The SIBO diet is a temporary elimination diet that incorporates low-FODMAP foods to decrease bacterial overgrowth. It typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks. While seen as an effective treatment method, the SIBO diet treats symptoms but may not treat the underlying cause. Traditional treatment methods shouldn't be ignored. Prior to incorporating any dietary changes to your treatment plan, discuss your options with your doctor. It's important to bring FODMAPs back into your diet when your symptoms ease. This will prevent healthy bacteria loss. If your symptoms begin to worsen after implementing the SIBO or low-FODMAP diet, seek immediate medical attention.Scientific support of the SIBO dietAntibiotics are the primary treatment for SIBO symptoms. However, studies show that dietary changes, such as limiting sugars and lactose, may also help reduce bacterial overgrowth. The SIBO diet can be used in combination with antibiotics and probiotics. A 2010 study showed that incorporating probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods in your diet helps reduce SIBO symptoms.While on the SIBO diet, drinking more water will reduce pain and ease digestion. Before making any changes to your diet or implementing new treatment, discuss the risks with your doctor or dietitian.There are 60 to 70 million Americans suffering from some sort of digestive disease, with nearly 50 million visiting the doctor each year. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (SAD) combined with the hectic lifestyles many of us lead is likely contributors to these staggering statistics.We rush through our meals, eat processed foods and give ourselves little time to recover from the hustle and bustle of each day. This lifestyle is taking a toll as we forego nutrient-dense foods that take time to prepare in favor of foods that actively do damage to our gastrointestinal tract overtime. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 15.3 million Americans, while Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease add almost another 1 million to the mix. SIBO isn't listed in the U.S. Digestive Disease Statistics, but it could be contributing to these three ailments or could be a result of them, along with a number of other digestive disorders. SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. This complex syndrome is often responsible for chronic cases of diarrhea or constipation. SIBO sometimes causes IBS or is mistaken for it.The solution isn't simple, but with proper testing, medical care, diet and lifestyle changes, SIBO is curable and controllable. We're going to break down everything you need to know about SIBO, including the special diet that goes along with it.