SIBO Breath Test

What is the SIBO breath test?

A SIBO breath test is a diagnostic tool used to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The SIBO breath test at home involves the patient blowing into a tube to collect air samples at regular intervals over a certain period of time. The collected air samples are then analyzed for the presence of certain gases that are produced by bacteria in the small intestine. The presence of these gases in the collected samples indicates an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which is an indication of SIBO.

What is small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO)?

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which is a condition in which excessive and abnormal bacteria growth in the small intestine. This condition is caused when the normal bacteria living in the large intestine migrate to the small intestine. SIBO can lead to a variety of symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue.

Eliminating certain foods from the diet can be an important part of treating SIBO, as some foods can act as fuel for the bacteria in the small intestine. Foods to avoid include processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary foods. In addition, reducing the amount of fiber in the diet can help to reduce symptoms.

The microbiome is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the body. It helps to break down food, absorb nutrients, and defend against pathogens. Additionally, it is thought to play a role in regulating the immune system, metabolism, and even mental health.

Research has shown that imbalances in the microbiome can lead to a range of health issues, including digestive disorders, skin conditions, and even chronic diseases. Therefore, understanding the composition of the microbiome and how it can be optimized is essential for overall wellbeing.

How does measuring my breath tell me what is happening in my Intestines?

Measuring the levels of certain compounds in the breath sample, such as hydrogen and methane are the gold standard to measure SIBO. Hydrogen and Methane compounds are produced by the bacteria in the intestine and can help to identify what is happening in the small intestine. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for further analysis, where the types of bacteria present in the sample and their levels can be determined. This information can then be used to determine if there is an imbalance of bacteria in the small intestine indicating SIBO.

Where is the test performed?

The SIBO breath test can be performed in the comfort of your own home. We post the test kit to you. Once you have done the breath test for SIBO, you just need to send back to the lab and they will start the analysis. The analysis takes approximately 14 days.

SIBO Test Instructions

Seven days before the test, one should avoid the use of laxatives, stool softeners, and/or stool bulking agents as well as antacids with aluminium or magnesium hydroxide. Additionally, probiotics should not be consumed in the 24 hours prior to the test. During the 12 hours prior to the test, one may only consume plain water, coffee, and tea (without any additions like sugar, artificial sweeteners, milk, or cream). During this period, no other foods or medications should be taken, and no gum, candy, or mouthwash should be used. Allowed foods for the 12 hours prior to the test include baked or broiled chicken, fish, or turkey (only with salt and pepper), white bread, plain steamed white rice, eggs, and clear chicken or beef broth without any vegetable pieces.

SIBO Treatment Plans

There are a few options to treat SIBO and it will depend on the SIBO test results. We prefer the SIBO herbal treatment instead of antibiotics for SIBO as they have a better safety profile. Your results and approach should be discussed with your practitioners along with any other results.

SIBO TEST COST

£171 + £10 Shipping (UK)

How we can help?

If you are experiencing any symptoms with digestive issues or you have symptoms of fatigue, mental health issues or unexplained symptoms, reach out to us at the London Centre for Functional Medicine and we would be happy to schedule a 15 minute free discovery call to talk about options in relation to your health challenges.

What our clients are saying.

“"I have been having a number of health issues for the past 10 that GPs, Gastro’s and Dieticians never bothered to look into. I came here and my practitioner showed so much empathy and looked into every detail and found what was causing them. In addition and quite surprisingly by helping me fix the condition I had, it made such an impact mentally as well as physically to me. I finally had my health issuing validated and helped - I am so grateful "to make a customised treatment plan. the results follow from there. With the support of my health coach, I have been able to address and resolved these issues.”

"At a point in my health where I literally given up, I found light in my path here. A friend recommended that I visit the clinic and I’m so thankful she did. My practitioner took time and care in understanding my health concerns, as there was a lot of them. In addition to the treatments I received at the clinic, they also encouraged me to implement some changes (in between appointments) through diet, and lifestyle choices. My health has finally shifted, and I have become an increasingly active participant in how food and lifestyle choices affect my health and how I can control these daily."

"25 years of dealing with the NHS having an endoscopy, colonoscopy and seeing various specialists to receive the diagnosis that everything looks fine and there are no issues in any part of my digestive tract. Yet, the daily annoying symptoms, the blood on the stool, the fatigue, the mental anguish got resolved in 45 minutes through one consultation. Rob listened intently to my symptoms and said most likely I had chronic Candida. Both urine and stool showed high levels of Candida. I have lost over a stone in weight and feel the best I have done in 25 years after one-month treatment. I can’t recommend this clinic highly enough."

Support

Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.

Experience

We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.

Custom Approach

There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.

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