SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) (breath)
SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is a common underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). SIBO has been shown to be present in up to 78% of IBS cases and should be investigated as part of the root cause. Under normal conditions, most of our bacteria are far down the digestive tract, in the large intestine. The small intestine should have much lower numbers of bacteria. However, in SIBO, bacteria from the large intestine may have travelled up into the small intestine and caused an overgrowth.
Under normal circumstances, our body will digest the food we eat first, breaking down carbohydrates and sugars before it reaches bacteria lower in our digestive tract. When these bacteria are present further up where they are not meant to be, they may ferment food that has not been broken down yet. This can cause a build-up of gas and the overgrowth can lead to the symptoms of IBS.
This test works by measuring the gas production by bacteria in your gut. Prior to the test, a strict diet for 1-2 days will help to ‘starve’ these bacteria so that gas production at baseline is extremely low. At the beginning of the test, a baseline breath sample is taken to measure this. A sweet liquid (lactulose) is then taken which goes down into your digestive tract. Once bacteria come into contact with this liquid, they will ferment the sugar and produce gas. This goes into your bloodstream and out in your breath. As the solution travels down, gas is produced when there are bacteria present. If you produce gas early on in the test procedure, this means that the bacteria are high up in the digestive tract – in the small intestine. If you do not produce any gas until very late in the test, this can be simply due to normal bacteria much lower down in the digestive tract. Therefore, by measuring the output of gas over time, we can determine where the bacteria is located.
What this test measures:
The test measures two types of gas – hydrogen and methane. This can help to identify different types of bacteria in the gut. This is important so that we can tailor your protocol effectively. Methane-producing bacteria are more often associated with constipation where hydrogen-producing bacteria are usually associated with loose stools or diarrhoea. Of course, there are many exceptions to this rule! Methane-producing bacteria can also cause problems even when they are not in the small intestine. Your nutritionist will discuss how the test results are relevant to you and your symptoms.
Who should take this test?
Anyone with any of the following symptoms should take this test*:
- Digestive issues from reflux, irritated stomach or bowel, distension or bloating, feelings of extreme fullness after eating, cramps, diarrhoea or constipation, fatty or floating stools
- Reactions to foods which may be difficult to pin-point
- Related issues such as anxiety, acne rosacea, unexplained joint or muscle pain
- Unexplained fatigue, brain fog
- Weight loss-resistance
*Please note: It is important to discuss with your nutritionist at the consultation whether this is the best test for you. We have other digestive tests and it is important to choose the correct test based on your symptoms and history. We can then help you to get on the correct course back to health as soon as possible.
Test Procedure
- This test will only be recommended once you have been seen by a nutritionist.
- We organise for the lab to send you the test kit
- Preparation for the test is key to is success so that your results are accurate and reliable.
- The instructions are detailed so please read carefully before proceeding.
- The test results will be returned to your nutritionist.
- The test results will be interpreted by your nutritionist at the consultation and then a personalised diet and supplement programme will be tailored to your needs.
For more information and to order:
Please call 01892 515905 or email reception@glenvillenutrition.com to arrange this test