Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & HIstamine intolerance in Pregnancy & postpartum
Do you struggle with bloating, gas, fatigue, mood swings, or unexpected weight changes? I mean who doesn’t when they're pregnant!? This may not be because of your pregnancy OR it may be much worse because of an underlying condition called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). And guess what? SIBO and histamine intolerance commonly go hand-in-hand which can wreak havoc on your body and particularly your postpartum health and experience.
SIBO starts when there’s an imbalance in your gut’s microbiome resulting in bacterial overgrowth causing fermentation/gas in the form of methane and hydrogen. This throws your digestion into chaos and can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, discomfort, abdominal distention, altered bowel habits (diarrhoea & constipation), fatigue, slower digestion, potential abdominal cramping and even nutrient deficiencies which we need all the nutrients we can get to support healthy foetal growth, nutritious milk production and so we can function!
💥 Symptoms of SIBO in Pregnancy & Postpartum 💥
Bloating after meals (even small ones)
Nausea and persistent indigestion
Sudden or unexplained weight gain/loss
Gas, cramps, and discomfort
Constant fatigue, no matter how much rest
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability (that’s your gut-brain axis at work)
Struggle with sleep (waking up tired despite having a good night’s rest)
Histamine intolerance symptoms: skin rashes, itching, headaches, and more
🤰 Causes of SIBO in Pregnancy & Postpartum 🤱
During pregnancy, your body’s digestion naturally slows down (Thanks hormones!), creating the perfect environment for bacterial overgrowth. After birth, things like stress, lack of sleep, and fluctuating hormones (especially progesterone) can further disrupt your gut health, and if you already struggle with histamine intolerance, SIBO could worsen your symptoms.
And to add to the fun! SIBO impacts your ability to produce DAO (diamine oxidase), the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine. This means histamine overload can make things like mood regulation, sleep, and even weight loss a constant struggle.
🌱 Why Proper Diagnosis & Treatment Matter 🌱
If untreated, SIBO can keep you stuck in a vicious cycle of gut distress, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation—affecting your mood, energy, postpartum recovery and experience. Plus, traditional treatments can sometimes make things worse (like antibiotics, which can reduce your body's DAO production). A gut-focused, natural approach that takes both SIBO and histamine intolerance into account is CRUCIAL for long-term relief and SIBO irradiation.
Could SIBO Be Impacting You? 😬
Take the quiz below:
Do you feel bloated after every meal? Y/N
(Like you suddenly swallowed a balloon 🎈)Do you have gas or belching that you definitely didn't ask for? Y/N
(Bonus points if it’s really stinky! 💨)Are you constantly tired, even after getting sleep? Y/N
(SIBO drains energy like a toddler on a sugar high😴)Do you have unpredictable mood swings or irritability? Y/N
(Blame your gut-brain axis—when your gut’s upset, your mood follows! 😡➡️😢➡️😂)Are your bowels all over the place? Y/N
(One minute you’re constipated, the next it’s diarrhea central… 💩)Does food just sit in your stomach? Y/N
(Ever feel like food’s just hanging out in your belly? 🍽️)Have you noticed weight changes you can’t explain? Y/N
(Too much or too little, it feels like your weight’s not in your control.)Do you feel worse after eating high-fiber or fermentable foods? Y/N
(Broccoli, beans, garlic, kimchi, kombucha—feel like they’re secretly plotting against you? 🥦)Do you experience histamine intolerance symptoms like itching, headaches, blocked or runny nose, bronchial asthma, hives or rashes? Y/N
(Histamine and SIBO love to make life miserable together. 🙄)Is your sleep off, despite doing all the “right” things? Y/N
(Even if you’re getting 8 hours, you still feel like a zombie. 🧟♀️)Is your gut making loud noises or painful at random times? Y/N
(No, it’s not talking to you—those are gas and fermentation sounds 🤫)Do you have a history of taking antibiotics, birth control, or other medications? Y/N
(These can disrupt your microbiome and create the perfect breeding ground for SIBO.)Do you ever feel like your bowel movement isn’t complete? Y/N
(Like there’s something left behind even after you’re done or could pass a bowel motion again?)Do you notice undigested food in your stool? Y/N
(Pieces of what you ate showing up in the toilet 🚽)
If you said yes to more than 5 of these it may be an indication that you have SIBO and/or impaired gastric function - Eeek! But do not stress, SIBO and gastric function can be restored!
🌿 Getting to the root cause of your SIBO is essential. That means more than just masking the symptoms; you need a plan that addresses the gut imbalance and supports your overall digestive health. Your mood, sleep, and energy don’t have to suffer any longer! Learn more about The Complete Mind-Body Transformation—designed to restore balance, boost your digestion, and reduce histamine-related symptoms naturally. 🌿
💡 This is for you if you...
Feel like your gut has a mind of its own on so many levels! (especially postpartum)
Struggle with unexplained bloating, mood swings, or sleep issues
Feel exhausted no matter what you do
Said yes to more than 5 symptoms on the SIBO quiz above
Suspect SIBO or histamine intolerance might be at play
