SIBO and Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Symptoms, Testing, and Natural Treatment Options in Rolla, MO

SIBO, IBS, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, and Celiac Disease: Could Your Digestive Symptoms Have More Than One Cause?

By Dr. David J. Moreland, DC, CCSP | Moreland Chiropractic Clinic | Rolla, Missouri

If you've been struggling with bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or food intolerances, you've probably heard the diagnosis IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). While IBS is common, it is important to remember that it is a syndrome, not a single disease. In many cases, another underlying digestive condition may be contributing to—or even causing—your symptoms.

At Moreland Chiropractic Clinic in Rolla, Missouri, I believe patients deserve a thorough, evidence-based evaluation. One diagnosis does not always tell the whole story. Conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and Alpha-Gal Syndrome can overlap, making digestive problems more complex than they first appear.

What Is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria populate the small intestine, an area that normally contains relatively few bacteria.

These bacteria ferment carbohydrates before they are absorbed, producing gases such as hydrogen and methane. This fermentation can lead to symptoms including:

Bloating Excessive gas Abdominal discomfort Diarrhea Constipation Nausea Early fullness after meals Food sensitivities Fatigue associated with nutrient deficiencies

Because these symptoms are common in IBS, SIBO is sometimes overlooked.

Why Stomach Acid Matters

Many people take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), esomeprazole (Nexium®), or lansoprazole (Prevacid®) to treat acid reflux or ulcers.

These medications can be extremely beneficial when used appropriately. However, stomach acid also serves important functions. It helps:

Digest proteins Activate digestive enzymes Improve absorption of nutrients Kill harmful bacteria entering with food Maintain a healthy balance within the digestive tract

Research suggests that prolonged acid suppression may increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth in some individuals. This does not mean everyone taking a PPI will develop SIBO, but it is one factor your healthcare provider may consider if digestive symptoms persist.

Understanding Your Gut Microbiome

Your digestive tract contains trillions of microorganisms known collectively as the gut microbiome.

A healthy microbiome helps:

Support digestion Produce certain vitamins Regulate immune function Protect against harmful bacteria Maintain the intestinal lining

When this balance changes, symptoms such as bloating, irregular bowel habits, and abdominal discomfort may develop.

How Is SIBO Diagnosed?

Fortunately, several diagnostic tools are available.

The most common is the hydrogen and methane breath test, a non-invasive study that measures gases produced by intestinal bacteria after drinking a special carbohydrate solution.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your physician may also recommend:

Complete blood count (CBC) Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) Iron studies Vitamin B12 Folate Vitamin D Magnesium

These laboratory tests can help identify nutritional deficiencies that sometimes accompany chronic digestive disorders.

Why IgA Testing Can Be Important

Many people mistakenly believe IgA testing diagnoses SIBO. It does not.

However, tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) together with total IgA is the preferred initial blood test for celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine.

Untreated celiac disease may increase the likelihood of developing SIBO because injury to the intestinal lining can interfere with normal digestion and intestinal motility.

For patients with long-standing digestive complaints, evaluating for celiac disease is often an important part of a comprehensive workup.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome and Digestive Symptoms

One area that has become increasingly important is Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS).

Many people think of Alpha-Gal Syndrome only as a mammalian meat allergy, but some patients experience predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

Severe bloating Cramping Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea Food intolerance

These symptoms overlap significantly with IBS and SIBO.

Current medical literature does not demonstrate that Alpha-Gal Syndrome directly causes SIBO. However, both conditions may occur in the same patient, and Alpha-Gal Syndrome may complicate the clinical picture by producing symptoms that resemble bacterial overgrowth or other gastrointestinal disorders.

For individuals diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome, periodic monitoring of Alpha-Gal IgE antibody levels may also help healthcare providers evaluate disease activity alongside clinical symptoms.

Why Getting the Correct Diagnosis Matters

Many digestive disorders produce similar symptoms but require very different treatments.

Rather than simply treating bloating or abdominal pain, healthcare providers should strive to identify the underlying cause whenever possible.

Depending on your individual situation, evaluation may include:

Medical history Physical examination Dietary review Breath testing Laboratory testing Stool testing when appropriate Endoscopy or colonoscopy if indicated

An accurate diagnosis often leads to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.

An Evidence-Based Approach to Digestive Health

At Moreland Chiropractic Clinic, I believe patient education is an important part of healthcare. Every patient is different, and digestive symptoms deserve thoughtful evaluation rather than assumptions.

For patients with Alpha-Gal Syndrome, chronic digestive complaints, or complex gastrointestinal symptoms, I emphasize evidence-based care and appropriate laboratory testing. My goal is to work alongside your primary care physician, gastroenterologist, allergist, or other healthcare professionals to help you better understand the factors contributing to your symptoms.

Whether your digestive issues involve SIBO, celiac disease, medication effects, or Alpha-Gal Syndrome, identifying the correct diagnosis is the first step toward improving your health.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort, food sensitivities, or have been diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome and continue to struggle with digestive symptoms, Moreland Chiropractic Clinic in Rolla, Missouri, offers an evidence-based approach focused on education, careful evaluation, and individualized care.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Moreland Chiropractic Clinic at 573-364-8086.

Selected Medical References Pimentel M, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2020. Quigley EMM, Murray JA, Pimentel M. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Expert Review. Gastroenterology. 2020. Rubio-Tapia A, et al. ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. Commins SP. Diagnosis and Management of Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.