In this blog post, the TFMC covers:

• • A brief description of SIFO;
  • Indicators and possible causes;
  • How functional medicine therapies can target SIFO issues.
    

What Exactly is SIFO?

Gastrointestinal symptoms may manifest from high levels of fungi in the small intestine – this is what happens when SIFO occurs. This can be concerning, as it is the large intestine that’s usually tasked with harboring microbes, bacteria, and fungi.

But when fungi accumulate in the small intestine specifically, the microbiome becomes disrupted.
According to research, most cases of SIFO are caused by Candida albicans, which is a type of yeast that causes oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections.

SIFO Symptoms and Potential Causes

Candida albicans naturally thrives in minute amounts in the body, but an overgrowth can happen from eating too much sugar, a weakened immune system, or overusing antibiotics. 

SIFO can result from this fungal overgrowth, and it may lead to leaky gut, malabsorption, and chronic inflammation if ignored.

Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, excessive gas/belching, stomach pain, and bloating.
There are also various factors that can make a person predisposed to SIFO, such as:

• • HIV/AIDS
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic use of opioid medications
  • Weakened gut motility (gastroparesis)
    

Functional Medicine Approach to SIFO

At the TFMC, our clinicians have extensive knowledge of gut health and SIFO symptoms; thus, a comprehensive approach may be implemented.

This is in line with the functional medicine model, which embraces a root-cause solution. These functional therapies may be beneficial for reducing fungal overgrowth and promoting gut revitalization.

Here are examples of treatments we might consider for addressing SIFO:

Dietary modifications: We may recommend avoiding sucrose, fructose, honey, maple syrup, fruit juices, white breads, rice, pastas, and pastries. Non-starchy vegetables may be suggested, such as broccoli, spinach, and kale, as well as healthy fats (i.e., avocados, seeds, olive oil). Regarding protein, lean options may be beneficial. Examples include fish, poultry, tofu, legumes, and eggs.

Anti-fungal agents: Prescription antifungals can be arranged with a conventional medicine practitioner, or natural antimicrobials may be considered, such as oregano oil, or berberine. Saccharomyces boulardii (probiotic yeast) may be suggested, too. This is a type of probiotic that has been shown to lessen Candida loads.

Nutritional support: Repairing the gut lining must be considered. With that, these supplements may be advised:

• • L-Glutamine : Supports gut barrier integrity.
  • Vitamin D : Helps regulate immune responses.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids : Reduce intestinal inflammation.
  • Zinc Carnosine : Supports mucosal healing.
    

Preventative measures: Actions can be taken to potentially prevent SIFO relapses – but this will depend on underlying issues.

Here are some examples:

• • Using ginger to support gut motility for intestinal movement.
  • Taking regular digestive bitters to target low stomach acid.
  • Additional support with anti-inflammatory nutrients (i.e., vitamin C, zinc, selenium) for immune function.
    

Suggested reading: Functional Medicine Toronto: Understanding Digestive Triggers Like Lectins and Oxalates

Request Your Functional Medicine Consultation at the TFMC

Good news – personalized gut therapies are available in the GTA! These are offered at the TFMC, and they not only address gastrointestinal needs.Our custom therapies may be advantageous for chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, pre-conception care, metabolic concerns, neurological conditions, and more.

If you need inspiration to make lifestyle modifications, our functional medicine practitioners invite you to become a new patient. We offer hormone optimization programs, herbal remedies, detoxification therapies, Western and naturopathic medicine, and more, which can be integrated into a personalized treatment plan.

As we have an extensive background in pharmacognosy (medicinal substances derived from natural sources), we carefully intertwine treatment options (i.e., combining conventional treatment methods with herbal medicine) while considering prescription medications.

As an integrative medicine practice, we offer IV therapy to our patients. These adjuvant treatments are not substitutes for daily healthy habits. When IV drips are combined with balanced eating, exercise, and formal health interventions (i.e., medical treatments), they can support health promotion.

Our compassionate care is designed to validate patient needs. We find that when patients understand how their bodies work (i.e., the way inflammation forms, rationales behind suggestions, etc.), they tend to adhere to their treatment plans, helping them make decisions for long-term wellness.

We are proud to offer patient-centered clinic services, and you’re encouraged to ask us questions anytime!

If you want to take a holistic approach to digestion, click here to send our Toronto area functional medicine clinic a note! All you need to do is request your initial session and we’ll get back to you shortly. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Abedin N, Seemann T, Kleinfeld S, Ruehrup J, Röseler S, Trautwein C, Streetz K, Sellge G. Fecal Eosinophil Cationic Protein Is a Diagnostic and Predictive Biomarker in Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Clin Med. 2019 Nov 20;8(12):2025. doi: 10.3390/jcm8122025. PMID: 31756948; PMCID: PMC6947361.

Ansari S, Yamaoka Y. Helicobacter pylori BabA in adaptation for gastric colonization. World J Gastroenterol. 2017 Jun 21;23(23):4158-4169. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i23.4158. PMID: 28694656; PMCID: PMC5483490.

Aoun A, Darwish F, Hamod N. The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity in Adults and the Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics for Weight Loss. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2020 Jun 30;25(2):113-123. doi: 10.3746/pnf.2020.25.2.113. PMID: 32676461; PMCID: PMC7333005.

Banaszak M, Górna I, Woźniak D, Przysławski J, Drzymała-Czyż S. Association between Gut Dysbiosis and the Occurrence of SIBO, LIBO, SIFO and IMO. Microorganisms. 2023 Feb 24;11(3):573. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11030573. PMID: 36985147; PMCID: PMC10052891.

Bhagatwala, J., & Rao, S. S. (2020). Small intestinal bacterial and fungal overgrowth. Clinical and Basic Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 343-358. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813037-7.00024-8 

Brady DM. Molecular Mimicry, the Hygiene Hypothesis, Stealth Infections and Other Examples of Disconnect between Medical Research and the Practice of Clinical Medicine in Autoimmune Disease. Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Diseases. 2013;03(01):33-39. doi: https://doi.org/10.4236/ojra.2013.31007

Coyne, Karin. “Sa2028 Symptom Burden and Treatment of Patients With Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) for Non-Cancer Pain.” Gastroenterology, Elsevier BV, 2014.

Erdogan A, Rao SS. Small intestinal fungal overgrowth. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2015 Apr;17(4):16. doi: 10.1007/s11894-015-0436-2. PMID: 25786900.

Jacobs, C., Adame, E. C., Attaluri, A., Valestin, J., & Rao, S. (2013). Dysmotility and ppi use are independent risk factors for small intestinal bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 37(11), 1103. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.12304

Shiota S, Suzuki R, Yamaoka Y. The significance of virulence factors in Helicobacter pylori. J Dig Dis. 2013 Jul;14(7):341-9. doi: 10.1111/1751-2980.12054. PMID: 23452293; PMCID: PMC3721066.

Soliman, N., Kruithoff, C., San Valentin, E. M., Gamal, A., McCormick, T. S., & Ghannoum, M. (2025). Small Intestinal Bacterial and Fungal Overgrowth: Health Implications and Management Perspectives. Nutrients, 17(8), 1365. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081365