as conventional antibiotics without the side effects.
• Customized herbal antimicrobial
combinations
• Targeted protocols per SIBO type
• Berberine, neem, and oregano oil
• Allicin and proven botanicals
• Biofilm disruptors, as needed
Therapeutic Diets
Personalized nutritional strategies to reduce bacterial feeding and support gut healing.
• Low FODMAP and other diet
plan considerations
• Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
• Bi-phasic diet protocols
• Elemental diet, when
appropriate
• Food reintroduction planning
Motility Enhancement
Restoring proper gut motility to prevent bacterial stagnation and recurrence.
• Prokinetic agents (natural and
prescription)
• 5-HTP and ginger
• Vagal nerve stimulation
• Intermittent fasting protocols
• Physical movement
recommendations
Gut Restoration
Healing and rebuilding the intestinal environment after bacterial eradication.
• Selective probiotic
reintroduction
• Digestive enzyme support
• Bile acid optimization
• Immune function enhancement
Relapse Prevention
Long-term strategies to address root causes and maintain digestive health.
• Underlying condition
management
• Structural abnormality
assessment
• Immune system optimization
• Stress and lifestyle modification
• Follow-up breath testing
Common Questions about SIBO / IMO
How do I know if I have SIBO or just IBS?
SIBO and IBS share many symptoms, which is why research suggests that 60-80% of IBS cases may actually be undiagnosed SIBO. The key difference is that SIBO has an identifiable bacterial cause that can be detected through breath testing and successfully treated. If you've been diagnosed with IBS but haven't been tested for SIBO, or if IBS treatments haven't provided lasting relief, SIBO testing is highly recommended.
Are herbal antibiotics really as effective as prescription antibiotics?
Yes. A landmark study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that herbal antimicrobial therapy was at least as effective as the antibiotic rifaximin for treating SIBO, with an 85% success rate. Herbal protocols offer additional benefits including fewer side effects, reduced risk of antibiotic resistance, and broader antimicrobial activity against multiple bacterial strains. I utilize evidence-based herbal combinations proven effective in clinical research and find that this keeps SIBO from recurring vs. antibiotic.
How long does SIBO treatment take?
Most patients complete the antimicrobial phase within 4-6 weeks, but comprehensive treatment including gut restoration and relapse prevention typically spans 3-6 months. There can be ups and downs. The timeline depends on SIBO severity, type (methane-dominant often takes longer), underlying root causes and individual response to treatment. Some patients experience significant symptom relief within the first few weeks, while complete resolution requires the full protocol.
Can SIBO come back after treatment?
SIBO can recur if underlying predisposing factors aren't addressed. This is why my approach focuses heavily on identifying and correcting root causes such as impaired motility, structural abnormalities, low stomach acid, or immune dysfunction. By addressing these factors alongside bacterial eradication and implementing maintenance strategies like prokinetics and dietary modifications, we significantly reduce recurrence risk and maintain long-term digestive health.
What if I have methane-dominant SIBO (i.e. IMO)?
Methane-dominant SIBO, now called Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO), often requires a modified treatment approach. Methane-producing organisms (archaea) can be more resistant to standard antimicrobials and are strongly associated with constipation. I use specialized herbal protocols that target methane producers specifically, often combining them with prokinetics and interventions to improve transit time. While methane SIBO may take longer to treat, successful resolution is absolutely achievable with the right protocol.
Can I do the lactulose SIBO breath test at home?
Yes. SIBO breath testing can be completed entirely at home. After proper preparation, you'll drink the test substrate and collect breath samples at specific time intervals using a simple collection kit. The samples are then mailed to a specialized laboratory for analysis, which takes about 2 weeks. I provide detailed instructions for the preparation diet and testing procedure, and then review your results with you in a follow-up consultation to develop your personalized treatment plan.
How much does a SIBO breath test cost?
SIBO breath tests for methane and hydrogen cost about $250. A test called TrioSmart that also looks for hydrogen sulfide gas costs about $350.
Do you accept insurance for SIBO testing and treatment?
Our Scottsdale practice is cash pay and you should expect all costs to be out of pocket, including testing. Insurance companies don't pay for naturopathic care. That said, some might cover SIBO breath testing when medically indicated. I can provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance company. In general, the investment in accurate SIBO diagnosis and effective treatment often saves money in the long run by avoiding years of unsuccessful treatments.
Ready for SIBO Relief? Book Your Free Discovery Call Today!
With caring, patience and a comprehensive approach, Dr. Dan Wool is the best naturopathic doctor in Scottsdale, AZ to treat Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO/IMO). We serve patients throughout the entire Vally of the Sun including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills and Mesa and across the state of Arizona via tele-health. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation online today.