SIFO symtpoms

What is SIFO? SIFO Symptoms & How to Address Them

Have you been struggling with digestive issues for years and haven’t gotten answers? Or maybe you’ve been diagnosed with IBS and have been told that “it’s something you’re just going to have to learn to live with- here’s a medication to maybe make it better.” 

Well today, I may have answers to your unsolved bloating, stomach pains, and constant diarrhea issues. The medical community is catching up, and I’m sharing what we know about SIFO and SIFO symptoms and what can be done to treat it.

First Off, What is SIFO?

SIFO stands for Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth. The name pretty much explains itself. SIFO is when your gut environment allows a fungus to flourish in your small intestine, creating an infection-like situation. 

While fungus is known to cause issues like vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, thrush, and ringworm, fungus growing inside the digestive tract is a recent discovery that providers need to acknowledge and consider. An overgrowth like this could be the thing contributing to your SIFO symptoms like GI issues, IBS, and even leaky gut!

In fact, if you’ve been diagnosed with IBS or have unexplained digestive issues, you could likely be struggling with SIFO symptoms instead. Researchers found that 25% of these unexplained cases are actually a result of SIFO. 

But, unfortunately, most medical doctors aren’t aware that SIFO exists because it was just introduced to the medical community in 2015 (that’s not too long when we are talking about research and new medical treatments).

So, is what you are experiencing lining up with SIFO symptoms?

 SIFO Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Belching
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea

If left unaddressed, SIFO symptoms and damage can manifest into more serious issues. This is because SIFO can cause leaky gut, which can then manifest as joint pain, headaches, mood issues, weakened immune system, food sensitivities, fatigue, skin issues, and more.

What Causes SIFO?

Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth can develop due to other bodily imbalances and lifestyle factors/ choices. Just like bacteria in your gut, small amounts of fungus are part of a normal and healthy gut microbiome. However, when your gut microbiome becomes unbalanced (and nice and cozy for fungus to flourish), that’s when your body starts to sound the alarms. 

Factors that contribute/ increase your risk of SIFO:

  • Lack of stomach acid
  • PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors)
  • Antibiotics overuse
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Immunosuppressant drugs
  • Motility disorders that cause constipation or diarrhea 
  • Old age (65+)
  • Overuse of painkillers

What’s the difference between SIBO and SIFO?

Maybe you have heard of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). In fact, your SIFO symptoms may line up perfectly with the symptoms of SIBO…yet when your test comes back, it’s negative for SIBO. You think, “ugh, back to square one!”. 

But here’s the thing…the symptoms of SIBO are identical to SIFO! However, the SIBO test looks for bacteria rather than a fungus, so you don’t know right away if you are dealing with SIFO or not.

Are Candida and SIFO the same thing?

SIFO can be any type of fungus overgrowth in the small intestine. Whereas candida is a specific type of fungus. However, studies have shown that around 97 percent of these SIFO cases are from some form of Candida, like Candida albicans. 

While Candida is normally found in the gut, it’s when it overgrows that it causes issues (just like with certain gut bacteria). 

How do I know if I have SIFO? 

Since SIFO has just recently been introduced, there are no specific tests for SIFO that aren’t invasive. However, the first step would be to complete a stool test and SIBO test to rule out other overgrowths, infections, or issues. 

If there are imbalances, you can work on addressing those first, and you may fix your SIFO symptoms while you’re at it. However, currently, SIFO is diagnosed based on clinical findings and symptoms. If you have gut issues, and everything else has been ruled out, we can suspect SIFO is present. 

How to Treat SIFO

Antifungal Treatment for SIFO Symptoms

Once all other options are ruled out, we can go ahead and treat your digestive issues with antifungal treatment or other natural approaches for fungus overgrowth. If your symptoms start to disappear, we will continue with this approach.  

Typically, we treat SIFO for 3 weeks with antifungal drugs, preferably with Fluconazole. This antifungal is specific to candida and other fungi close in comparison. Some providers may use itraconazole or posaconazole as a potential option, depending on the patient. 

Supplements and Herbs Instead of Antifungals

Before we grab for the antifungal treatments (because they could have significant reactions with current medications that you are taking), probiotics and herbal antimicrobials could work just as well! These can also be great for beating fungal overgrowths.

Herbs/ Supplements for SIFO Symptoms include: 

  • Oregano
  • Artemisinin
  • Berberine
  • Probiotics 

Best SIFO Diet

You may be wondering what foods you should eat if you have SIFO, right? Well, there isn’t a clear answer just yet. I mean, we just know a small fraction of what occurs in our microbiome because of its complexity and how it is different for every person! 

However, remember that no one will know better than YOU, what kind of diet is best! After you eat a meal or certain type of food, take note of how you feel. If it makes your stomach ache and causes you to run to the bathroom, then you should avoid that food for the time being while you are healing. 

A possible low-carb diet may work well, or even a low FODMAP or Mediterranean diet. See how you feel with each of these and choose what makes you feel the best. 

Contact Maryland Functional Medicine Provider to Address SIFO Symptoms

If you’ve been struggling with constant stomach issues for months or even years and are still coming up empty for answers, please contact me at my Functional Medicine practice in Annapolis, MD. I will complete a deep dive into medical history, current symptoms, functional lab testing, and investigating if SIFO is the root of your issues so you can finally feel better again! Schedule a FREE 10-minute consult to get started!