Who should take this test?
Bacterial overgrowth could be the culprit if you suffer from any of these problems:
- Gas and bloating
- Excess belching
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatty stools
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Malabsorption of nutrients
- Leaky gut
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Rosacea
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Fibromyalgia
The Science Behind the SIBO Breath Test
The SIBO Breath Test is a reliable, simple, and non-invasive way to detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO), including Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO). It measures the levels of hydrogen and methane in your breath, which are produced by bacteria when they ferment carbohydrates in your small intestine. Elevated levels of these gases are indicative of SIBO.
How SIBO Breath Testing Works
1 – Lactulose Ingestion
The test involves limiting your diet before taking a baseline breath sample then drinking a lactulose drink, which acts as food for the bacteria in the small intestine.
2 – Gas Production
As the bacteria ferment the lactulose, they produce hydrogen and methane gases. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually exhaled through the lungs.
3 – Measurement
Levels of hydrogen and methane are measured at regular intervals after drinking the lactulose drink. Elevated levels suggest the presence of bacterial overgrowth.
How will this test help me?
SIBO is a common but treatable condition that involves eliminating bacterial overgrowth with antibiotics, herbal supplements, or a specialized diet.
SIBO is often the underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and general gut symptoms. Individuals with IBS who are dissatisfied with therapies that only address symptoms should consider SIBO testing to identify and target the root cause of their digestive issues. Identifying and treating SIBO can lead to significant improvements in overall gut health and relief from chronic symptoms.
Malabsorption
Bacterial overgrowth can interfere with digestion and absorption of food and nutrients leading to malnutrition, diarrhea, belching, heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, fatty stools, and bloating.
Motility
People with SIBO or IMO tend to have problems with the nerves that help the gut clear bacteria properly, resulting in constipation and poor motility.
Leaky Gut
Overgrown bacteria can damage the gut lining and lead to intestinal permeability, which triggers an immune response to toxins that “leak” through. Food sensitivities, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, skin issues, mood symptoms, and brain fog can result.
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