The Best Supplements for SIBO Support (With Science & Product Links)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which excess bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and nutrient malabsorption. While antibiotics are often prescribed, many people seek natural or supplemental support as part of a comprehensive approach.

Research suggests that herbal antimicrobials, digestive support formulas, and certain non-bacterial probiotics may be useful when used under professional guidance. Studies show that some herbal therapies have antimicrobial effects comparable to traditional antibiotics in clinical settings, and may help improve symptom outcomes in some patients.

Herbal Antimicrobials — Targeting Bacterial Overgrowth

Herbal compounds with antimicrobial properties are often used in protocols aimed at reducing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Berberine (Preferred Nutrition 500 mg)

What it does: Berberine is a plant-based compound with broad antimicrobial activity that may help reduce harmful bacteria in the gut. Clinical research has found that herbal protocols including berberine can produce results comparable to rifaximin, an antibiotic commonly used for SIBO.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health/preferred-nutrition-berberine-500mg-90-cap/

Oil of Oregano (Natural Factors 180 mg)

What it does: Oregano oil contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol that have powerful antimicrobial effects. It’s traditionally used in herbal SIBO protocols to help target bacterial populations.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/natural-factors-oil-of-oregano-180mg-30sgel/

Garlic Extract (Kyolic Aged Garlic)

What it does: Garlic contains allicin, a natural compound shown to have broad antibacterial properties and used in herbal SIBO therapies.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/Kyolic-Aged-Garlic-Extract-Everyday-Support-60VTab-Extra-Strength

Digestive Support Supplements — Helping the Gut Break Down Food

Digestive support supplements help improve digestion so food doesn’t linger in the small intestine where bacteria thrive.

NOW Super Enzymes

What it does: A blend of digestive enzymes designed to help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, making nutrients easier to absorb and reducing food residues that could feed excess bacteria.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health/now-super-enzymes-180cap/

Natural Factors Betaine HCl

What it does: Betaine HCl can support stomach acid levels, which may improve digestion and reduce bacterial overgrowth by aiding normal digestive processes.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health/natural-factors-betaine-hcl-180cap/

NOW Peppermint Oil (Enteric-Coated)

What it does: Peppermint oil can help reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort by supporting normal gastrointestinal muscle relaxation. Research also notes peppermint’s antimicrobial traits.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/now-peppermint-oil-180mg-90softgel

Probiotic Support — Targeted Yeast That Doesn’t Add Bacteria

Standard bacterial probiotics can sometimes worsen SIBO symptoms by adding more bacteria to the small intestine. Because of this, products like yeast–based probiotics are often preferred in SIBO protocols.

AOR Saccharomyces boulardii

What it does: Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast that’s resilient through digestion and may support symptom relief without adding bacterial strains to the small intestine. Clinical evidence shows it may help reduce symptoms when used alongside other therapies.
Buy: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/aor-saccharomyces-boulardii-90cap/

Why These Supplements May Help (Based on Research)

• Herbal antimicrobials have been shown in some clinical settings to perform similarly to pharmaceutical antibiotics for reducing bacterial overgrowth in SIBO.
• Combining herbs and proper digestive support may help address both bacterial imbalance and digestive inefficiency — two major factors in SIBO symptoms.
• Saccharomyces boulardii has research supporting its use as a non-bacterial probiotic option for reducing discomfort associated with bacterial dysbiosis.

How to Use This Guide

Important: Supplements should not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Work with a healthcare professional to determine appropriate dosing, combinations, and duration based on your symptoms and medical history.

Suggested approach:

1. Start with herbal antimicrobials + digestive support.
2. Add Saccharomyces boulardii to support symptom relief without adding bacteria.
3. Monitor your symptoms, diet, and digestion — adjust with professional guidance.

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