Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Breath Testing
If you’ve been experiencing upper digestive system complaints such as severe bloating, reflux, belching, abdominal pain combined with irregular bowel motions (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) you may have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
SIBO occurs when the bacteria found in your large intestine, migrate up to your small intestine (where they shouldn’t be) and feed on the food in the small intestine, leading to excess production of gas primarily methane and/or hydrogen.
The SIBO breath test is a non invasive test to detect the levels of bacteria in the small intestine that can contribute to digestive ailments.
Functional Medicine Testing for SIBO
Who Is This Test Recommended For?
This test is ideal for those who suffer with:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Unexplained abdominal symptoms
- Burping and/or reflux
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea, constipation, alternating bowel habits
- The inability to tolerate sweet or starchy foods, fibre or probiotic supplements
The long term presence of SIBO can affect the delicate mucosal lining of the small intestine, leading to leaky gut syndrome reducing the absorption of minerals. It is common for multiple mineral deficiencies such as iron, magnesium and calcium to be present alongside SIBO leading to a number of associated symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, recurrent infections and muscular cramps.
What Does It Test For?
The SIBO Breath Test aims to detect the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine through analysing two types of gases called hydrogen and methane which are produced by different types of bacteria.
How Does It Work?
For new clients, an initial consultation will need to be conducted before purchasing the test. The appropriate test will then be recommended by Chloe. You can organise your initial consultation here.
This SIBO breath test is completed in the comfort of your own home. Prior to collection, you will be required to eat a specific diet the day prior, followed by an overnight fast. Upon waking you will drink a lactulose solution followed by collection of multiple breath tests.
After collection, it is sent express post to a specialised Laboratory based in Victoria, Australia.
The results take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive, followed by a thorough treatment plan with Chloe.
Once bacterial overgrowth has been detected, intervention strategies involving diet, digestive support, probiotics and antimicrobials can be used to treat the bacterial overgrowth.
The successful eradication of SIBO has been shown to reduce bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain in patients more effectively than many other treatments for IBS.
Studies have shown that 60-80% of those diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO.
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