Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, tends to fly under the radar. It’s not unusual for someone to spend years managing bloating, strange digestive reactions, or unexplained fatigue without realizing what’s going on. Some are told it’s just IBS. Others are left with vague advice to eat more carefully or reduce stress.

Dr. Radhika Kamat has worked with many people in this situation. At her Naturopathic clinic in Singapore, she takes an overall holistic perspective. Her SIBO care is based in functional medicine, and she always looks for the root cause of the patient’s symptoms.

If you would like to book an in-person visit to her clinic, or if you would like to schedule an online consultation from a remote location online, we would be happy to hear from you.

What Is SIBO?

SIBO happens when bacteria show up in the wrong place. The large intestine is where these organisms normally live and do their job, but when they drift upward into the small intestine, they can cause problems. That part of the gut wasn’t designed to hold them, and their presence there can cause gas, bloating, pain, and other ripple effects.

Some bacteria produce hydrogen. Others produce methane or even hydrogen sulfide. The gases they create are what drive many of the symptoms people experience. SIBO isn’t just about digestion, though. It can affect how someone absorbs nutrients, how their immune system responds, and even how they feel day to day [1].

Involvement of the Small Intestine

The small intestine is where food gets broken down and absorbed, but when bacteria begin interfering with that process, people can start to feel unwell in many different ways. Some lose nutrients, while others develop food reactions they didn’t have before. Over time, the inflammation adds up [1].

Symptoms That May Be Linked to SIBO

SIBO often shows up as bloating that feels out of proportion to what was eaten. Some people say their stomach feels fine in the morning but uncomfortable by the afternoon or evening. There might be upper abdominal pain, gas, or nausea after meals. Bowel habits might become unpredictable, shifting between constipation and loose stools.

There’s often a cognitive or emotional layer as well. Brain fog, low mood, and fatigue are common. That makes sense, since the gut plays a big role in producing neurotransmitters and managing inflammation [2].

Why SIBO Keeps Coming Back

It can feel discouraging when a treatment works for a little while, only for the same symptoms to come back later. That happens often with SIBO. For some, antibiotics help at first, but the results don’t last. Others try strict diets and still struggle.

A big part of the problem is that the root causes are often still in place. The nerves that coordinate digestion may not be firing properly. The sweeping motion that keeps bacteria out of the small intestine might be too slow. Things like food poisoning, low thyroid function, or even long-term stress can interfere with this rhythm [3].

For recovery to last, those deeper patterns need attention. Gut healing takes time, but with the right support, it is possible to get back to feeling better.

A Whole-Person Approach to SIBO

Dr. Kamat starts by listening. What has someone already tried? What seems to make things better, or worse? What else is going on in their life or health that might connect to what’s happening in the gut?

In some cases, she’ll recommend testing to look at which gases are present, and in other cases, a person’s story is clear enough to move forward without testing. Treatments are always built around what someone needs, and they are fully personalised.

Some plans include herbs that reduce bacterial overgrowth. Others focus more on motility, the nervous system, or gentle dietary shifts. Dr. Kamat never pushes extreme diets or harsh medications and unnecessary tests, and her approach is steady, collaborative, and designed to support healing.

Supporting the Gut and Nervous System

The gut is connected to the brain, the immune system, and the stress response, and that’s why treating SIBO can help the whole system come back into balance.

If you have tried treatments that didn’t help, or even made things worse, get in touch. Dr. Kamat’s clinic, you will start a journey towards holistic health.

When healing begins to take root, people often notice changes beyond digestion. Sleep improves, moods feel steadier, energy begins to return, and that’s exactly what a naturopath is hoping to accomplish.

About Dr. Radhika Kamat

Dr. Kamat is a licensed naturopathic doctor, trained at Bastyr University in the United States. Her education included both conventional biomedical sciences and traditional systems of medicine. She brings this dual perspective into every case she takes on.

Her clinical focus includes digestive disorders, hormonal imbalance, immune concerns, and chronic conditions. Many of her patients have seen multiple providers before arriving at her clinic, and they are often seeking answers that go deeper than conventional testing or treatment has provided.

Telehealth and Online Care

Dr. Kamat welcomes patients both in Singapore and around the world. She offers online consultations for those living abroad or outside the city, and these sessions are conducted through a secure telehealth platform.

Please note that naturopathic treatment for SIBO is considered elective. It is not covered under Singapore’s health insurance system and is billed privately. Patients are encouraged to reach out with any questions about consultation options or fees.

Find Relief From

Living with SIBO can feel overwhelming. The symptoms can affect not just digestion, but energy, clarity of mind, and overall well-being. When healing feels just out of reach, it helps to work with someone who takes the time to understand the full story.

Dr. Kamat offers care that is both scientifically informed and deeply personal. If you’ve been searching for answers or feeling discouraged by past treatments, you are not alone. There are thoughtful ways forward, and her clinic is here to help you explore them.

References

*not a medical/dental service, does not cover under Singapore health service act

Naturopathic SIBO Treatment in Singapore