Quick answer
These three issues can look similar (bloating, pain, nausea, irregular stools), but they are not the same problem. SIBO is usually about small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth plus motility and root causes. Candida in the gut is complicated: true overgrowth is harder to prove and is often over-diagnosed online. H. pylori is a well-defined stomach infection. It is best confirmed by validated tests and treated with clinician-guided therapy.
- If symptoms persist: test first (breath or stool tests depending on suspicion) rather than guessing.
- If H. pylori is positive: discuss evidence-based eradication therapy with a clinician.
- Big pattern: treat the cause (motility, anatomy, meds, infections), not just the gas.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
SIBO generally refers to an abnormal amount or type of bacteria in the small intestine. The small intestine is not sterile, but it is not meant to host the same dense bacterial population as the colon. When that balance shifts, fermentation happens too early, often leading to bloating, gas, discomfort, and changes in stool.
Common symptoms
- Bloating that worsens after meals
- Excess gas, belching
- Diarrhea, constipation, or both
- Abdominal discomfort
- In some cases: nutrient issues (iron, B12) or unintended weight loss (needs evaluation)
Why SIBO happens (often a motility story)
- Impaired motility: the migrating motor complex helps sweep the small intestine between meals.
- Structural factors: adhesions, diverticula, surgical changes.
- Medication effects: some medications can affect motility; long-term acid suppression may be relevant for some people.
- Underlying conditions: hypothyroidism, diabetes-related motility problems, connective tissue disorders.
Testing and the diet trap
Breath testing is commonly used, though it is not perfect. Diets like low-FODMAP can reduce symptoms by reducing fermentation, but symptom relief does not always mean the root cause is fixed. If you only restrict without addressing motility or drivers, symptoms often return when you liberalize the diet.
Candida: what is plausible vs what is hype
Candida species can exist in the GI tract without causing disease. The internet often labels a wide range of symptoms as "Candida overgrowth", but true intestinal Candida overgrowth is difficult to confirm and can be over-attributed.
When Candida is more credible
- Recent or frequent antibiotics
- Immune compromise (medical context)
- Recurrent fungal infections in other sites (needs proper diagnosis)
Symptoms people report (not specific)
- Gas and bloating
- Cravings for sweets
- Fatigue or brain fog (many causes)
A practical approach
If you suspect Candida involvement, the most helpful first steps are often simple: reduce added sugars and alcohol, improve sleep, and address underlying gut inflammation or dysbiosis. If symptoms are severe or recurrent, it is worth getting clinician guidance rather than doing prolonged, aggressive regimens based on symptoms alone.
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori)
H. pylori is a common bacterial infection of the stomach. It is strongly associated with peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis, and in some cases it increases long-term risk of serious complications. The key difference from many gut health topics is that H. pylori has validated diagnostic tests and evidence-based treatments.
Common symptoms (when symptomatic)
- Burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Early fullness
- Ulcer symptoms (including bleeding, urgent)
Best-supported testing
- Urea breath test: commonly used and well validated.
- Stool antigen test: also widely used.
- Endoscopy with biopsy: used when clinically indicated (red flags, persistent symptoms, risk factors).
A note on supplements and "natural eradication" claims
You will see claims that a single supplement can eradicate H. pylori. Evidence is inconsistent. Some compounds may have supportive effects, but reliable eradication typically requires a clinician-guided regimen and confirmation of clearance with follow-up testing.
When to get help sooner
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss, anemia, persistent vomiting
- Symptoms that wake you at night or progressively worsen
Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and not medical advice. Do not start or stop prescription medications (including acid suppressants) without clinician guidance. If you suspect SIBO or H. pylori, testing and individualized care are often the fastest path to a real answer.