Root Cause SIBO Care
Functional Medicine Treatment for SIBO: Clearing the Overgrowth and Preventing Relapse
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is frequently treated with a single round of antibiotics that clears symptoms temporarily before they return. Functional medicine treatment for SIBO addresses why the overgrowth developed, not just the bacteria itself. Julie McDonald, MMS, PA-C, FMACP, sees patients in-person in Marquette, MI and virtually in Michigan through the 12-Week Reset. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Treating the Cause, Not Just the Overgrowth
SIBO Treatment That Looks at Why It Keeps Coming Back
SIBO relapse rates after standard antibiotic treatment are high because the underlying cause, often impaired gut motility, low stomach acid, or structural factors, is rarely addressed. Functional medicine treatment for SIBO combines breath testing with an evaluation of these root drivers and genetic testing. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- SIBO breath testing (lactulose or glucose) to confirm and characterize overgrowth
- Evaluation of gut motility, stomach acid, and structural factors that allow SIBO to recur
- Genetic and nutrient testing to identify contributing factors
- Personalized eradication and relapse-prevention protocol
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine Treatment for SIBO Is for People Ready to Break the Relapse Cycle
Bloating That Builds Throughout the Day
Bloating that is minimal in the morning and worsens by evening is a hallmark pattern of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Diagnosed With SIBO but Symptoms Returned
High relapse rates after antibiotics usually mean an underlying driver, such as motility or structural issues, was never addressed.
IBS Diagnosis Without SIBO Testing
A significant portion of IBS cases involve underlying SIBO that standard workups never test for. See our IBS page for more.
Symptoms That Began After Food Poisoning or a Stomach Bug
Post-infectious changes to gut motility are a well-documented cause of chronic SIBO.
Dependent on a Low FODMAP Diet Just to Function
Diet alone manages symptoms without resolving the overgrowth. Testing identifies whether SIBO is the underlying driver.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert SIBO Care
We offer complete virtual SIBO care in Michigan. Breath test kits are mailed directly to you, with results reviewed via telehealth.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Functional Medicine Treatment for SIBO at Monarch FM
Clearing bacterial overgrowth is only half of effective SIBO treatment. Without addressing what allowed the overgrowth to develop, in most cases impaired motility, relapse is common. Our process addresses both.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
SIBO Breath Testing and Root Cause Evaluation
We confirm overgrowth through breath testing and evaluate motility, stomach acid, and structural factors, combined with genetic testing where relevant.
Targeted Eradication Protocol
Depending on your case, this may include antimicrobial herbs or coordinated antibiotic treatment, selected based on your specific breath test pattern.
Rebuilding Gut Motility to Prevent Relapse
We address the root driver, often motility support and dietary sequencing, so the small intestine can maintain proper bacterial balance after treatment.
Retesting and Long-Term Monitoring
We retest via breath testing to confirm eradication and continue monitoring to catch early signs of relapse before symptoms fully return.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
SIBO Keeps Coming Back Because the Cause Is Rarely Treated.
Antibiotics can clear an overgrowth, but they don’t fix what caused it. Related pages include broader gut health, leaky gut, IBS, and chronic diarrhea. For more background, read our article on the functional medicine approach to SIBO treatment.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIBO?
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine migrate into and overgrow in the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits. It is diagnosed through breath testing that measures hydrogen and methane gas production. At Monarch Functional Medicine, we combine breath testing with genetic testing and a root-cause evaluation, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Why does SIBO keep coming back after treatment?
SIBO relapse rates after antibiotic treatment alone are high, largely because the underlying cause, most often impaired migrating motor complex function (the gut’s natural cleansing wave), is not addressed. Functional medicine treatment for SIBO evaluates and treats this root driver alongside eradicating the current overgrowth to reduce relapse risk.
Is SIBO the same as IBS?
Not exactly, though they frequently overlap. Research suggests a substantial portion of patients diagnosed with IBS, particularly the diarrhea-predominant subtype, test positive for SIBO when properly evaluated. Because standard IBS workups rarely include SIBO breath testing, many cases go undetected.
Can SIBO be diagnosed and treated virtually?
Yes. Breath test kits are mailed directly to you anywhere in Michigan, and results are reviewed with Julie McDonald via telehealth, with all consultations and protocol adjustments conducted virtually.
How long does SIBO treatment take?
Initial eradication protocols typically run several weeks, with symptom improvement often noticeable within 4 to 6 weeks. The full 12-Week Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), includes time for motility support and relapse prevention, which is the step most commonly skipped in conventional treatment.
Do I need a referral for SIBO testing?
No referral is required. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly to discuss your symptoms and testing options.
What does SIBO treatment cost?
Care begins through the 12-Week Energy, Hormone and Metabolism Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), priced at $849 paid in full or three payments of $297, with breath testing available as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat SIBO?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified PA-C with the FMACP designation, and has 22 years of clinical experience, with gut health, including SIBO, among her core areas of focus. Learn more on the About Us page.
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The Monarch FM Standard
Clinical Expertise. Advanced Testing. A Protocol Built for You.
Julie McDonald is a MMS, PA-C, and FMACP with 22 years across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. Monarch Functional Medicine runs the labs most providers never order, interprets them through a functional medicine lens, and builds a protocol specific to your biology. Learn more about Julie or book a free strategy call today.
Ready to Start
Clear the Overgrowth. Fix What Let It Happen.
Functional medicine treatment for SIBO at Monarch FM addresses both the overgrowth and the motility issue behind it. See us in person in Marquette, MI or work with us virtually from anywhere in Michigan.
Join hundreds of patients who have reclaimed their energy, hormones, and health.
