Understanding SIBO, IBS, IBD, and Your Gut Health

Finding Relief and Reclaiming Your Life from Digestive Distress

Living with chronic digestive issues like gas, bloating, abdominal pain, unpredictable bowel habits, or food intolerances can significantly impact your quality of life. It can make social events stressful, travel daunting, and even simple meals a source of anxiety. If you’re struggling with conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), know that specialized, compassionate care is available right here in Seattle at Village Medicine. I am pleased to join Village Medicine Seattle, an offer my naturopathic approach with deep expertise and specialized training in complex gastrointestinal conditions. I bring a wealth of knowledge, focusing not just on symptom management, but on uncovering the root causes of your digestive distress to help you find lasting relief.

WHAT ARE SIBO, IBS, and IBD? UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS

Many patients come to me confused about their diagnosis, and they wonder what’s really going on in their gut based on their diagnosis. Here’s a quick overview of:

• SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): This condition occurs when bacteria that normally live in your large intestine overgrow in your small intestine. This can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. (bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea)
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): A common disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Interestingly, research suggests 60-80% of IBS cases may actually be caused by SIBO.
• IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease): This is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, primarily Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These are autoimmune disorders requiring careful management, often alongside a gastroenterologist.
  

  

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF SIBO?

While symptoms can vary, SIBO often presents with:

• Gas and significant bloating (often worsening throughout the day)
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits (even normal stools)
• Nausea
• Acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
• Developing new food intolerances

Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions like IBD, a thorough evaluation is crucial.

GET TO KNOW ME, DR. MISTY STORY: MY TRAINING AND ROOT CAUSE APPROACH:

Like many of my patients, my road to health hasn’t been without bumps. I’ve personally experienced Celiac Disease, IBS/SIBO, and the recovery process after a concussion. This wasn’t just a clinical lesson; it was a personal one that taught me deep empathy for the struggle, but also instilled a powerful belief in the possibility of feeling truly well again. It’s why I’m so passionate about helping you with your GI concerns I’ve been there.

My commitment is also shaped by witnessing the health journeys of my family members facing challenges from Alzheimer’s and heart disease to autoimmune conditions and mental health struggles.

These experiences drive my core values: empowering you through education, helping you find balance, and guiding you away from just managing disease towards embracing vibrant health. It’s more than my profession; it’s my purpose, born from experience and compassion.

My journey into specializing in gut health involved mentorship under true pioneers in the field. During my naturopathic medical training, I studied closely with Dr. Allison Siebecker and Dr. Steven Sandberg Lewis, who established the SIBO Center at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon and collaborated with leading researchers like Dr. Mark Pimentel. I continue to consult with Dr. Siebecker’s group, staying at the forefront of SIBO knowledge.

My IBD expertise was further honed through mentorship with specialists Dr. Ilana Gurevich and the late Dr. Gary Weiner. This extensive training informs my comprehensive approach at Village Medicine. I am also an active member of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (GastroANP), serving on the board and conference committee.

THE NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE DIFFERENCE: LOOKING DEEPER

Simply treating the symptoms or providing a round of antibiotics often isn’t enough for sustainable relief, especially with SIBO. I emphasize identifying and addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to the condition in the first place. These can include: Previous food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea History of abdominal surgeries leading to adhesions Conditions like endometriosis Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Thyroid disorders Other motility disorders This is why I gather a comprehensive history before ordering tests. Understanding the full health history helps rule out other conditions and ensures the diagnostic and treatment plan is truly personalized.

PERSONALIZED TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR GUT HEALING

Treatment at Village Medicine with me is tailored to patient specific needs and may involve a combination of approaches:

• Herbal Antimicrobial Protocols: Utilizing specific herbs known for their effectiveness against bacterial overgrowth.
• Targeted Antibiotics: Prescribing specific conventional antibiotics (like Rifaximin) when appropriate.
• Therapeutic Diets: Guidance on diets like the Low FODMAP diet, the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet), the SIBO Specific Food Guide (developed by Dr. Siebecker), or sometimes low-histamine approaches. Crucially, restrictive diets are used cautiously and temporarily, with the goal of expanding your diet long-term. For further exploration find a wealth of additional resources at the SIBO Centers Nutrition & Wellness Page.
• Elemental Diet: A specialized, short-term liquid diet composed of pre-digested nutrients that can nourish you while starving bacteria.
• Prokinetics: Medications or supplements to stimulate gut motility and help prevent SIBO relapse.
• Microbiome Restoration: Focusing on rebuilding a healthy, balanced gut ecosystem after treatment.
• Addressing the Mental-Emotional Component: Recognizing and supporting patients through the fear and anxiety often associated with chronic digestive issues and food restrictions.

RECLAIMING YOUR DIET AND YOUR LIFE

One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is helping patients move beyond extremely limited diets. I have worked with individuals who could only tolerate 3-5 foods, guiding them through treatment to successfully reintroduce a wider variety of foods. The goal is always to help patients enjoy meals without fear, eat socially with friends and family, travel, and fully participate in life again. This applies equally to managing IBD, where naturopathic support alongside conventional care can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptom burden.

EXPENDING EXPERTISE: CONNECTING THE DOTS

Understanding the gut often means looking at related conditions. I also bring experience with: Celiac Disease: (Including personal experience with the condition) Histamine Intolerance & Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Particularly focusing on GI-related triggers and symptoms. Connective Tissue Disorders: Recognizing the link between conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and gut dysfunction.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS BETTER DIGESTIVE HEALTH IN SEATTLE

If you’re tired of digestive symptoms controlling your life, expert help is available. At Village Medicine, Dr. Misty Story and our team are committed to providing thorough, individualized naturopathic care to uncover the root causes of your SIBO, IBS, IBD, or other gut health concerns.

Schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Story and start your journey towards healing.

* This post was originally printed in the Village Medicine Seattle’s Wellness Quarterly Magazine, 2Q25 Edition. Read and download the full publication

About The Author

Dr. Misty Story, ND  is a Digestive health, SIBO, IBD, IBS, GERD/reflux specialist at Village Medicine Seattle. Her goal is to assist patients in their journey through education, encouragement and continued research as her first Naturopathic Doctor did for her. Learn more about Misty