Who Is the Best SIBO Doctor in the US: Top Specialists for Treatment

Finding the right doctor for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can be challenging yet crucial for effective treatment. SIBO is a complex digestive condition that requires specialized knowledge and a comprehensive approach. While many gastroenterologists are familiar with SIBO, certain specialists have distinguished themselves through their research, treatment protocols, and patient outcomes. This guide highlights some of the top SIBO specialists across the United States to help you find expert care for this often misunderstood condition.

Understanding SIBO and Why Specialist Care Matters

SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally populate the large intestine migrate and proliferate in the small intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies. The condition can be notoriously difficult to treat effectively without specialized knowledge, as it often requires a multi-faceted approach including antimicrobials, dietary modifications, and addressing underlying causes.

A SIBO specialist typically has extensive experience diagnosing the condition through breath testing, understands the various subtypes (hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or hydrogen sulfide SIBO), and stays current with the latest research and treatment protocols. The best SIBO doctors recognize that successful treatment often requires more than just antibiotics—it necessitates a comprehensive plan that may include digestive support, motility agents, and strategies to prevent recurrence.

The Importance of Functional Medicine Approaches

Many leading SIBO specialists incorporate functional medicine principles, looking beyond symptom management to identify and address root causes. This might include investigating motility disorders, structural abnormalities, immune dysfunction, or other conditions that predispose patients to SIBO. The most effective practitioners combine conventional medical approaches with evidence-based complementary strategies, creating personalized treatment plans rather than one-size-fits-all protocols.

Top SIBO Specialists on the East Coast

The Eastern seaboard is home to several renowned SIBO specialists who have contributed significantly to our understanding and treatment of this condition. These doctors often practice at major medical centers and research institutions, combining clinical care with advancing the field through research.

Dr. Mark Pimentel and Associates at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles

While technically not on the East Coast, no discussion of top SIBO specialists would be complete without mentioning Dr. Mark Pimentel, who is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on SIBO in the world. As the Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Pimentel has pioneered much of our current understanding of SIBO, IBS, and the microbiome. His research led to the development of breath tests for SIBO diagnosis and medications specifically targeting the condition.

Dr. Pimentel's team at Cedars-Sinai continues to advance SIBO research and treatment protocols, making this center a destination for patients with complex or treatment-resistant cases. For those unable to travel to Los Angeles, many East Coast specialists have trained with or follow protocols developed by Dr. Pimentel's team.

Dr. Satish Rao at Augusta University

Dr. Satish Rao, Director of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University in Georgia, is a distinguished gastroenterologist with extensive expertise in motility disorders and SIBO. His research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the relationship between SIBO and various gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Rao's approach combines rigorous diagnostic testing with targeted treatment protocols, making him a sought-after specialist for complex SIBO cases in the Southeast.

Leading SIBO Specialists in the Midwest

The Midwest region hosts several medical centers with excellent gastroenterology departments that include SIBO specialists. These practitioners often combine academic research with clinical practice, offering patients access to both established treatments and innovative approaches.

Dr. Gerard Mullin at Johns Hopkins

Dr. Gerard Mullin is an associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a renowned expert in integrative gastroenterology and nutrition. His approach to SIBO treatment emphasizes the importance of diet, the microbiome, and addressing underlying causes. Dr. Mullin has authored several books on digestive health and frequently incorporates both conventional and complementary approaches in his treatment plans.

For patients with SIBO, Dr. Mullin often recommends comprehensive support for the digestive process. This may include professional-grade digestive enzymes like those from Casa de Sante, which are low FODMAP certified and specifically designed for sensitive digestive systems. These enzyme complexes can help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats more effectively, potentially reducing the bacterial food supply that contributes to SIBO symptoms.

The University of Chicago's Digestive Diseases Center

The University of Chicago houses one of the nation's premier centers for digestive diseases, with several specialists who have extensive experience treating SIBO. Their multidisciplinary approach brings together gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and researchers to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex digestive conditions. The center is particularly known for its expertise in the relationship between SIBO and other conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and motility disorders.

West Coast SIBO Specialists

The West Coast, particularly the Pacific Northwest, has become a hub for functional and integrative medicine approaches to SIBO treatment. Several pioneering practitioners in this region have developed protocols that are now used by doctors nationwide.

Dr. Allison Siebecker in Portland, Oregon

Dr. Allison Siebecker is one of the most recognized names in SIBO treatment. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has dedicated her practice to understanding and treating SIBO and has developed many of the dietary protocols now widely used for the condition. Dr. Siebecker's website, siboinfo.com, serves as a valuable resource for both patients and practitioners. Her approach typically includes comprehensive testing, customized antimicrobial protocols, and specific dietary recommendations based on the patient's SIBO subtype.

Dr. Siebecker often emphasizes the importance of digestive support during SIBO treatment. For many patients, this includes supplementing with targeted digestive enzymes that can help reduce the fermentation of undigested foods. Professional-grade enzyme complexes that include proteases, amylases, and lipases—like those offered by Casa de Sante—can be particularly beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment approach, especially for those following restrictive diets like low FODMAP or specific carbohydrate diet (SCD).

Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis at NUNM

Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis, a professor at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, has extensive experience treating SIBO and related digestive disorders. His approach emphasizes identifying and addressing the underlying causes of SIBO, particularly focusing on the migrating motor complex and ileocecal valve function. Dr. Sandberg-Lewis frequently collaborates with Dr. Siebecker and has contributed significantly to the development of naturopathic approaches to SIBO treatment.

How to Choose the Right SIBO Doctor for You

Finding the best SIBO doctor involves considering several factors beyond just expertise. Geographic accessibility, insurance coverage, treatment philosophy, and communication style all play important roles in your healthcare experience.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Specialist

When evaluating potential SIBO specialists, consider their specific expertise with your subtype of SIBO, their approach to testing and treatment, and whether they address potential underlying causes. Some doctors focus primarily on antimicrobial treatments, while others emphasize motility support, dietary interventions, or addressing potential root causes like adhesions or immune dysfunction.

It's also worth considering whether the specialist incorporates supportive therapies into their treatment protocols. For instance, many leading SIBO doctors recognize the value of digestive enzymes in reducing bacterial food supply and easing digestive symptoms. Professional-strength enzyme blends that contain multiple enzymes targeting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—such as Casa de Sante's comprehensive enzyme complex with 18 targeted enzymes—can be an important component of a holistic treatment approach, particularly for those with sensitive digestive systems or following specialized diets.

Telehealth Options for SIBO Treatment

With the expansion of telehealth services, many top SIBO specialists now offer virtual consultations, making their expertise accessible regardless of your location. While initial testing may still require in-person visits, follow-up care and treatment adjustments can often be managed remotely. This has dramatically expanded access to specialized SIBO care for patients in areas without local experts.

Comprehensive SIBO Treatment Approaches

The most effective SIBO treatment typically goes beyond simply eradicating bacterial overgrowth. Leading specialists develop comprehensive plans that address the acute infection, support healing of the gut lining, improve motility to prevent recurrence, and identify any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the development of SIBO.

The Role of Digestive Support in SIBO Recovery

Many top SIBO specialists emphasize the importance of supporting the digestive process during and after treatment. This often includes targeted supplementation with digestive enzymes to reduce the burden of undigested food particles that can feed bacterial overgrowth. Professional-grade enzyme complexes that include multiple enzymes for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats can be particularly beneficial.

For FODMAP-sensitive individuals—which includes many SIBO patients—low FODMAP certified digestive enzymes like those from Casa de Sante can provide additional support. These comprehensive enzyme blends include specific enzymes like alpha-galactosidase that help break down fermentable carbohydrates, potentially reducing symptoms even when small amounts of FODMAPs are consumed. The inclusion of enzymes like cellulase and hemicellulase also helps break down fiber, which can be particularly beneficial during the healing phase of SIBO treatment.

Finding the right SIBO specialist is a crucial step in your healing journey. While this article highlights some of the top experts in the field, many excellent gastroenterologists and functional medicine practitioners across the country have developed expertise in treating this condition. The best doctor for you will combine clinical expertise with an approach that aligns with your health philosophy and addresses your specific needs and circumstances. With proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, most SIBO patients can achieve significant improvement and learn strategies to prevent recurrence.