SIFO Testing Hendersonville NC
If you live in or near Hendersonville, NC and struggle with unexplained digestive issues like bloating, fatigue, or food sensitivities—despite trying every diet and supplement—you might be dealing with SIFO, or Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth.
What Is SIFO?
SIFO is a condition where excessive amounts of yeast or fungal organisms—often strains like Candida albicans—grow in the small intestine, disrupting digestion and creating systemic symptoms. While the body naturally contains some yeast as part of a healthy microbiome, fungal overgrowth in the small bowel can cause inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and toxic byproducts that impact your whole body.
SIFO vs. SIBO vs. Candida: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse SIFO with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or general Candida overgrowth, but they are not the same:
- SIBO is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine.
- Candida overgrowth typically refers to systemic or vaginal yeast infections.
- SIFO is a distinct overgrowth of fungal organisms in the small intestine, and it often coexists with or follows SIBO.
Because symptoms overlap, SIFO is frequently misdiagnosed—or completely missed.
Most conventional GI panels don’t check for fungal organisms in the small intestine. And most healthcare providers aren’t trained to recognize or treat this subtle but impactful imbalance.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, located just minutes away in South Asheville, we specialize in advanced SIFO testing and holistic gut healing protocols. Dr. Cynthia Libert’s functional medicine practice serves clients throughout Hendersonville and Western NC who want personalized care that goes deeper.
Could It Be SIFO? Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Chronic Bloating (Especially After Meals)
If your belly feels swollen or distended after eating, even healthy meals, fungal overgrowth in the small intestine could be the cause. Fungi ferment carbohydrates, releasing gas that leads to uncomfortable bloating and pressure.
Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Sugar Cravings
SIFO can produce toxic byproducts that overload your liver and nervous system, leading to low energy, poor focus, and mood changes. Many people with SIFO also report intense cravings for sugar or carbs, which fuel fungal growth and worsen symptoms.
IBS Diagnosis Without Long-Term Relief
Have you been labeled with IBS but still feel unwell despite medications or dietary changes? SIFO may be hiding beneath the surface—especially if standard GI tests never revealed a clear cause.
Food Sensitivities and Histamine Intolerance
Fungal overgrowth can damage the gut lining, disrupt enzyme production, and trigger immune reactivity to certain foods. This often leads to mysterious sensitivities, rashes, congestion, or reactions after eating—even with a “clean” diet.
Skin Problems, Mood Swings, and Recurring Yeast Infections
The effects of SIFO go far beyond the gut. Chronic Candida or yeast overgrowth can show up as:
- Acne, eczema, or rashes
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Irritability, anxiety, or emotional ups and downs
- Sinus congestion or post-nasal drip
SIBO Treatment Didn’t Work—or It Came Back
If you’ve been treated for SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) but never fully improved—or if your symptoms keep returning—it could be because SIFO is also present. Many patients deal with both conditions, but conventional protocols often miss the fungal component.
Why SIFO Is Often Missed in Conventional Testing
Most Standard GI Panels Don’t Assess Fungal Overgrowth
Traditional stool tests, colonoscopies, and even SIBO breath tests are not designed to detect fungal organisms in the small intestine. Unless you’re dealing with a full-blown systemic yeast infection, most labs won’t flag Candida or other fungal species as problematic—especially when they reside in the upper GI tract.
Overemphasis on Bacterial Imbalances Like SIBO
In recent years, awareness of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) has grown—but fungal overgrowth remains largely in the shadows. Many providers stop looking once SIBO is ruled out or treated. However, fungal and bacterial imbalances often coexist, and without identifying both, symptoms are likely to persist.
Lack of Practitioner Training in Fungal Dysbiosis
Most conventional medical education doesn’t emphasize the role of fungal overgrowth in chronic illness—especially in the context of gut health. As a result, many practitioners simply aren’t trained to recognize the subtle, systemic signs of SIFO or understand how to test for it accurately.
This is why many patients are told their symptoms are:
- “Just IBS”
- “Stress-related”
- “In your head”
- Or “nothing to worry about” because lab results are “normal”
Advanced SIFO Testing at Caring for the Body, PLLC
Functional Lab Testing Options
Depending on your symptoms and history, Dr. Libert may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis – to detect yeast/fungal organisms like Candida, as well as digestive markers, inflammation, and immune function
- Organic Acids Testing (OAT) – a non-invasive urine test that detects fungal metabolites (like arabinose) that indicate fungal overgrowth
- Microbial DNA Testing (PCR) – highly sensitive stool testing that identifies fungal and bacterial DNA, including hard-to-detect organisms
Our Trusted Lab Partners
We work with several world-class laboratories known for their precision and innovation in functional medicine:
- Doctor’s Data – comprehensive stool and nutrient testing
- Genova Diagnostics – GI Effects® and OAT profiles
- Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains) – organic acids and mycotoxin testing
- Diagnostic Solutions – GI-MAP® test with microbial DNA analysis
Full Microbiome and Gut Function Evaluation
Our goal is not just to detect fungal overgrowth, but to understand how it fits into your entire gut ecosystem. That’s why we assess:
- Fungi and yeast species
- Bacterial diversity and overgrowth
- Parasites and pathogens
- Enzyme activity and nutrient absorption
- Gut immunity and inflammation markers
Testing Tailored to You
Dr. Libert doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. Every test she orders is based on your:
- Current symptoms
- Health history
- Past lab results or treatment experiences
- Lifestyle and wellness goals
Root-Cause Functional Treatment for SIFO
Antifungal Herbs and Targeted Supplementation
Rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical antifungals—which may not be appropriate for everyone—we use a customized blend of:
- Botanical antifungals (like oregano oil, berberine, caprylic acid, pau d’arco, and garlic)
- Biofilm disruptors (to help break down protective layers that fungi use to hide)
- Targeted nutrients to strengthen immune response and repair gut integrity
Gut-Healing, Anti-Yeast Nutrition Plans
SIFO thrives on sugar and processed carbohydrates. To help you starve the overgrowth and rebalance your microbiome, we guide you through a gut-healing nutrition plan that’s:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Low in added sugars and yeast-feeding foods
- Rich in nutrient-dense, healing ingredients
Liver and Detoxification Support
As fungi die off, they release byproducts and toxins that can overwhelm the liver and immune system. We incorporate gentle detoxification support to aid your body’s natural elimination pathways. This may include:
- Nutritional support for liver Phase I and Phase II detox
- Binders to mop up circulating mycotoxins
- Botanical liver tonics (like milk thistle, dandelion, or NAC)
Stress, Adrenal, and Nervous System Balancing
Stress is a major contributor to gut dysfunction and immune suppression. That’s why your SIFO protocol may include support for:
- Adrenal function (via saliva or DUTCH testing when appropriate)
- Cortisol balancing herbs and nutrients
- Nervous system regulation tools like breathwork, prayer, or gentle movement
Microbiome Rebuilding with Probiotics & Prebiotics
Once fungal overgrowth is reduced, we help you rebuild a diverse and stable microbiome using carefully selected:
- Probiotics that are antifungal-friendly and supportive of healthy gut flora
- Prebiotics (introduced gradually) to feed beneficial bacteria
- Postbiotics or short-chain fatty acids to restore gut lining and reduce inflammation
Whole-Body, Integrative Support
Your gut health affects every part of your life—energy, focus, mood, immune function, even hormones. That’s why our care model includes:
- 1:1 health coaching
- Support from a functional medicine pharmacist
- Optional bioidentical hormone balancing (if needed)
- Membership programs for continued care and accountability
You Deserve Answers and a Personalized Plan
If you’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told “it’s all in your head,” we want you to know this: your symptoms are real—and they are not your fault.
Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) is a legitimate, often-overlooked condition that can have a profound impact on your gut, your energy, your mood, and your quality of life. And while it’s rarely detected through standard testing, that doesn’t mean it’s untreatable.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we specialize in helping people just like you uncover the root cause of their symptoms through accurate, functional lab testing and create personalized plans that support true, lasting healing.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Your Gut—Naturally and Effectively
📍 Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine
1998 Hendersonville Rd, Suite #24, Asheville, NC 28803
(Just minutes from Hendersonville!)
📞 (828) 490-1545