Work with an Online SIBO Clinic
What is Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth?
Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) happens when methane-producing organisms, called archaea, overgrow in the digestive tract. Also known as Methane SIBO (in the small intestine), this condition is closely linked to symptoms like constipation and bloating. IMO is identified with a breath test that measures elevated methane levels, making it a distinct type of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Our Approach to Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth
At The Functional Gut Health Clinic, our team has worked with hundreds of clients with IMO, helping to eradicate methanogenic archaea naturally. Our approach focuses on personalized protocols, addressing both the overgrowth itself and its root causes for long-term relief. Here are the key steps we follow:
Limit fermentable carbohydrates: Reducing fermentable carbohydrates limits fuel for archaea, while carefully increasing fiber and polyphenols to support motility and reduce methane levels.
Natural herbal antimicrobials: Natural antimicrobial herbs like allicin, oregano, and neem can target methane-producing archaea effectively - rotating them helps prevent resistance.
Support digestion and detoxification: Digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and binders are used to improve nutrient absorption, eliminate toxins, and manage constipation.
Biofilm disruption: Biofilm disruptors are included in our protocols to break through protective biofilms and enhance antimicrobial effectiveness.
Microbiome restoration: After addressing the overgrowth, we introduce specific prebiotics and probiotics to restore gut balance, focusing on strains that reduce methane levels and improve motility.
Address root causes: To prevent relapse, we focus on underlying causes of impaired motility, such as migrating motor complex function, and other IMO root causes.
By following these steps, we not only target the archaea responsible for IMO but also support overall gut health and motility for long-term results.
Common Questions about Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth
What are the symptoms of intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO)?
Common symptoms of IMO include chronic constipation, bloating, gas, stomach pain, and belching. Unlike hydrogen-dominant SIBO, which typically causes diarrhea, IMO is characterized by methane production that slows gut motility, leading to constipation. Specific symptoms can vary based on individual gut imbalances.
What causes high methane levels in the gut?
High methane levels in the gut are primarily caused by the overgrowth of methane-producing archaea. These organisms thrive when conditions such as low stomach acid, ileocecal valve dysfunction, or impaired gut motility allow them to colonize the small intestine. Common triggers include food poisoning, hypothyroidism, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic infections like parasites or mold and mycotoxins.
How do you test for Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth?
A methane overgrowth is most commonly identified in clinical practice with a lactulose breath test. It’s a non-invasive test that measures methane levels produced by archaea in the gut over a three-hour period after consuming a sugar solution. Methane levels of ≥10 p.p.m. at any point indicates a positive result for Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO).
What our clients are saying
“Thank you so much. I’d had moments of true despair, however now as my symptoms abate and my energy returns I’m overwhelmed by how fortunate I am to have found Mikaela and Bella. For this I will never be able to thank you enough.”
★★★★★
Emma (Kentucky, USA)
I feel cured, I can eat almost whatever I want without experimenting abdominal pain, I can go out with friends without being stressed about my guts. Thank you Christina, you literally changed my life.”
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Benjamin (Occitanie, France)
Our team of SIBO specialists
Our team of specialists doesn’t just bring professional expertise to addressing Intestinal MethanogenOvergrowth (IMO) – it brings lived experience. Many of our practitioners have personally dealt with methane SIBO and/or IMO, so are deeply familiar with the complexities of this condition. With extensive training and hands-on experience helping hundreds of methane SIBO and IMO clients, we’re well-equipped to address the physical and emotional toll of this condition and restore the quality of life you deserve.
Our personalized approach, combined with years of experience, ensures you receive the highest level of care and support throughout your IMO healing journey.
IMO Knowledge Base Articles & Resources
CONSTIPATION METHANE SIBO TREATMENT
An additional guide about this unique form of SIBO, outlining:
> Why methane SIBO is different
> The methane SIBO and constipation connection
> Testing for methane SIBO
> Methane SIBO treatment
HOW TO FIND AN ONLINE SIBO PRACTITIONER
A guide for those looking for support with eradicating SIBO, including:
> Why you need professional support with SIBO
> The benefits of working with an online SIBO practitioner
> How consultations, testing and supplements work online
> Where to find an online SIBO practitioner
> What to look for on a practitioner or clinic website
> Questions to ask practitioners before you start working together
Chronic Constipation Clear-Out Guide [FREE Download]
A comprehensive 16-page guide that includes clinical techniques and advice we give our 1:1 functional nutrition clients to get things moving when everything else fails.
If you’re looking to work with a team of SIBO experts, we’re here to help.
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